A professional engaged in design may be a crucial strategic partner in your business venture. Hence, the choice of a professional over another is a decision that involves careful planning.

The first step is to establish, as clearly as possible, the dimensions of the project that you intend to undertake. Clearly defining the undertaking will enable you to list the competencies required for the project to be carried out and permit you to start the selection process of a professional in design.

First of all, check on the page Databank of Professionals those professionals that hold experience in the area that your company needs. The Databank also enables you to select a professional according to the amount of time that the professional has been engaged in activities in the sector as well as according to the number of people that work in his/her team.

From within the Databank, select from three to five professionals that you will ask to submit proposals regarding your project. In order to request their services, make sure that you make the same request and provide the same information about your company and the project to be carried out to all of those selected. Ask each one for a complete portfolio of the works they have executed.

Through the portfolios, you will be able to assess the amount of experience that each professional has, learn about clients that each has rendered services to, awards that they have been granted, any international experience that they may have had and their success stories, among other aspects.

Last, but not least, upon receipt of the proposals, it is recommended that you go and visit the offices of those professionals chosen in your initial selection before making your final decision. Try to assess the amount of enthusiasm that the professional holds with respect to your project and, above all, if you feel that you can establish rapport with this professional.

After making your final choice, inform the other professionals involved in the selection process of your decision and, if possible, comment on the reasons that have led you to make such a choice. It is essential that you sign a written contract, in order to avoid any possible controversial points or misunderstandings during the execution of the project.

Download the MODEL CONTRACT (in PDF format)

If your company intends to contract a project regarding packaging, you can find more information at the site Comitê de Design da ABRE - Associação Brasileira de Embalagem (Design Committee of the ABRE- Brazilian Association of Packaging).