
Hiring a graphic designer can make or break your next marketing campaign. Whether you’re creating a postcard, business card, or a full product catalog, the right designer will translate your ideas into high-impact visuals — ready to print, ship, and get results.
But not all designers are the same. Some specialize in digital design for social media, others in branding and logos. Print design is a different skill set, and if your designer isn’t familiar with the technical side of printing, you might end up with pixelated images, cut-off text, or colors that don’t look right.
Before you hit “hire,” ask these 6 questions to make sure you’re working with someone who knows print — not just pixels.
1. What’s Your Experience With Print Design?
This is your first filter. You need someone who gets print — not just pretty visuals on a screen. Ask if they’ve worked with physical products before. Do they understand how to set up files in CMYK (not RGB)? Can they prep high-resolution files at 300 DPI?
Print design also includes technical knowledge of bleed, trim lines, safe zones, and how text or logos can shift slightly during the cutting process.
2. Can I See Your Portfolio — Specifically for [Flyers, Business Cards, Postcards]?
Designers often showcase their best work, but you want to zoom in on samples that are similar to what you’re creating. If you’re printing an EDDM postcard, ask to see past postcard designs. Same goes for menus, event signage, or packaging.
Bonus tip: Look for samples where they also show the final printed version, not just digital mockups.
3. Do You Use Our Print Template or Do I Need to Supply It?
Most printers (including us) offer ready-made templates with proper bleed, trim, and resolution settings.
👋 Click here to download our EDDM & Print Templates
Ask your designer if they’re comfortable working within those specs — and confirm that they’re not designing right to the edge (a common rookie mistake that leads to misaligned cuts).
4. Do You Charge Per Revision or Is It Included?
Set clear expectations on the number of rounds of revisions included in your price. Some designers allow 1–2 revisions for free, while others charge extra after the first edit.
This helps avoid surprise fees — and keeps your timeline on track.
5. Can You Prepare a File That’s Print-Ready?
This is crucial. A “print-ready” file usually means:
- PDF or AI format
- CMYK color mode
- 300 DPI
- Fonts outlined or embedded
- Proper bleed margins
If your designer isn’t delivering print-ready files, you might face delays, rework fees, or worse — print jobs that don’t look right.
6. What’s Your Typical Turnaround Time?
Some designers are lightning-fast. Others juggle multiple projects. Ask how long it usually takes to get:
- The first draft
- Revisions
- The final print-ready file
This is especially important if you’re working on a tight event deadline or running a time-sensitive promotion.
🎯 BONUS: Where to Find a Designer You Can Trust
We’ve worked with dozens of designers over the years — and we know how important it is to get it right the first time.
✅ Hire a Graphic Designer Here
We’ve partnered with trusted freelancers who understand our templates and workflow. You’ll get pro results without the back-and-forth.
🌐 Or Find a Pro on Fiverr
Connect with vetted designers who specialize in print layouts, product packaging, and brand kits.
🧾 Final Thoughts
Design is the foundation of a successful print job. The better your design files, the better your prints will look — period.
By asking these questions up front, you’ll avoid costly mistakes, missed deadlines, and underwhelming results. Whether you use your own designer or choose one of our recommended partners, we’re here to help you look your best in print.