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A longer answer...it's probably not essential, but it certainly helps and saves valuable time.
I've seen examples left by "gallery designers" left on this board where it is difficult to impossible to ascertain where the links are. If a surfer can't find the link to the paysite, what's the point?
I've seen examples of gallery designs posted on this board that have no chance of ever being posted on the hun. Wouldn't it be easier to just tell the designer that you want a template that will be accepted on the hun, and have them know what you mean?
There are big differences between templates to be used in paid spots, as submitted galleries and free hosted galleries. Do you want to spend your time describing to the designer what to do in each instance.
I also know that there are big differences in what text you use on a gallery and the links. For example, if you put the text "free video previews" as a link, my experience tells me that you will get a fairly high click through ratio, but generally a shitty conversion ratio. You just attract the free-loaders.
There are many more things that could be said on this topic, but the bottom line is the more you have to tell your designer to do, the more it just becomes pointless not to do the work yourself.
Experience is not essential, but it certainly is a cost saver. And if you meet a designer that knows what he is doing, maybe he will design galleries more effective than what you already know will work.
But then again, if the designer knew all of this why would he be designing for other people?
I think the ideal gallery designer submits, but designs for others to fill extra time.
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