Finding freelancers: designers

How to find the right person

Now you have a clearly defined brief and know what skills and experience you need to source, you can look for the right freelancer. Here are some common places to begin your search:

• Word-of-mouth recommendations should be your first port of call. Ask around your networks or post a request on LinkedIn
• Jobs platforms or freelance directories will match your request to a selection of freelancers. Try Blume or Work for Impact for jobs platforms which specialise in charities and not-profits or YunoJuno which specialises in expert creatives. CharityComms has a freelance directory, too, which means that you can go direct and avoid any potential fees
• Recruiters are a more expensive route, but they’ll take the recruitment process off your to do list. Agencies that focus on creatives include Major Players and Aquent, and Charity People works solely with not-for-profits
• Volunteers can bring a wealth of skills and experience for free. Read below for our tips on finding the right person

Shortlisting and quoting

Look through folios, online profiles, and reviews. Then shortlist three or four freelancers and arrange a conversation to explain what you need and get a sense of how they’ll be to work with.

If sourcing direct, you’ll also want them to quote. Giving a thorough and accurate brief will help them to quote accurately and rule out any surprises down the line.

Smaller jobs are likely to be charged by the hour or day, with longer projects having a set fee. Giving a range is usual, as with creative projects it can be difficult to know exactly how long the job will take or how many amends might be required.

Remember that the quote is only part of the selection process and the cheapest won’t necessarily deliver the best work. If you can’t afford your first choice, ask if their rates are flexible or find out what they can deliver for your budget.

How to find the right volunteers to work with

Working with volunteers is a great way of tapping into the expertise you need, but without the price tag. While this is great for your budget, it does mean you’re relying on goodwill to deliver the work you need and, for some volunteers, paid work may have to take priority over your project. Saying that, the volunteers who do choose to work with you will clearly be doing it because they want to, rather than the need to earn.

Volunteer boards can link you up to a volunteer who fits your criteria, such as Do-it, Reach Volunteering, or Volunteering Matters. You could also try the Media Trust’s volunteer board through which you can request support from expert media and creative professionals.

As well as being able to ask for help in delivering specific project (for example, for someone to design a logo or write a press release) you can also ask for someone to help train up your team or mentor your charity on a re-brand strategy.

Just as with hiring a freelancer, make sure you speak to the volunteer before booking them to make sure you’re happy to work with each other. As well as a chance to sound each other out, it’s an opportunity for you to show the volunteer that you’re a friendly, supportive and efficient organisation to work with.

When asking a volunteer to fulfil a design project, be as specific with them as you would be with a paid freelancer. Put together a clear brief that outlines what you need and by when. It will help to manage expectations for both parties, as well as showing respect for the volunteer’s time and professionalism. And make sure they have a consistent point of contact – especially if working remotely.

If you’re hoping to work with the volunteer on a longer time scale (for example, having a volunteer designer in one day a week) have a few taster sessions. The sessions will give both you and the volunteer a chance to see if the role is a good fit before committing to a longer-term relationship.

Always remember to say thank you. It doesn’t take much to show your appreciation for them volunteering their time to support you. And a little thanks goes a long way.