Graphic designers may be easy to come by but finding a great graphic designer can be more of a challenge. You need to look out for some key qualities when hiring or to aspire to be the very best. Here are some of our top tips that will distinguish a great graphic designer. Creativity A great graphic designer must be imaginative, and they must be able to apply that imagination to their work. Creative people don’t just follow the crowd and the latest trends, they find inspiration in everyday objects and even themselves. Consistency In graphic design, the word consistency often crops up; whether you are working with clients on a website design, creating posters or even flyers, it’s essential to keep your designs consistent following a brand’s identity. Using a brand’s colour scheme, styles and fonts should be considered during all aspects of creation. A great designer will be able to incorporate a brand’s identity into all-new inspiring design ideas. If brand identity isn’t clear, a designer will be able to create one for them. Problem solving To become a great graphic designer, it’s important knowing how to problem solve. A designer has to make things work, not only to create something brilliant but also to know how their designs can work, whether in a website’s development stage or knowing how to work with a client’s challenging expectations. A great graphic designer will not shy away from a challenge and will most likely discover new ideas and ask questions that most of us will overlook. Able to take criticism Not everyone will like everything you design, this isn’t because your design is bad, but because the client may have had a different vision in mind, criticism is something that shouldn’t be taken personally, it’s only another person’s opinion. A great designer will take criticism positively, accept it is bound to happen then learn what works well and what doesn’t work. Patience Designing great work can be time-consuming, the best ideas often don’t come quickly, and it can take numerous attempts for an idea to develop. A great designer has the patience to continue working on an idea that corresponds with the client's needs. If the client keeps changing their mind or coming up with different ideas after you have spent a long time making those ideas come to life, a great designer will be patient and give the client what they want (within a set timescale) because you know the end result will be worth it.