DesignCue: Local (beta)

Find a great local designer in your own city. Starting in Atlanta.

Atlanta is my home and home to many designers on the DesignCue network. We love Atlanta and there’s a special connection you have with other Atlantan’s, especially those who are working alongside you for your cause. Most importantly, Atlanta is home to a hotbed of new startups, including some we get to help.

Last week, I met with a photographer from Rochester, NY. A “medium-sized” city in his opinion — but something was growing there.

There was a confidence in his eyes when he described the talent in his city. World-class talent by most standards (even if scarce), but plenty of talent for his city-members to collaborate with!

This struck me, why have I been trying to build a “global-network” when there’s thriving talent pool in my own city?

For founders, why work with someone across the US when you can meet them in person, or at-least call in the same timezone?

Being close simplifies many things: calling, meeting-up, hitting deadlines, and getting to know each other. It feels like you’re working with a neighbor, someone in Inman Park of EAV, not Santa Cruz.

Don’t get me wrong, California is cool, but it’s not Atlanta. It’s not home.

There’s a certain homeyness that comes with knowing the same people, eating at the same restaurants, and frequenting the same coffee shops.

Also, design is so highly contextual, small startups need a designer who understands the cultural and economic landscape of their startups hometown. What works in Silicon Valley may not work in Atlanta and certainly all the good designers aren’t in California!

These ideas caused me to challenge the current format of DesignCue. If we can pair local startups with on-par design talent that is local, why don’t we focus on cities first?

So, I’m happy to announce the DesignCue local beta program. Here are some of the program details:

• find local freelance designers starting at $90/hr
• get matched with vetted Atlanta-based designers
• hire a designer to work remotely, meet-up frequently, or work in your office several days a week
• discounted rates
• a dedicated, local project manager (me) offer additional in-person design support and keep things running smoothly
• submit a brief to start a project and get matched with the right designer

If you need a designer and would like to participate in the program, you can email me directly at pa@designcue.co or find me at Switchyards in downtown Atlanta to talk design.

If you’re an Atlanta-based designer, you can apply to be a part of the network here: www.designcue.io/talent