The rapid development of artificial intelligence tools is changing our perception of design. Today, algorithms can create visual effects, improve layouts, and even imitate human creativity on a scale previously unimaginable. For clients and companies, this raises an important question: do we still need human designers?
In a few years, artificial intelligence is expected to be able to take over many creative functions, including those of a graphic designer. However, most argue that artificial intelligence can help, but cannot replace strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and a sharp sense of storytelling, which are uniquely human. Any design needs strategy and direction, not just output. So, today's successful designers are those who know how to collaborate with artificial intelligence, using it not as an aid but as a means of enhancing their creative potential.
That's why finding the right designer today is more difficult and crucial than ever. You're not just looking for someone who knows color theory and typography, but someone who can combine their skills with artificial intelligence tools, communicate complex ideas, and achieve real results.
In this blog post, we'll look at how to find a designer who combines soft and hard skills and fits your vision.
The current state of AI in Design in 2025
Design is undergoing significant changes. In just a few years, artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved from a novel and experimental concept to a standard part of many designers' daily work. For many designers, AI is no longer just an interesting tool — it is a real partner that is changing the way they work, think, and collaborate.
In a recent report titled "The State of AI in Design," published by Foundation Capital and Designer Fund, over 400 designers were surveyed, and interviews were conducted with executives from companies such as Stripe, Notion, and Anthropic. According to the study, 89% of designers believe that AI has improved their workflow. AI assists with routine tasks, refines initial ideas, and streamlines prototyping, making the process faster and easier.
However, AI doesn't just save time; it also helps designers explore more ideas and think creatively. Most designers utilize AI in the early stages of their work, including research, brainstorming, and planning. Fewer designers use it in the later stages: only 68% use it to create their actual designs, and only 39% use it for final implementation. That's because AI excels at generating numerous ideas, but selecting the best ones and bringing them to life remains a task for humans.
And that's the key point: design still needs people. Many say that visual elements or text created by AI are "good enough, but not perfect." Designers still need to refine, polish, and add emotion to make the work feel authentic and meaningful. Today, designers are more like curators, guiding and shaping the raw results provided by AI.
There are still some challenges. Designers often utilize various AI tools (such as ChatGPT, Midjourney, and Figma plugins), but these tools don't always integrate seamlessly. This can slow down work and make collaboration difficult. Another problem is that most designers are self-taught in AI, working on side projects, consulting with colleagues, or browsing social media. Very few companies offer proper training or workshops. It suggests that while many teams appreciate the use of AI, they haven't yet fully integrated it into their workflows.
So where does AI help the most?
Content creation and task automation: AI assists with tedious tasks, such as resizing images, creating layouts, writing brief texts, or generating quick prototypes. Tools like GPT-4, Midjourney, DALL-E, and Sora make it easier to quickly create assets, allowing designers to focus on the big picture.
Personalized and intelligent user experiences: AI helps develop apps and websites that adapt to users' needs in real time. Think about innovative forms that know what you're going to type next, or toolbars that change based on your behavior. Some systems even update layouts and icons based on user preferences.
Working with AI assistants: New AI tools can act as co-designers. They help reshape layouts, suggest designs, or even conduct testing. These assistants make brainstorming and rapid prototyping easier.
Natural and intuitive interactions: Design is moving beyond simple clicks and taps. Now people can use their voice, gestures, or even eye movements to interact with products. AI makes interfaces more engaging, accessible, and even futuristic, especially in AR and VR environments.
How to Hire a Graphic Designer?
1. Define your requirements
Before you begin searching for the right graphic designer, it is essential to clearly define your design requirements to ensure productive and effective collaboration. Start by determining the purpose of your project, whether it's branding, digital resources, printed materials, or something else, and identify your target audience so that the visual elements match their preferences.
Consider the message you want to convey and the results you aim to achieve, then conduct marketing research to understand current design trends and your competitors' approaches to visual communication.
Next, define the project's scope by compiling a list of deliverables, setting a realistic budget, and estimating the timeline. Be specific about technical requirements, such as file formats and platforms, and establish a clear system for changes and feedback.
Pre-established deadlines and milestones help maintain momentum and ensure that both parties' expectations are aligned. This fundamental step will make the hiring process more strategic and increase your chances of finding the right designer who can translate your vision into stunning visual elements.
Full-time specialist or freelancer?
When choosing between hiring a full-time graphic designer or working with a freelancer, the choice largely depends on the frequency and nature of your design needs. Suppose your business only occasionally needs design work, such as for seasonal campaigns. In such cases, a freelance designer can be a cost-effective and flexible solution for one-off branding projects or infrequent content updates. Freelancers often have extensive experience in various industries, which can enrich your project with diverse perspectives and insights.
However, if your company consistently creates visual content, maintains a strong brand presence, or requires design support across multiple departments, hiring a full-time designer may be more beneficial in the long run. A full-time employee typically costs less per hour, is familiar with your brand identity, and can ensure stylistic consistency across all materials. Ultimately, the right decision depends on your workflow, project volume, and the level of continuity your brand requires.
Сhoose the role of specialist you need
Hiring a designer or forming a creative team is complicated by the fact that graphic design is not a universal profession. In large companies, design positions are often divided into a clear hierarchy, each with its specific responsibilities. This structure helps to ensure both creative vision and effective implementation, allowing companies to select talent according to their particular needs.
At this stage, determine who you want in your team and what role this person should fill.
Art director sets the overall creative direction and manages the design team; focuses on leadership, strategy, and quality control.
Art Production Manager oversees daily activities, team productivity, and workflow optimization across all projects.
Brand Identity Designer creates the company's visual identity, including logos, packaging, and brand consistency.
Marketing Designer develops visual materials for marketing campaigns, presentations, and sales materials.
Layout designer composes text and images to create visually appealing and easy-to-read layouts in both print and digital formats, etc.
This hierarchy helps ensure the smooth operation of projects, from the overall vision to the detailed execution, where each role makes a significant contribution.
2. Find potential candidates
Finding the right graphic designer can seem like a daunting task, given the sheer number of options available today. Whether you need someone on your team, a remote specialist, or a freelancer, each option has its own unique advantages. Understanding the differences between roles and levels of involvement will help you make the best decision based on the scope of your project, budget, and collaboration needs.
Where to find Graphic Designers?
To find the right graphic designer for your business, consider using several different candidate search strategies:
Post job advertisements
Posting physical job advertisements in your local community or on your company premises can be surprisingly effective. This traditional approach attracts local talent who may be seeking employment nearby. This is especially useful for small businesses or startups looking to build a cohesive team. Such ads can also encourage current employees or community members to recommend you to their friends and colleagues.
Search online
The internet is a vast resource for finding talented graphic designers. Many professionals maintain portfolios on personal websites or platforms such as Behance and Dribbble, where they showcase their best work. By carefully reviewing portfolios and reaching out to designers whose style and experience align with your project, you can initiate negotiations that will lead to interviews. This approach helps you assess creativity and technical skills before spending time on the formal hiring process.
Promote or hire from within
Sometimes the ideal candidate may already be on your team. Internal hiring or promotion can save time and resources, as the employee already understands your company's values and workflow. If any of your current employees have graphic design skills or relevant experience, it's worth exploring their interests and capabilities. You can ask for a portfolio or examples of past work, and consider providing training to help them transition smoothly into the new role.
Post job openings on specialized websites
Utilizing popular job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, or Glassdoor enables you to reach a broad audience. However, for design-related positions, it is very effective to post ads on specialized platforms such as Behance, Dribbble, or AIGA. These sites attract professionals who are serious about their work, and many of them have features that allow you to filter candidates by skill level, location, and experience. Creating a clear and detailed job description on these sites helps attract qualified candidates who understand the project's needs.
Freelance platforms
If your design needs are project-specific or short-term, freelance platforms such as Fiverr, Upwork and Freelancer offer a flexible and cost-effective solution. These platforms allow you to view large portfolios, read customer reviews, and compare pricing packages. Many freelancers specialize in different design niches so that you can find experts in branding, web design, illustration, or marketing materials. You can communicate directly with freelancers before hiring them to ensure that they understand your requirements and can deliver quality work on time.
Social media
Social networks have become powerful tools for finding staff. LinkedIn is beneficial for professional networking and posting job openings, while Instagram and Twitter allow you to showcase your company culture alongside the job opening. Designers often use Instagram to showcase their work, so searching for hashtags related to graphic design or location can help you find promising candidates. Interacting with posts and sending direct messages can spark informal conversations that may lead to hiring.
Agencies
Recruitment agencies specializing in creative fields have access to a database of pre-screened candidates, saving you time and effort. These agencies understand the unique skills and qualities required in graphic design. They can match you with candidates based on your specific needs, from entry-level designers to senior art directors. While this option may be more expensive, it can be valuable if you are looking for highly skilled professionals quickly or want assistance with the entire hiring process.
Networks and industry events
Personal and professional networks remain a powerful tool for finding talented designers. Attend industry events, design conferences, meetups, or local creative workshops where designers gather. Joining online design communities and forums also helps you establish connections with professionals who are actively working in the field. Networks allow you to evaluate candidates informally and often lead to referrals from trusted sources, increasing the likelihood of finding someone who is a good fit for your team.
Educational institutions
Reaching out to design schools, colleges, and universities can help you connect with new talent eager to gain real-world experience. Offering internships or entry-level positions to recent graduates enables you to tailor their skills to meet your company's needs. Many institutions have career centers or bulletin boards where you can post job openings and attend job fairs.
3. Assessing skills and experience of a designer
When evaluating candidates for a graphic designer position, it is essential to carefully assess their portfolio and qualifications to determine their technical skills and creative abilities.
It is essential to assess the range of projects showcased in their portfolio, encompassing diverse styles, techniques, and design formats. This diversity highlights their adaptability and creative range.
Carefully examine the fundamental elements of their designs, including color harmony, font selection, layout structure, and overall visual appeal.
Assess their proficiency with basic software tools, such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Sketch, or similar platforms, as demonstrated in their portfolio.
Pay particular attention to the small details and consistency in their work.
Analyze how effectively their designs convey a message or tell a story, reflecting their ability to engage an audience.
Consider the complexity of the projects and how skillfully they used these tools to achieve their design goals.
To gain a deeper understanding of their technical skills, work ethic, and interpersonal communication, consider seeking recommendations or feedback from previous clients.
Qualities and experience to look for in a graphic designer
An outstanding graphic designer combines artistic talent, innovation, and the ability to make the most of all available resources and training to achieve the best results. Look for candidates with the following qualities and professional experience that exemplify expertise in the field of graphic design:
Education: A bachelor's degree in fields such as graphic design, visual arts, marketing, or a related discipline.
Technical competence: Hands-on experience with industry-standard tools such as Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, or Acrobat, as well as knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Design skills: A keen sense of color coordination, composition, layout planning, typography, and overall design aesthetics.
Receptiveness to feedback: Willingness to accept constructive criticism and improve your work accordingly.
Communication skills: Excellent verbal and written skills to collaborate effectively with teams and clients.
AI proficiency: Ability to work with modern AI tools such as Midjourney, Adobe Firefly, or ChatGPT to improve creative workflows and speed up production.
Learning mindset: A proactive attitude toward continuous learning, including a desire to explore new tools, techniques, and approaches in a changing industry.
Trend awareness: Strong research skills and the ability to monitor and apply current design trends, ensuring that work stays relevant, fresh, and meets audience expectations.
This comprehensive assessment ensures that you select a graphic designer whose skills match the needs of your project and the goals of your organization.
4. Negotiating Terms & Conditions and Onboarding for Graphic Designers
Finalizing the terms is a critical step in ensuring a successful partnership, and a smooth onboarding and integration process sets the stage for their effective contribution to your team.
Negotiate the terms
Before signing the agreement, establish clear and mutually agreed-upon terms to prevent future disputes:
Start by discussing the compensation structure (options include hourly pay, project-based pay, or salary for in-house positions, depending on the type of designer engagement).
Determine the payment schedule and discuss any additional expenses, such as software subscriptions or travel expenses.
Clarify the ownership rights to the designs by determining whether the designer can include the work in their portfolio or whether the full rights are transferred to your organization.
Additionally, agree on a review policy and approval workflows to ensure consistency and prevent misunderstandings.
By resolving these issues in advance, you will create a solid foundation for collaboration and reduce the risk of conflict.
Onboarding and integration
Once hired, a well-structured onboarding process is key to the designer's smooth integration:
Develop a comprehensive onboarding plan that outlines your company's values, goals, and specific project requirements, including deadlines, to clarify the designer's role and expectations.
Assign a dedicated contact person to address questions and facilitate open communication, complemented by regular check-ins and feedback sessions to resolve issues promptly.
Provide clear guidelines on deliverables, quality standards, and deadlines to ensure consistency and adherence to expectations.
Provide the designer with the necessary tools and resources, such as brand guidelines, technical specifications, and access to software, to ensure their success.
Finally, create an inclusive environment that encourages them to share ideas and demonstrate their creativity, ensuring that they feel valued from day one.
This approach not only increases productivity but also creates a cohesive team dynamic.
Conclusion
Artificial intelligence is changing the design process quickly. It can generate hundreds of visual ideas in just minutes. However, speed is not everything. A skilled designer is necessary to assess these ideas, improve them, and realize the best ones. Creativity, critical thinking, and understanding human feelings and behavior are still very important. Artificial intelligence will not replace designers, but those who learn to use it well will speed up routine tasks and maintain their creative energy. These individuals will lead the way in the future.
At the same time, the design industry is evolving quickly. As trends move toward animated graphics, interactivity, and UX/UI, it can be tough to find the right specialist among so many talented designers. That’s why looking beyond technical skills is essential. The ideal designer has a strong foundation, is dedicated to growth, and is open to integrating artificial intelligence tools into their workflow. These professionals will keep up with changes and help bring your vision to life in a smarter, faster, and more efficient manner.
FAQ
Can AI completely replace graphic designers?
No. While AI can automate specific tasks and accelerate the design process, it lacks emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and storytelling abilities, qualities essential for effective design. The best results often come from designers who know how to work with AI, rather than being replaced by it.
Where is the best place to find qualified graphic designers?
You can find designers on platforms like Behance, Dribbble, LinkedIn, and Upwork. Other good sources include job boards, creative recruitment agencies, social media, and design schools.
What qualifications should I look for in a graphic designer?
Look for a strong portfolio, solid skills in Adobe Creative Suite, and an understanding of design principles. Familiarity with AI tools like Midjourney or Adobe Firefly is a big plus. Good communication and the ability to use AI creatively and ethically are increasingly important.
Should I hire a freelancer or a full-time graphic designer?
It depends on your needs. If your design projects are occasional or one-time, a freelancer may be more cost-effective. For ongoing brand consistency and regular design output, hiring a full-time designer offers more continuity and integration with your team.
How do I negotiate terms and onboard a graphic designer?
Clarify payment structure, deliverables, timelines, ownership rights, and feedback processes upfront. For onboarding, provide access to brand guidelines, tools, and assign a point of contact for support. Set clear expectations and encourage creative input.
