Embarking on the journey of self-publishing can be both exhilarating and daunting. One of the most crucial steps in this process is finding the right designer to bring your vision to life. With platforms like PeoplePerHour (PPH), a world of talent is at your fingertips. But how do you navigate this vast sea of options? Fear not! This guide will walk you through the steps of finding, approaching, briefing, and managing a book design or illustration project with a designer on PPH.
We found over 250 book designers when searching – plenty for every type of style and budget. Do also take a look at our guide to finding a designer on Fiverr and our article on Top Book Design Solutions.
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We can provide them full guidance for how we need to artwork set-up for printing at Ex Why Zed.
1. Dive into the PeoplePerHour Pool:
PPH is a treasure trove of talented designers from all over the world, each offering unique styles, experiences, and price points. We found 227 book design options here. Start by:
- Searching: Use keywords like “book designer” or “illustrator” in the search bar.
- Filtering: Narrow down your options based on budget, reviews, and delivery time.
- Exploring Portfolios: Take your time to browse through designers’ portfolios to get a feel for their style and expertise.
2. Making the First Move: The Interview Phase
Reaching out to a potential designer can feel a bit like setting up a job interview. Given that they might be located anywhere in the world, this initial conversation is crucial to gauge if they’re the right fit for your project. While you might start your discussions on the platform’s messaging service, consider progressing to a more direct form of communication like a phone call, Google Meet, or Zoom as the project advances. This can help in building rapport and understanding finer project details.
Here are 10 essential questions to ask during this “interview” phase:
- Experience & Portfolio: “Can you share some book design projects you’ve completed that are similar to my requirements?”
- Design Process: “What’s your typical design process for a project like mine?”
- Communication: “How do you prefer to communicate during the project? How often can I expect updates?”
- Revisions: “How many rounds of revisions are included in your fee? What’s the cost for additional changes?”
- Timeline: “Given my project’s scope, what’s the estimated timeline for completion?”
- Collaboration Tools: “Do you use any specific tools or software for collaboration and sharing drafts?”
- Challenges: “What challenges do you foresee with my project, and how would you address them?”
- Print-Ready Deliverables: “Will you provide the final design in a print-ready format? Can you ensure it aligns with my printer’s specifications?”
- Copyright & Ownership: “Once the project is completed and paid for, who holds the copyright to the designs?”
- Feedback & Iteration: “How do you handle feedback? What if my vision differs from your initial designs?”
Remember, the goal of these questions isn’t just to get answers but to gauge the designer’s professionalism, responsiveness, and fit for your project. Their responses will give you insights into their work ethic, design philosophy, and how they handle challenges – all crucial factors in ensuring a successful collaboration.
3. Crafting a Comprehensive Brief:
A well-thought-out brief is the foundation of a successful collaboration. Ensure you include:
- Project Overview: What’s your book about? Who’s your target audience?
- Design Preferences: Share any specific styles, colors, or themes you have in mind.
- Budget & Timeline: Be transparent about your budget and any deadlines you’re working towards.
- Reference Material: If you have any mood boards, sketches, or inspiration, share them!
We have crafted some solid design briefs which you can copy and paste into a message on PPH as an initial approach to a handful of designers you are keen to open discussions with.
4. Project Management Tips:
Once you’ve selected a designer and they’re on board, it’s essential to manage the project effectively.
- Open Communication: Regular check-ins can ensure both parties are on the same page.
- Feedback: Constructive feedback helps the designer align more closely with your vision.
- Use PPH’s Tools: The platform offers various tools for project management, communication, and payment. Familiarise yourself with them to streamline the process.
5. Celebrate & Collaborate:
Remember, this is a collaborative journey. Celebrate milestones, appreciate the designer’s efforts, and always approach challenges as a team.
Wrapping Up
PeoplePerHour offers a plethora of choices, but with the right approach, you can find the perfect designer to bring your book to life. Embrace the process, stay positive, and before you know it, you’ll have a beautifully designed book ready for the world to see. Happy publishing!