How to hire a graphic design consultant

How to hire a graphic design consultant, step by step

Here's a step-by-step graphic design consultant hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a graphic design consultant job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new graphic design consultant
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The graphic design consultant hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A graphic design consultant's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, graphic design consultants from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of graphic design consultants and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Graphic Design Consultant	Description	Hourly rate
   Graphic Design Consultant	Graphic designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They develop the overall layout and production design for various applications such as advertisements, brochures, magazines, and corporate reports.	$12-33
   Production Artist	A production artist is responsible for managing digital content, meeting clients' standard specifications and requests for successful project completion. Production artists must have computer proficiency, especially on utilizing various software tools and applications to create illustrations and layouts... Show more	$19-45
   Designer	A designer is someone who creates a master plan of the look or workings of something before it will be made. It could be tangible or intangible objects, products, procedures, laws, events, games, graphics, services, and even experiences... Show more	$21-46

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Sketch
   • Fine Arts
   • Graphic Design
   • Adobe Photoshop
   • Brochures
   • Adobe Illustrator
   • Adobe Creative Suite
   • Art Direction
   • Layout Design
   • Photography
   • Website Design
   • Business Cards
   • HTML
   • Adobe Indesign

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Create ads, manage copywriting, respond to customer inquiries, generate brand unity, establish clear company identity.
   • Create and update web content using content management systems (CMS) and HTML hand coding with CSS.
   • Specialize in PowerPoint slide design and simplifying information.
   • Receive recognition from senior management for contributing to accelerate revenue growth as a result of developing and implementing comprehensive design strategy.
   • Execute design and typesetting for sales collateral and presentations.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your graphic design consultant job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A graphic design consultant salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, graphic design consultants' average salary in south dakota is 55% less than in new york.
   • Seniority. Entry-level graphic design consultants earn 62% less than senior-level graphic design consultants.
   • Certifications. A graphic design consultant with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a graphic design consultant's salary.

   Average graphic design consultant salary

   $43,327yearly

   $20.83 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level graphic design consultant salary

   $26,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 22, 2025

4. Writing a graphic design consultant job description

   A good graphic design consultant job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a graphic design consultant job description:

   Graphic design consultant job description example

   About Us

   DevTech Systems, Inc. (DevTech) is an international consulting firm dedicated to development, with 38 years of experience providing advisory services and technical assistance to government, private sector, and civil society stakeholders in more than 100 countries. DevTech core practice areas include: Monitoring Evaluation, Research and Learning; Data Solutions; Public Financial Management and Fiscal Sustainability; and Education, Gender, and Youth.

   At DevTech, we care deeply about doing work that leads to positive change in the world. We celebrate diverse perspectives and are committed to an inclusive environment. We empower our employees to work autonomously and simultaneously give them the professional support that they need to learn and grow.

   Overview

   DevTech is recruiting for a part-time consultant Graphic Designer to work with the USAID Data Services team, supporting various projects related to our communications and training efforts.

   About the Team

   USAID Data Services' core values are:

   • We are passionate, ambitious and care deeply about our work and the USAID mission.
   • We are serious about meeting the needs of our customers.
   • We are funny. We have fun. And we are human.
   • We communicate and close feedback loops.
   • We are proactive. We do not wait for success to come find us.
   • We are a team who is committed to each other.
     

   In keeping with these core values, we respect and encourage an inclusive and diverse environment in which we see our differences as strengths. We are a team of motivated and responsible self-starters that enjoy working in a team-oriented environment. We are always looking for ways to grow, through feedback, learning, and collaboration.

   This position's place of performance is Washington D.C. with the options for generous U.S. based telework or remote work.

   Responsibilities

   • Design, edit, and refine a full range of print and digital collateral, including infographics and data visualization, presentations, electronic publications (including animated interactive PDFs), one-pagers, reports, and marketing materials for USAID Data Services
   • Design, edit, and refine custom image library for video marketing and animated materials for USAID Data Services training programs
   • Work with other designers and subject matter experts to develop conceptual designs, supporting an overall messaging strategy
   • Developing storyboards for animation and video projects

   Qualifications

   • Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design, Media Arts, Web Design, Visual Arts or similar area of study

   • Expertise in industry-standard graphic design and multimedia tools such as the Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign) and especially After Effects and Premier
   • Demonstrated experience conceptualizing, creating and executing design solutions as well as maintaining visual appearance, usability and brand continuity
   • Experience applying and strong understanding of the principles of design and 508 compliance
   • Experience developing materials and storyboards for Elearning
   • Experience developing graphics, illustrations, other creative materials for web and print

   • Experience creating HTML5 ad banners from start to finish
   • Knowledge of HTML/CSS editors, and other web publishing tools a plus
   • Knowledge of and experience with Sketch

   Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis in anticipation of an immediate start date.

   The applicant must have a U.S. citizenship to qualify for the required U.S. government security clearance for this project. (Dual nationality or additional citizenships will not disqualify applicants.)

   EEO Statement

   NOTE: This job posting should not be construed to imply that the requirements are the exclusive standards of the position nor will it be the sole basis for any subsequent employee evaluations. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as may be required by their supervisor.
   
   All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), age (40 and older), physical and mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history) or characteristics, military status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship or alienage, or any other protected status as established by applicable federal, state, or local law.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find graphic design consultants for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any graphic design consultants they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level graphic design consultants with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   To find graphic design consultant candidates, you can consider the following options:

   • Post your job opening on Zippia or other job search websites.
   • Use niche websites that focus on engineering and technology jobs, such as dribbble, authentic jobs, working not working, coroflot.
   • Post your job on free job posting websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit graphic design consultants, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new graphic design consultant

   Once you have selected a candidate for the graphic design consultant position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new graphic design consultant. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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