Graphic designers for web company

Best approach

[edd1]

Hi, I'm not sure if I'm posting this on the right forum but would appreciate any advice on a model for taking on a graphic designer.

Have just started pitching for web building work and wouldn't mind having a designer around to help with the more complicated projects however have no budget to take on a new staff member.

What I can offer someone is free workspace in our office and work at an hourly or project based rate as and when it comes in.

Is this the sort of thing that would interest freelance designers or will I just have to approach them for individual jobs? I'm not sure what kinds of publications or organisations to approach or maybe just write to local designers making them aware of the opportunity.

sorry if this sounds like a silly question but I'm not sure how to best approach it. We're more than capable of producing good working websites and are in a position to generate lots of business but are definitely missing the graphics skills.

[abbeyvet]

It might, but to be honest my experience is that most freelancers work from home, at least the ones I use have mostly done so and don't want to work in an office.

[abbeyvet]

Sorry - forgot to add: I have always found any freelancers I need at elance, but you do need to be selective.

[limbo]

...yes, very selective.

I think your terms would suit some designers. I know freelancers who like to take on longer projects and work where the money takes them. If you offer free office space, I would say that was a good deal, but is that a worthwhile investment? are you able to put a lot of work their way for the over heads of catering for another worker.

As for recruiting, I would look at a specialist recruitment consultant who deals with media. they will have a list of freelancers and will do the leg work for you if you are willing to pay the fee. If you are UK there are some Excellent jobsite's, and as mentioned elance is a good option.

[pixelkat]

I'm assuming your designer candidate will be required to bring his own computer? you would otherwise have to shell out a huge chunk of change to buy a multimedia computer and equip it with all that pricey editing software and other tools of the trade. as a freelancer myself, I much prefer working at home with easy access to reference materials, stock photo collections and clipart cds, not to mention a scanner, large format printer,drawing tablet, yada,yada...

once out of the planning and design prototype phase, most of the work can be performed offsite. I would suggest flexibility in your expectations that all the work be done under your watchful eye. I would also search locally for your designer and only use eLance if you come up dry in your local search. hope this helps.
cheers, kat