The Tribune

By Deidre Bastian

Are your graphic designer’s poor personality skills affecting your business? Most businesses are seeking that amazing designer who not only possesses great design “skills” but a winning “personality” that successful companies respects.

How easy is it to find an employee that possesses both artistic and exemplary personality attributes? Sure, there is a surplus of them with good intentions, but can you distinguish a good one through the challenge they experience in simply leaving home without an organised arrangement of pillows on their bed?

Unfortunately, there is no crystal ball to determine the future or make that distinction, so you can’t come right out and ask if they are “a jerk”, can you? Well, here are a few “personality” traits that may assist you in landing a quality designer with those exceptional characteristics.

Confidentiality: One of the most important personality traits of a good designer is confidentiality. If you cannot trust your designer (well, any employee) then you have a problem, as you would likely discuss sensitive matters with them, such as finances and client concerns.

Experience: Another important attribute when searching for a designer is experience. There’s no rule that says he or she has to be grey or bald, but you would prefer someone who can advise the company not based on experience and knowledge, not speculation

Many companies favour experience over qualifications when hiring, so having experience with real life challenges is incredibly beneficial.

Strong Communication Skills: A designer should be able to articulate or convince clients of their expertise in the field, and why they have chosen to create the design/logo the way they have. This trait illustrates that the designer is able to organise thoughts, people and time.

Positive: No one likes to work alongside a ‘Debbie Downer’, especially on a team. All businesses love an employee that believes in its goals, so it is important to have a designer who can inspire and motivate during difficult times.

Dependable and Available: Even though the business world is fast-paced, a business relies on employees who can be there in the worst moments - if possible, on a day off. Sometimes an employer may require their designer to assist with important matters, such as whenever clients have serious concerns or questions that require immediate attention.

Innovative/Intellectual curiosity: A good designer should be open to new ideas and assist in implementing ground-breaking undertakings without the risk of being laughed at.

Knowledgeable/Understanding: Just like a sports coach, a good designer should help to identify problems with designs, understand why they occur and help the company solve them. In fact, good designers transform disappointments into opportunities as opposed to discouraging moments.

Invested: A designer who feels personally invested in a company, and not only interested in a big fat pay cheque, is “a keeper”. This exemplary trait shows that their long-term prospects are good.

Finally, despite the influx of expert designers, who are no doubt artistic, creative, technically inclined and scientifically savvy, it may still be challenging to decipher the brilliant from the mediocre if some of the above personality traits are absent. Until we meet again, fill your life with memories rather than regrets. Enjoy life and stay on top of your game.

NB: Columnist welcomes feedback at deedee21bastian@gmail.com

ABOUT COLUMNIST: Ms Bastian is a trained graphic designer who has qualifications of M.Sc., B.Sc., A.Sc. She has trained at institutions such as Miami Lakes Technical Centre, Success Training College, College of the Bahamas, Nova Southeastern University, Learning Tree International, Langevine International and Synergy Bahamas.