Ok, so you need a designer. But not just any designer. Someone who will mesh with your team, even your company. Finding the right designer can be overwhelming, especially if youre not a creative yourself. These ten design interview questions will help you figure out if a designer has the creative ideation, teamwork, and, of course, the design mojo to join your creative team.
Navigating the world of book design can be a daunting task especially for authors venturing into the self-publishing realm. But fear not literary comrades! This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to identify the perfect book designer for your literary masterpiece.
We’ve delved deep into the depths of the book design industry, unearthing the top 10 interview questions you should ask any prospective designer. These questions will help you assess their technical expertise, design philosophy, and ability to bring your vision to life
1. Do You Embrace the Power of Running Headers?
Running headers are those little guys that grace the top of each page providing readers with a quick reference point for their location within the book. A skilled book designer will understand the importance of running headers and implement them effectively.
2. Paragraph Styles: Friend or Foe?
Paragraph styles are the unsung heroes of book design, ensuring consistency and readability throughout the text A savvy designer will leverage the power of paragraph styles to create a visually appealing and reader-friendly layout
3 The Table of Contents Friend or Foe?
This is like a map for your readers, showing them the different parts and chapters of your book. A good designer will be able to make a table of contents for you automatically, which will save you time and work.
4. Marginalia: Finding the Sweet Spot
The margins give a book room to breathe and create a visual space between the text and the page edge. A good designer will know how important margins are and choose the right size for the format of your book.
5. Software Savvy: The Tools of the Trade
Adobe InDesign is the industry-standard software for book design, and a skilled designer will be well-versed in its capabilities. Ask about their software proficiency and whether they subscribe to Adobe’s Creative Cloud.
6. Outlines: The Hidden Key to Efficiency
Converting text to outlines is a crucial step in the book design process, allowing for efficient editing and formatting. A skilled designer will understand the importance of outlines and know how to implement them effectively.
7. Packaging Prowess: Delivering the Goods
Once the design is complete, it needs to be packaged for printing. A skilled designer will be able to package the files correctly, ensuring a smooth transition to the printing press.
8. Master of the Pages: Planning the Layout
Master pages are the templates that define the overall layout of your book. A skilled designer will know how to create and use master pages effectively, ensuring consistency throughout the book.
9. Image Sourcing: Finding the Perfect Visuals
Images can enhance the visual appeal of your book, but finding the right ones can be a challenge. A skilled designer will have access to a variety of stock image resources and know how to use them effectively.
10. The Interview Gauntlet: Unmasking the Clues
Even if you don’t understand all the technical terms, pay attention to the designer’s responses. Stuttering or hesitation could indicate a lack of knowledge or experience.
Bonus Tip: Trust Your Gut
Beyond the technical skills, it’s important to find a designer who you feel comfortable working with. Trust your gut instinct and choose someone who you can communicate effectively with and who shares your vision for your book.
Remember, the interview is a two-way street. While you’re assessing the designer, they’re also evaluating you and your project. Be prepared to discuss your vision for the book, your budget, and your timeline.
With these interview questions and a dash of intuition, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect book designer to bring your literary dream to life. So, go forth and conquer, author extraordinaire!
“How do you work cross-functionally with developers, copywriters, project managers, etc.?”
The best designers are team players.
They know how to concept, ask questions, incorporate feedback, and collaborate on projects. Ask for an example of how they worked with others when they were short on time or how they got along with others on the team whose work styles were very different.
“What software do you use?”
It is very important for candidates to have “soft skills,” which are not technical skills. It is also very important to know what sorts of technical and software skills they already have.
- Can they add new design programs like Sketch and UXPin to the Adobe Creative Suite, along with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign?
- Can they do animation, video, or drawing on top of their regular work? If so, those skills could be useful for other projects.
- If they could learn one computer language or design program, what would it be?
- Do they have print skills for layout and production work?
- Can they back up their design with coding skills?
Get someone on your team who knows more about creative design to go into the design interview if you don’t know much about it yourself.
Design College Interview Questions and Answers (Tips by a Designer)
FAQ
What do you need to be a book designer?
What is asked in design interview?
