i've worked with a lot of designers, and one that worked out great for me actually contacted me out of the blue, but usually i like to see a track record. a good portfolio is nice, because the portfolio page itself also shows the kind of work the designer does

of course, i've worked with webinc based on portfolio but also reputation. and i've also hired designers for projects based on contest entries on gfy.

so - your turn. what makes you choose a designer?