Interested in hiring me?
For companies or individuals interested in hiring me, or even interested in offering me a full time position, there are many questions that will immediately come to mind. You are going to want to know the Who, What, Why, Where and When and many other questions. This will help to create a more clear, concise and direct communication when contact is finally made.
How much will it cost me?
An important question, but one that can’t be answered without specific details about the design project. Every company or individual’s needs are different, so it makes sense to tailor a quote to individual needs. Pricing varies depending upon a large number of factors; size of company, scope and details of work, deadline, etc. Comparing the design profession to any other is by no means exact, but the, “How much for a logo?” question is kind of like asking a realtor, “How much for a house?”
What does the cost include?
The cost includes full dedication to your account. The client receives full ownership of the completed artwork, along with original files suitable for use across a wide range of media.
Such and such charges less than you. Can you match them?
Design is not a commodity. Just as a client chooses a designer, the designer should choose the client. It’s up to the designer to work with those who value the service provided and vise versa. Negotiation is possible if the variables ensure a fair result for both sides.
How long will the project take to complete?
At the beginning of each project the designer and client will set some delivery timeframes, such as when initial ideas are to be expected, and how long possible revisions may take. As each project is different, I wait until learning about client needs before providing a deadline. Depending upon complexity and how prepared the client is with their materials and ideas, projects can last from a few hours to upwards of a few months. It is best to have an initial “needs-assessment” prior to beginning a project in order to ensure fastest turnaround time possible. As the saying goes: “The devil is in the details”.
Can you start right away?
It’s possible, but not likely. I pride myself on paying close attention to my current clients and their ongoing projects. Taking on too much work at once will adversely affect the end result and deadline. However, do not be afraid to ask. I will be more than happy to review the proposal.
What’s involved in the design process?
In regards to the wide scope of services I provide, the process depends on the nature of the work proposed. However, to give an overall scope of how it will work here is a general brief: Estimate proposal > Conceptual creative meeting to discuss and plan client needs > Initial design concepts for review > Actual design stage > Review of final proof > Edit and review of corrections/revisions > Job wrap-up upon client satisfaction and approval.
What exactly do I receive when you send initial design ideas?
I will normally send clients either a JPEG, or a PDF file with the examples shown over a number of pages. PDF’s are the most universally funtional type of document for this need. JPEGs serve a functional purpose for single page items.
What filetypes do you provide?
For printable items: Branding/identity items (lgogos, business card, letterhead, etc) will generally be Adobe Illustrator (.ai), or Encapsulated PostScript (.eps). The brandmark will be in vector format, which means it can be scaled to any size necessary without loss of quality. From either of these files, and with the proper software, the client will be able to create any other filetype necessary (.jpg, .png, .gif, etc.). Print advertising, catalog/brochure items and other print work will usually be print-ready high resolution PDFs. Multi-media style presentations will usually be exported as Quicktime movies. For web-related items: If I design & develop a website or social media network either stand-alone, or integrated into your website, I will walk you through the education and tutoring of how to manage your sites.
How much of your project research is based upon client competition and their identity designs?
A great deal. Evaluating the competition is a necessary part of the process, and should be expected from any graphic designer. Even though I research client competitors for every project, some clients choose not to have this stage documented and supplied, thus saving money.
What if we are located out of the US? Can we still work together?
While there is nothing obviously more effective than face-to-face communication, this usually doesn’t have an effect on whether or not I can still provide my services to you. I have done work for companies from across the country that I never actually got to meet in person. I consider myself a proficient veteran of “working virtually” and have a master’s grasp of the technoloigcal side of what it takes to work virtuallly in a user-friendly way. Do not let the idea of working virtual stop you from inquiring. You would be surprised at how much time can sometimes be saved by actually working this way. I can easily guide you through the process.
Can we talk on the telephone?
Absolutely. All clients receive my mobile phone number, and I’m available between 9am and 5pm Eastern US time, from Monday to Friday (except during weekends and holidays). Visit my contact page to initiate contact.
How do you accept payment?
With most design projects, I request a 50% deposit for jobs over $300 with amount based on scale of job, and prior to scheduling the work. This is payable by a number of methods: via Venmo, PayPal or Zelle is most preferred (inquire for info, can use CC), however, money order or check can be sent too (ask for pay information). All details are included in an initial invoice, and the remaining amount is payable upon completion of the project with 100% client satisfaction.