From cavemen to the Egyptians, one common trait that stands out in communication across different eras is the prevalence of images. The reason behind this is simple: the human brain processes images 60,000 times faster than text. Additionally, 93% of communication is visual, and 90% of the information sent to the brain is also visual.
Role of Graphics in Shaping Your Brand’s Identity
Graphics and visuals are essential in today’s marketing communication mix. Research shows a direct link between design and key business factors such as brand identity, conversions, and revenue. Therefore, focusing on design is crucial, underscoring the need to hire a designer.
Take branding, for example. Graphic and UX designers play a pivotal role in shaping a unique brand identity through typography, color palettes, imagery, and more. They integrate these elements cohesively across platforms, making them synonymous with the brand.
Take the Golden Arches, for example. The moment you see them; you associate them with McDonald’s. Or consider the distinctive typography of Coca-Cola. The same goes for the half-bitten apple, now synonymous with Apple.
As the above examples illustrate, graphic and UX designers help create a unique brand identity, leave a lasting impression, and drive loyalty and credibility.
Challenges With Hiring Graphic Designers
However, hiring a top-rated graphic or UX designer is easier said than done, especially for small and medium enterprises. Here are the top challenges SMEs face when trying to onboard top talent in the graphic design field.
- Lack of Skilled Talents
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 267,200 graphic design jobs in the US in 2023. Furthermore, projections indicate that an average of 21,100 new graphic design job openings will be added annually from 2023 to 2033. However, compared to this demand, there is a lack of skilled manpower in the US.
Moreover, according to a recent report by the American Immigration Council, the mass deportation of undocumented immigrants could further accentuate the labor shortage in the US. These deportations would deliver a severe blow to certain sectors, as illustrated in the graph below.
- Long Hiring Cycles
Research shows that it takes an average of 27 days to hire talent in the design/creative function. However, if you are looking for experienced or top graphic or UX designers, the hiring period can extend beyond a month. Long hiring cycles can affect a business’s ability to compete online, forcing them to thrive online without proper graphics.
Moreover, the hiring process can take even longer for SMEs trying to fill vacancies. This is because SMEs often lack the brand reputation or resources to attract top talent.
- High Salary and Overhead Costs
As of May 2023, the median annual wage for graphic designers in the U.S. was $58,910. Top talent in this field often charges significantly more, making them less affordable for small and medium-sized businesses.
Moreover, when setting up an in-house design function, businesses must also account for overhead expenses, including taxes, HR, and administrative costs. Together, these expenses exceed the affordability levels of most small and medium-sized businesses.
As a result of the challenges mentioned above, many SMEs outsource design functions to offshore graphic design service providers. Here are some benefits SMEs can have by hiring offshore graphic designers.
Benefits of Hiring Offshore Graphic Designers
- Increased Savings
Partnering with an offshore graphic design services provider leads to significant cost savings. Businesses can further reduce costs by hiring remote graphic or UX designers, as professionals in countries like India typically command lower salaries than their U.S. counterparts.
Moreover, the outsourcing partner handles all hiring and overhead expenses—resulting in substantial savings and an improved bottom line.
- Faster Hiring
Indian offshore design firms have a readily available pool of skilled graphic designers. This means businesses looking to onboard designers don’t have to go through lengthy hiring cycles. Shorter hiring cycles mean you won’t fall behind the competition or lose customers.
- Wide Talent Pool
When you partner with an offshore service provider to hire a graphic or UX designer, you expand your search for top talent. This increases your chances of finding exceptional talent quickly and within budget.
For instance, you may struggle to find specialized professionals locally, but an offshore graphic design services provider can source the right talent globally. Since the talent works remotely, location is no longer a barrier to hiring.
- Scaling Flexibility
By partnering with an outsourcing service provider, businesses can scale with ease. This makes them more agile and adaptable to macroeconomic fluctuations. By adjusting their workforce—scaling down in lean seasons and expanding when conditions improve—businesses can navigate economic downturns more effectively.
- Business Continuity
Another advantage of outsourcing is business continuity. Your remote team remains operational even if local operations face disruptions. This ensures that your business stays functional under all circumstances and that your customers continue to be served without interruption.
Final Words
Graphics form an essential part of your brand identity and help establish your business’s credibility in the market. However, small businesses often struggle to hire top graphic and UX designers. In this context, partnering with an offshore graphic design services provider offers numerous benefits. In the previous sections, we outlined the advantages of hiring offshore graphic designers.
However, as the saying goes, seeing is believing. So, why not follow in the footsteps of hundreds of businesses and hire a UX designer to see the benefits for yourself?
Get started with a one-week free trial today!
