KNOW MORE
It is important to ask the right questions before hiring a graphic designer. This will help you to find a designer who is a good fit for your project and who can deliver the results that you need. Find out my answers to your questions.
What do you do as a Graphic Designer?
I typically create logos, branding, and identity images, design websites and user interfaces, create print materials, and create motion graphics and videos. Graphic Designers assemble images, typography, or motion graphics to create a piece of design primarily for published, printed, or electronic media, such as brochures, advertising or social media. A designer's job is to present information in a way that is consistent with a companies branding, accessible, and memorable.
Why do I need a Graphic Designer?
A professional graphic designer has the skill and resources can help you to create visual materials that are both professional and persuasive. This can help you to improve your brand, engage your customer, increase your validity and consumer trust, increase your sales, save time and money, and reach your business goals.
What can I expect as a client?
What file types will I receive?
All the files I create will be available to you. Most importantly, you will get a zip file of an EPS, PDF, JPG, and PNG of all logos and artwork that were created in project development. If anything might be missing or a different size, those are considered minor changes and are included as a part of the project and will not require an additional fee. If any changes are made to color, placement or any other change to the original design, those are major changes and will be charged at the hourly rate.
Will I own the copyright?
Yes, you will own the right to file for the copyright. It requires some paperwork, and you are welcome to pursue it, but the design is yours outright. If a royalty-free stock image is purchased, you will buy it and it is also yours to use on your products and publications (unless previously stated in the licensing agreement on their website).
What is your design process?
Design is a mixture of research, arrangement and originality. A good designer is constantly researching and looking for what is new and different, what is trending and how those trends work into all the different clients that come through the door. I do not entertain plagiarism—there is no need for it. I do encourage clients to show me the looks they have seen that they like. A client can tell me what image they are trying to portray by showing me the styles they enjoy. This makes the design process faster and I can hit the mark.
Do you provide an estimate?
I provide a general estimate with the contract, or I can provide an itemized estimate upon request. It would take the known items of the project start to finish through the printing process. On the final invoice, it will be noted how time was spent. Estimates are based on the $55/hr. rate.
Do you offer on going support?
Yes, if you need a logo saved and sent to someone, a photo cropped, or a file saved a specific way, I will make sure you get it quickly for the hourly rate of $55/hr. I will tabulate the time I spent on graphic support over a period of time and invoice it all on one convenient invoice.
I also provide a yearly contract that locks in your hourly rate for the year as well as providing you with once a month billing (vs. per project and contracts per project)
How long have you been a designer?
I began my career in 1989 right at the cusp of the computer age! I feel like I am the fortunate one to have been in a field that changed so rapidly. It has been an amazing journey of learning and skill sharpening, but it all built on the foundation. It has provided me experience in both PC and Mac platforms and I have cut my teeth on Adobe products. I learned early on about good design principles. Some things never change.
What other services are a part of the cost?
I will personally work with your printer and talk shop with the people behind the counter to make sure they understand your wishes. This helps to make sure your product is produced to the highest standard. I will approve the proofs from the first printout. I can even pick it up to insure the standard was met. Unless otherwise arranged, I will deliver it to you in person. If using an online source, I will upload logos and artwork. I do not add a mark-up to print jobs. After I make sure all details are correct, you'll purchase your prints directly from the printer. If you are not in the area, I can drop ship print items to your door.
All the files I create will be available to you. Most importantly, you will get a zip file of an EPS, PDF, JPG, and PNG of all logos and artwork that were created in project development. If anything might be missing or a different size, those are considered minor changes and are included as a part of the project and will not require an additional fee. If any changes are made to color, placement or any other change to the original design, those are major changes and will be charged at the hourly rate.
Will I own the copyright?
Yes, you will own the right to file for the copyright. It requires some paperwork, and you are welcome to pursue it, but the design is yours outright. If a royalty-free stock image is purchased, you will buy it and it is also yours to use on your products and publications (unless previously stated in the licensing agreement on their website).
What is your design process?
Design is a mixture of research, arrangement and originality. A good designer is constantly researching and looking for what is new and different, what is trending and how those trends work into all the different clients that come through the door. I do not entertain plagiarism—there is no need for it. I do encourage clients to show me the looks they have seen that they like. A client can tell me what image they are trying to portray by showing me the styles they enjoy. This makes the design process faster and I can hit the mark.
Do you provide an estimate?
I provide a general estimate with the contract, or I can provide an itemized estimate upon request. It would take the known items of the project start to finish through the printing process. On the final invoice, it will be noted how time was spent. Estimates are based on the $55/hr. rate.
Do you offer on going support?
Yes, if you need a logo saved and sent to someone, a photo cropped, or a file saved a specific way, I will make sure you get it quickly for the hourly rate of $55/hr. I will tabulate the time I spent on graphic support over a period of time and invoice it all on one convenient invoice.
I also provide a yearly contract that locks in your hourly rate for the year as well as providing you with once a month billing (vs. per project and contracts per project)
How long have you been a designer?
I began my career in 1989 right at the cusp of the computer age! I feel like I am the fortunate one to have been in a field that changed so rapidly. It has been an amazing journey of learning and skill sharpening, but it all built on the foundation. It has provided me experience in both PC and Mac platforms and I have cut my teeth on Adobe products. I learned early on about good design principles. Some things never change.
What other services are a part of the cost?
I will personally work with your printer and talk shop with the people behind the counter to make sure they understand your wishes. This helps to make sure your product is produced to the highest standard. I will approve the proofs from the first printout. I can even pick it up to insure the standard was met. Unless otherwise arranged, I will deliver it to you in person. If using an online source, I will upload logos and artwork. I do not add a mark-up to print jobs. After I make sure all details are correct, you'll purchase your prints directly from the printer. If you are not in the area, I can drop ship print items to your door.
