Review the evidence signals before interviewing. Then use the anchored descriptions—not instinct alone—to choose the score that best matches each answer.
01
Evaluation factor
Portfolio
35% weight
Review their portfolio for range across scripts: copperplate, Spencerian, uncial, modern brush, Arabic or Chinese if claimed. Look for paid commissions, wedding suites, logotypes, and live event work.
Evidence to listen for
Work exists and can be looked at, not just described
States what they made versus what the team or a template made
Shows range rather than one repeated style
Can walk through a piece from brief to final
Five-point scoring guide
1
Poor
No portfolio, or work that is unattributable or clearly templated.
2
Needs Improvement
Thin portfolio; unclear what they personally made.
3
Satisfactory
Real work with adequate range; contribution mostly clear.
4
Very Good
Strong varied portfolio with clear personal ownership.
5
Excellent
Shows a deep body of commissioned work across several hands, with client names, print runs, and envelope or signage volumes.
02
Evaluation factor
Craft and rationale
25% weight
Probe tool command: pointed nib versus broad edge, oblique holder, sumi versus walnut ink, gouache mixing, vellum and handmade paper behaviour, and gilding or embossing technique.
Evidence to listen for
Explains why a layout, type choice, or colour decision serves the brief
Knows typography and hierarchy as craft, not decoration
Works to a brand system without either breaking it or hiding behind it
Names the tools they are genuinely fast in
Five-point scoring guide
1
Poor
Cannot explain any decision; work is arbitrary.
2
Needs Improvement
Talks in taste terms only; no link between choice and brief.
3
Satisfactory
Sound craft with some ability to justify decisions.
4
Very Good
Articulate about why each choice serves the brief.
5
Excellent
Explains nib, ink, and substrate choices for a specific piece, including bleed tests and why one script suited that text.
03
Evaluation factor
Feedback and iteration
25% weight
Test how they handle client redlines on spacing, flourish density, or a misspelled name, and whether they redo pieces at their own cost.
Evidence to listen for
Takes critique without treating it as an attack
Distinguishes a subjective preference from a real problem, and says so politely
Iterates fast rather than defending version one
Delivers files correctly and on time
Five-point scoring guide
1
Poor
Defensive about critique; will not revise.
2
Needs Improvement
Accepts feedback passively; iterations do not improve the work.
3
Satisfactory
Revises willingly; struggles to push back on weak feedback.
4
Very Good
Iterates quickly and can argue for the work when the feedback is wrong.
5
Excellent
Describes real revision rounds, shows before and after layouts, and owns errors with a clear reflow or reletter policy.
04
Evaluation factor
Working with the brief
15% weight
Assess quoting and scheduling on briefs: per-envelope pricing, guest list turnaround, ink colour matched to a brand palette, and delivery under event deadlines.
Evidence to listen for
Asks about audience and goal before opening the design tool
Works with marketing, product, or clients rather than in isolation
Flags an impossible brief early
Hands over files and assets others can actually use
Five-point scoring guide
1
Poor
Designs in isolation; ignores the brief's purpose.
2
Needs Improvement
Starts designing before understanding the goal.
3
Satisfactory
Asks the right questions when prompted.
4
Very Good
Interrogates the brief up front and hands over cleanly.
5
Excellent
Quotes from a real brief with per-piece rates, spoilage allowance, and dates met on a large addressing or signage job.
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