If you’re thinking about hiring a professional to help with your branding and style guide, it’s important to find someone who really gets your vision and can bring it to life. Asking the right questions can make all the difference in finding the perfect fit. Having specialized in logo & branding since 2016, here at Shared Culture Concepts we understand how important it is to get your branding right.

Here’s a friendly guide and list of questions to ask your potential designer:

1. What’s Your Experience with Branding?

Branding is more than just pretty visuals, so you’ll want to make sure your designer or agency has solid experience in creating complete brand identities. Ask them:

• Can I see examples of your past work, especially branding style guides?
• Do you have any case studies showing how your branding helped a client’s business?
• Have you worked with brands in my industry or ones with a similar vibe?

2. What’s Your Branding Process Like?

A good professional will have a clear process to guide you from concept to completion. Here’s what to ask:

• How do you research industries and competitors?
• How do you get to know my brand’s personality (e.g., through interviews, mood boards, drafts)?
• How do you handle revisions and feedback?

You’ll want someone who makes you feel involved in the process while steering it with expertise.

3. Can You Match My Vision and Values?

This is where you get to see if they can truly reflect who you are as a brand. Share your mission, values, and personality, and ask:

• How would you translate these into a look, feel, and tone?
• Have you worked on brands that share a similar energy or style?

This will help you gauge whether they “get” your vibe.

4. What’s Included in the Final Package?

Nobody likes surprises, so make sure you know exactly what you’re getting at the end of the project. Typical deliverables should include:

• A detailed branding style guide.
• Editable logo files (think PNG, SVG, EPS, and more).
• Defined color palettes, font files, and templates for things like social media or print.

5. How Long Will It Take?

Discuss their timeline to make sure it works for you. Quality branding does take time, so be cautious of anyone promising a quick turnaround without proper research and thought.

6. Do You Provide Ongoing Support?

Branding doesn’t end with the style guide. Ask if they’ll be there to help you down the road:

• Will you update the style guide as my brand evolves?
• Can you help with implementing the branding (like setting up templates)?
• Do you offer extra design services for future needs?

7. How Do You Charge for Your Work?

Pricing can vary, so it’s important to be clear upfront. Ask about:

• Their pricing model (flat fee, hourly rate, or retainer).
• What’s included in the price and if there are any potential extras.
• Payment terms (like deposits or milestone payments).

8. How Will You Collaborate with My Team?

If you have an in-house team or other partners, you’ll want to make sure everyone works together smoothly. Ask how they’ll coordinate with your existing resources.

Bonus Tip: Start Your Search with Fiverr!

A great place to find branding professionals is Fiverr. Whether you’re looking for a full-service agency or a talented freelancer, Fiverr has a range of options to fit different styles and budgets. Get started for free here!

By asking these questions, you’ll feel confident that the person or agency you hire will deliver a branding style guide that represents your business perfectly. Taking the time to vet your options is worth it—you’ll end up with a cohesive, professional brand that makes a lasting impression.