Finding the right designer for your branding and marketing projects is crucial for your business success. Even if someone has an impressive portfolio and solid technical skills, they could still damage your brand if they lack professionalism, ethics, or a strategic mindset.
To protect your business, you need to know the warning signs and avoid hiring the wrong person. Here are six types of designers you should steer clear of — and how to recognize them early.
1. The “Yes” Designer
This type of designer always agrees with every client request — even when it’s harmful to your brand.
- They may approve poor design choices just to keep you happy.
- Often, their constant “yes” comes from a lack of strong design fundamentals.
Why it’s bad: Without constructive feedback or guidance, you could end up with designs that look unprofessional and fail to meet your marketing goals.
2. The Mercenary
The Mercenary’s priority is finishing the job quickly so they can get paid — not helping your brand succeed.
- They focus on speed, not strategy.
- They don’t care if the design aligns with your brand message or resonates with your target audience.
Why it’s bad: Branding and marketing design isn’t just about looking good — it’s about creating visuals that connect with customers and drive results.
3. The Scammer
This designer steals work from others and passes it off as their own.
- Their portfolio contains designs copied from other professionals.
- The work they deliver may be generic templates or even plagiarized.
Why it’s bad: Using stolen designs can lead to copyright issues and destroy your brand’s credibility.
4. The Impostor
The Impostor will say anything to land a project — even if they have no actual experience or relevant skills.
- They oversell their abilities.
- They can’t deliver the quality they promise.
Why it’s bad: You could waste time, money, and resources on someone who can’t meet your needs.
5. The Hermit
This type of designer stops learning and never updates their skills.
- They don’t explore new tools, styles, or techniques.
- Their designs look outdated because they’re stuck in the past.
Why it’s bad: Branding and marketing trends evolve — a designer who doesn’t grow will hold your brand back.
6. The Unprofessional
The Unprofessional is unreliable and disorganized.
- They miss deadlines without valid reasons.
- They fail to deliver all agreed project materials.
Why it’s bad: Missed deadlines can delay your marketing campaigns, costing you opportunities and revenue.
Final Takeaway
Hiring the wrong designer can waste your budget, delay your projects, and even damage your brand’s reputation. Watch out for:
- The “Yes” Designer
- The Mercenary
- The Scammer
- The Impostor
- The Hermit
- The Unprofessional
By knowing these red flags, you can make smarter hiring decisions and find a designer who will truly support your brand’s growth.
Want more tips on choosing the right creative partner?
Check out our branding and marketing blog for insights on hiring designers, building strong brands, and creating marketing materials that work.
Need a professional, trustworthy designer? Send us a message — let’s create something great for your business.
