How to Prep for a Design Consultation—5 Things to Know Before You Hire a Designer
Hiring a designer is an exciting step for any business—it means you’re ready to invest in your brand’s future. But whether you’re booking a logo package, a website revamp, or a full brand identity, the smoother your consultation goes, the better your final result will be.
So how can you prep to make sure you’re getting the most out of that first meeting? Here are 5 simple things to keep in mind before you hop on a call with your designer—plus real-world examples of how preparation (or lack of it!) can shape a project’s success.
Know Your Business Goals
Before you even think about colors or logos, it’s important to be clear on your big-picture goals. Are you launching a new product? Trying to reach a different audience? Refreshing an outdated look?
As 99Designs points out, understanding your business’s why helps your designer create work that’s not just beautiful, but strategic.
Real example:
When I worked with Guided Growth, they initially asked for a flyer that would appeal to high school students. But as we talked through their goals, I realized something important: it wasn’t the students who would be seeing the flyer first—it was the parents, who were the main decision-makers. By refocusing the design to be parent-approachable and trustworthy while still student-friendly, we created something much more effective for their audience.
Tip: Ask yourself:
What’s my main goal for this project?
What problems am I hoping this design will solve?
Gather Inspiration
Even if you don’t know exactly what you want, pulling together examples of designs you love (or don’t!) gives your designer a great starting point. This can be:
Logos or websites you admire
Pinterest boards or Instagram saves
Even snapshots of packaging, ads, or business cards
Canva suggests focusing on colors, fonts, styles, and vibes that feel like a good fit for your brand.
Real example:
One of my most creative projects was with N.ix.theninth. She came in with a clear vision: she wanted her brand to feel magical and enchanting. Because she shared that vibe early on, I was able to dive deeper into creative territory with typography, color palettes, and design elements that captured that exact feeling. The clearer your inspiration and vision, the more creative freedom your designer can bring to the table.
Be Honest About Your Budget and Timeline
Talking money and deadlines can feel awkward—but it’s super important to be upfront from the start. Knowing your budget helps your designer tailor services to your needs (or refer you elsewhere if it’s not a match).
Likewise, sharing any deadlines—whether you have a launch date or an event coming up—makes sure everyone is on the same page.
HubSpot explains that clear communication early on saves headaches later.
Tip: Even if you don’t have an exact number in mind, sharing a budget range helps your designer suggest the right solutions for you.
Define Your Target Audience
Your designer isn’t just creating something for you—they’re designing for your audience. The clearer you can be about who you’re trying to reach, the more effective the design will be.
Think about:
Who are your ideal customers?
What do they value?
How do you want them to feel when they interact with your brand?
Visme notes that a strong design connects with your audience on both a visual and emotional level.
Real example:
When I worked with CB Design, my client initially didn’t want her business card to include the title "Social Media Manager" because she felt it limited her. But after digging deeper, I explained how having a clear title actually adds value and clarification, especially when networking. It tells people immediately what you do and how you can help them—super important when handing out a business card or making a first impression.
Be Ready to Share Your Existing Branding (If Any)
If you already have a logo, brand colors, fonts, or any marketing materials, gather them before your consultation. Even if you’re planning a total rebrand, it’s helpful for your designer to see where you’re coming from—and what’s working (or not).
This might include:
Your current logo files
Business cards, brochures, or packaging
Website links or social media profiles
Smashing Magazine emphasizes that understanding your brand’s history helps guide the creative process.
Real example:
Sometimes a client comes in without much to start from. That was the case with Pyfpoint Racing. The client didn’t have a clear vision—just a name and the idea that they wanted a logo. After asking a lot of questions about how they planned to use the logo (mainly for social media and racing content), I explained why a bold, iconic symbol would make the biggest impact. We focused on creating a strong visual mark that didn’t even need words to be recognizable—and it worked perfectly for his needs.
A design consultation is your chance to share your vision, set clear goals, and start building a brand you love. The more prepared you are going in, the more productive—and inspiring—that first conversation will be.
If you’re thinking about working with a designer and want to chat about your goals, let’s connect. I’d love to help bring your brand vision to life with strategy, creativity, and a lot of personal care.
