Set smaller goals. If you're using a designer for the first time, have a 15 minute progress chat every few days. Use it as a time to cover any questions that have come up, look at his progress so far, take about any scope changes, etc.
Also, how much were you paying? A lot of designers (well, a lot of people) don't want to say no. You can oftentimes talk people into working for less than they think they are worth... Which leads to them de-prioritizing your work. If you're the least lucrative bit of work that they have, it's not good.
And, when it comes to hiring (contractor or otherwise), you've GOT TO DO THE WORK. Ask them for references, call them, and ask them hard questions.
Comments
Set smaller goals. If you're using a designer for the first time, have a 15 minute progress chat every few days. Use it as a time to cover any questions that have come up, look at his progress so far, take about any scope changes, etc.
Also, how much were you paying? A lot of designers (well, a lot of people) don't want to say no. You can oftentimes talk people into working for less than they think they are worth... Which leads to them de-prioritizing your work. If you're the least lucrative bit of work that they have, it's not good.
And, when it comes to hiring (contractor or otherwise), you've GOT TO DO THE WORK. Ask them for references, call them, and ask them hard questions.