[pitdesi]

We (http://feefighters.com) found our lead designer in Bulgaria. We posted a project on Crowdspring where we asked for a redesign of TransFS.com. Tisho (http://twitter.com/tisho) did such a good job that we brought him on full-time.

We don't have any communications/timezone/culture issues at all... he knows American pop-culture better than most of us do (thank torrents for that I suppose?), his English is impeccable, and the time zone thing isn't usually an issue because we all have crazy sleep/work schedules anyway.

On a related note, using 99designs, Crowdspring, Elance, etc are great early on and then if you find someone you really like, hire them!

That being said, Tisho says that is a pretty idealized picture of Bulgaria... Folks aren't necessarily as highly experienced & motivated as this would suggest, and taxes aren't as low as this article suggests either.

[huyegn]

We're also looking into getting a designer for our site, I'd be interested in hearing how you managed the project.

When you started with your designer, how did you convey the type of look and feel that you wanted to give your business? Did you point them to other similar looking sites or was he/she the one that pushed forward the final vision and design (which BTW looks great)?

[hristiank]

I guess the idealized picture depends on the point of view. The point of the article is for startups to think about options other than fighting for the same group of developers in Silicon Valley. As with any field there are capable people and then there are those that just get by. Finding the right fit for your company is not easy but also not imposible.

[teyc]

Thanks - this is actionable. Could you ask Tisho what are the other channels available. Is eLance et al the place to start?