You hire experts for their expertise. Consider your graphic designer your expert. It is hard not to have preconceived ideas about your business when you contact your marketing expert or designer. I know you're are excited and your ideas are likely to be very good. However, jumping immediately into your ideas could potentially limit your expert's vision. So here's what I suggest.
Start by thinking about all the things you want for your materials. Separate the items where you have specific ideas such as I want a star in my logo, or I want my brochure to have a photo of my building in it.
Instead, first give your expert the information that is necessary and more general without providing specific design details. What feel (bright and cheerful, serious and professional, etc.) do you want your materials to have? Who is your audience? If you already have a logo or company colors, give them those. Describe your business and why you need this marketing piece.
After you've given them this information, answered all their questions and then ask for one design that incorporates the star you want and the photo of your building. This way the information you've given has an opportunity to blossom in the creative experts' mind. They can create several options for you: one with the details you've requested and at least one other where the creative expert has an opportunity to use their expertise and experience for you. You may still like your version best, but you can also consider your money and their time well spent creating the best materials they can for you. Be sure to negotiate for those multiple options prior to signing a contract.
Start by thinking about all the things you want for your materials. Separate the items where you have specific ideas such as I want a star in my logo, or I want my brochure to have a photo of my building in it.
Instead, first give your expert the information that is necessary and more general without providing specific design details. What feel (bright and cheerful, serious and professional, etc.) do you want your materials to have? Who is your audience? If you already have a logo or company colors, give them those. Describe your business and why you need this marketing piece.
After you've given them this information, answered all their questions and then ask for one design that incorporates the star you want and the photo of your building. This way the information you've given has an opportunity to blossom in the creative experts' mind. They can create several options for you: one with the details you've requested and at least one other where the creative expert has an opportunity to use their expertise and experience for you. You may still like your version best, but you can also consider your money and their time well spent creating the best materials they can for you. Be sure to negotiate for those multiple options prior to signing a contract.