If you've never used a graphic design firm before, you might wonder why they're necessary. Graphic design firms can provide more than logo design. the right firm can help a company embrace the visual message they want to artfully convey. New York graphic design firms can make a business stand out from their competitors.

A company may turn to a graphic design company when they realize that their homemade logo or slow-moving website doesn't promote a professional image. You may indirectly use the services of New York graphic design agencies when you work with a public relations company or an advertising agency that contracts out graphic design work when necessary.

How do you know what to look for when evaluating graphic design firms in New York? Basics of evaluating graphic design companies include looking for the following.

1. Determine the level of service you need.

2. Look for a separate identity for each client. if all the work looks the same, you can guess what your logo will look like.

3. Get a price quote up front from New York graphic design firms. Graphic design services can be costly, particularly if you can't agree on a direction for the work.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look for a well-rounded New York graphic design company

Some New York design companies focus on one area of expertise, while others can offer clients the whole package of identity design, print projects and website design. Top design firms in New York City compete to provide clients the edge they need to compete in a tough business environment.

I recommend: Yukiyo Nagata Design can help your company put its best foot forward with the right logo and letterhead, can assist you with print projects or help you develop a website. Eden Creations, a New York design firm, focuses on logo, print and web design.

Evaluate portfolios of New York design firms

One of the best ways to evaluate a graphic design firm in New York is to look at their past work. You can get a good idea of the quality of a graphic design firm's projects by looking at their online portfolio of past projects from a good variety of clients, large and small.

I recommend: Entertainment Image specializes in web design and web hosting, but also offers logo design and branding. Undici Design is a New York design firm that effectively demonstrates its success with past clients on its website.

Contact a New York graphic design firm for website creation

You may already have a stand-out logo, so you may just need help with website creation and implementation. Some graphic design companies in New York specialize in website creation and implementation, so now you can get your e-commerce site up and running.

I recommend: 3Eleven Creative explains their graphic design approach for various client website. Avatar New York has the technical experience to design a smooth-running company website.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure you find a New York design firm that takes the time to understand your business. If not, move on to a company that cares about helping you move forward.

There are so many graphic design firms in New York that it can easily become a huge task to research them all. They range from highly creative recent college graduates who freelance their design skills for minimal cost to very well established firms with proven reputations and big ticket fees.

Finding the right design firm must begin with recognizing your specific business needs. There are many factors to consider. Figuring out your business needs beforehand will allow you to eliminate graphic design firms from the list, narrowing it to a few on which you can really focus.

A graphic design firm will have a big impact on the success of your business. Invest the right amount of time and money in finding one that is reliable and provides a high-quality, professional product that represents your business well.

To choose the right New York design firm, you must:

1. Research the design firms in New York City.
2. Determine the needs for your business.
3. Look through portfolios.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Do a quick preliminary search for New York graphic design firms

Search for as many names as possible in online directories, the Yellow Pages or local advertisements. Some may instantly interest you or turn you off simply by name or location.

I recommend: Browse the Yellow Pages or Xemion Designer Community for listings organized by city or zip code. Search Craigslist New York, Guru or Elance to find many more listings.

Narrow down the list

Determine your business' design needs. Different New York design firms specialize in different areas of graphic design. Also consider your budget. Many design firms provide free online price quotes.

I recommend: Try Wallace Church Associates, Inc., to enhance brand identity or Beacon Branding for logo design. Westgroup Creative is great for developing brochures and catalogues.

Research the credibility of the firm

A credible firm should have an impeccable reputation. Check with companies that have used the firm's services. Evaluate any criticism.

I recommend: Look for an affiliation with Better Business Bureau. Also check that there are no complaints listed with the Bureau.

Set a deadline

Set a firm deadline before you sign a contract and hire a graphic designer. It is essential that the graphic designer have a quick delivery time of the finished product in addition to quality work. A designer who drags his feet may push a deadline back and hurt your business.

I recommend: Look at a couple of graphic design contract templates to see what key information the agreement should contain. Stanford has a good one, or you can create a custom contract with software like Proposal Kit Pro.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Be wary of design firms in New York City with no physical office.
• •  Examine the design firm's portfolio critically. Look for a professional and high-quality portfolio, and also look for repeat business from regular clients and experience in a variety of industries.
• •  Ask about additional charges for design revisions. A lot of graphic design firms charge extra for each revision.
• •  Consider whether you are willing to pay for custom work or strictly for template-based design work.
• •  Inquire about what kind of press the final product will utilize. A digital press is cheaper and faster but does not deliver the same quality as an offset press.

Where do you go to find out all the latest news on graphic design firms in New York? Every industry has its way to be in the know, and graphic design firms are no exception. Whether you're researching graphic design firms to take on your business needs, or you're a graphic designer looking for work at graphic design firms in New York, news and trends will help you make an informed decision.

Some New York graphic design firms host their own blog and even give out free advice, such as how to use white space effectively or how to select a graphic design firm. Other sites give job opportunities for graphic design firms or technical advice for graphic designers tackling web design questions.

Here are some ways to constructively look at the news and trends regarding graphic design firms.

1. Look for ways to save on business essentials such as health insurance through graphic design associations.

2. Use the Internet to find work opportunities for your New York design firm or freelance jobs for independent graphic designers.

3. Make an effort to improve your craft through continued learning, looking for new ways to approach your work.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Join associations for graphic design firms

If you're a graphic designer at one of the New York design firms or you're looking for ways to connect, it's important to tap into the valuable contacts you can make as part of a graphic design association. Several major associations are in New York, making it convenient to attend conferences and make connections.

I recommend: The Graphic Artists Guild offers low-cost membership to graphic designers, offering breaks on health insurance as well. AIGA, the American Institute of Graphic Arts, is the professional association for graphic design.

Stay on top of news concerning NYC graphic design firms

Business news outlets can fill you in on major news relevant to graphic design firms in New York City and the rest of New York. These outlets can help you save time as you search for information you need to do your job.

I recommend: Depend on Business Week for updated news on the New York graphic design scene. Outside In tells all the graphic design news in the Manhattan area. Get free design magazines from CreativePublic.

Get clued into graphic design firms by reading blogs

Blogs are a great place to read opinions about a subject such as graphic design. You can find out about job opportunities at a graphic design firm in New York or discover ways to make your job easier.

I recommend: All Graphic Design includes a blog in which New York graphic design companies can share information including graphic design jobs. The AdHub promotes graphic design firms in upstate New York. What's the Big Idea, a New York graphic design company, produces the New York Web Design Blog.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you're a New York graphic design firm, develop your web site so that you can be the authority on graphic design news and information.