The 5 Advantages of Hiring an Alaskan Graphic Designer
If you’ve been shopping around online for a graphic designer for a new logo or a website design project, you’ve likely seen a plethora of online options–Fiverr, 99designs, crowdspring, to name a few. Maybe you’ve even looked at design portfolios for graphic designers in the Lower 48. But aside from supporting the local economy, working with an Alaskan graphic designer is a big advantage in a variety of ways.
1.We Know What It’s Like to Live Here
Alaska is very different than the Lower 48, and the designer you hire should understand that. Design trends can vary widely by region, and an out-of-state designer won’t fully grasp the nuances of the Alaskan identity or culture, or what works well here, leading to a design that lacks authenticity and resonance with your target audience. A local designer, on the other hand, will understand what it’s like to live here, and what resonates with Alaskan consumers. Read my blog post Seasonal Design: Why It Matters in Alaska to learn more about how designers in Alaska are influenced by various factors, like the seasons, in their work.
2. Alaskans Like Alaskan
We do! Alaskans are proud when we’re traveling internationally and someone thinks Alaska is a cold country somewhere north of Canada. We have our own thing going here, and only an Alaskan graphic designer knows how to reflect this visually.
3. We’re in the Same Time Zone and the Same Community
Effective collaboration is key to a successful design process. Working with a designer in a different time zone can create delays in communication, making it difficult to provide timely feedback or make necessary adjustments. Alaskan designers offer the advantage of more immediate, face-to-face communication, fostering a smoother and more efficient design process. Plus, we probably know like 25 people in common, so working with an Alaskan designer also means expanding your own professional network.
4. Better Quality Control
When hiring a designer from afar, you may have less control over the quality of the work. Local designers can be more easily vetted through personal recommendations and previous projects, allowing you to assess their skills and style more effectively. With an out-of-state designer, you may end up with a final design that doesn't meet your expectations or fit your brand’s vision–and it may be more difficult to do something about it.
5. You’re Supporting the Alaskan Economy
Hiring an Alaskan graphic designer directly supports your local economy! When businesses choose to work with local talent, they contribute to the livelihoods of their neighbors, which in turn boosts local spending at shops, restaurants, and services. Additionally, fostering relationships with Alaskan professionals strengthens your own business and creates a collaborative environment that benefits everyone involved.