In today’s digital age, businesses must adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the market. One of the most significant changes is the shift towards remote work which has resulted in many businesses hiring remote workers, including graphic designers. While some may be hesitant to hire a remote graphic designer, the benefits are undeniable.

A remote graphic designer can provide businesses with top-quality design work without the need for a physical office space. They can work from anywhere in the world, which opens up a world of possibilities for businesses looking to expand their reach, and what’s more, hiring remotely could save you money in the long run.

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of hiring a remote graphic designer and why it may be the best choice for your business.

What is a remote graphic designer?

The main difference between having an in-house graphic designer or hiring a remote graphic designer is where they’re based. Working with remote employees is still relatively new to many businesses, but it has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic where enforced lockdowns introduced work-from-home mandates.

With remote work becoming commonplace since then, businesses are increasingly able to hire graphic designers from anywhere in the world, widening the candidate pool and giving them access to the best global design talent. If you require a designer for a one-off project, for instance, you could hire an international freelancer or contractor — Remote has created a useful guide on how to pay remote overseas contractors — which may be more cost-effective than hiring someone locally or taking on a full-time hire.

Whether you need help designing logos, creating signage for your business, or building email templates, you might have a better experience hiring remotely where the talent pool is theoretically far bigger.

The benefits of hiring a remote graphic designer

Only pay for what you need

One of the most significant benefits of hiring a remote graphic designer is the amount of money you can save. Remote graphic designers typically have lower overhead costs than in-house designers, so their rates are often lower. Plus, compared to having a permanent designer on board who requires a monthly salary, remote graphic designers often work on a project-by-project basis, which means businesses only pay for the work they need. This can be particularly advantageous for businesses with fluctuating design needs or seasonal demands.

Less need for an office

Hiring an in-house graphic designer can be costly, as it requires providing them with office space, equipment, and other resources. On the other hand, remote graphic designers typically work from their own home or office. This means businesses can save on office and equipment expenses — particularly beneficial for small businesses that are looking to save money as they grow.

Reduce long-term costs

Remote graphic designers tend to be more cost-effective in the long run. Many have years of design experience yet are flexible with their rates, which means you’re getting a high-quality service that’s still more cost-effective than having someone in-house. Additionally, freelance remote workers typically have their own equipment and design software and are responsible for maintaining and upgrading their tools, which means businesses do not have to invest in expensive software or hardware — another significant saving.

Access a global talent pool

Why limit yourself to only recruiting designers that are local? You should always hire based on your specific needs rather than convenience, and that’s why remote hiring is such a great option. Beyond your nearest large town or even your own country, there’s a diverse range of talented designers who could be the perfect fit for your next project. Perhaps you need cultural or industry insight. Well, looking further afield will help you access a broader range of design skills and expertise.

Get a fresh approach to your design needs

By tapping into a pool of professionals who work with clients across a range of industries, you’ll be able to benefit from their broad understanding of the latest design trends and best practices. Their unique perspective can help you create designs that truly stand out from the crowd, grab the attention of your target audience, and put you ahead of the competition. Limiting yourself to locally-based designers may mean you only have access to a limited number of perspectives and ideas.

Complete projects faster

One benefit of hiring remote graphic designers is their flexibility in terms of working hours. They can work on your project beyond the standard business hours, enabling you to accomplish more within a shorter timeframe than if you depended on in-house designers. Plus, they are usually self-driven, knowing that their reputation and potential job prospects hinge on their capacity to meet clients’ expectations. This motivation can increase their productivity, which can translate to faster project completion times.

Communicating with remote designers

One of the key components of working with a remote graphic designer is effective communication; and while this can be problematic, the working world has quickly adapted to the challenge of remote collaboration. Being able to communicate in real-time via video call on a platform such as Zoom or messaging via Slack, for example, you can provide feedback and make revisions more quickly, resulting in a faster turnaround time for projects.

You also need to be clear and unambiguous in your communication to avoid misunderstandings. Sending over a detailed brief will help your graphic designer understand the project and your expectations. Once you’ve had your first draft back, adding detailed notes can be a good way of explaining what you do and don’t like about a design, before jumping on a call to discuss.

How to find a remote graphic designer

If you’re looking to hire a remote graphic designer, here are some top tips to help with your search:

• Define your project requirements and clearly communicate them in your job posting or brief. This will attract candidates who have the skills and experience you need.
• Look for designers who have a strong portfolio that showcases their previous work and skills.
• Ask for examples of their previous design work to get a feel for their style and experience.
• If you’re using a freelancing site such as Fiverr — check out their handy guide to finding a graphic designer — analyze the reviews left by previous clients to ensure their work will be of a high standard.
• Arrange a video call before hiring to ensure you’re both on the same page.

Hiring a remote graphic designer can be a cost-effective and innovative solution for businesses of all sizes without the need for a physical office space. From greater project flexibility to better skilled individuals, if you’re looking to take your business’s designs to the next level, consider hiring a remote graphic designer and see the difference it can make.