04. Don’t say: “Can you do lots of different versions? I think I’ll know what I want when I see it.”

Why? Let’s say you’re buying an expensive, tailor-made suit or a fancy, custom dress. Would you say to the seamstress, “Can you make me six versions of the outfit? When I see them, I’ll choose the one I like best and pay for just that one.” Of course not. Just because graphic design is often a digital rather than physical/tangible product doesn’t mean that the designer puts any less time and care into the work. The design process will go more smoothly for both you and the designer if you first spend some time developing a detailed creative brief that helps the designer understand exactly what you’re looking for and are trying to achieve with the design — including information like your intended audience, preferred tone or aesthetic, budget, etc.