[dynabros]

There are plenty of designers out there, and I agree that dribbble is a great way of finding a database of designers. But when you do find some designs you like and are getting ready to contact people, here are some tips:

1) Personal taste - designers are unlike developers, whereas design skill usually can't be quantified. You can't give a designer a code test. My main qualification for a designer is if I like their work. Their style usually remains consistent throughout their projects, so there's no guessing involved. Request their portfolio and imagine how they would interpret your app. Do you think it meshes with your personal style?

2) Personality - can you talk to this designer easily? How open are they to your opinions? Make sure you feel comfortable chatting, because I guarantee you're not going to like something in their first iteration. You're going to want them to change it, and the optimal outcome should be them welcoming the change. You also want someone who can criticize your opinions in a nice way.

3) Make your app sound like the bomb - the good designers have a chip on their shoulder. Many of them are able to choose who they work with, so you're going to want to make your project sound fun to work with. Its important, because why else would a top designer want to work with you?

4) Don't worry about distance - designers are easy to work with at a distance. Just make sure their fluent in your native tongue to get points across.

Good luck!