How I Work

Ok. Let me be in your shoes for a second. You've seen my work and have selected me to work on your design project. I don't know you and you don't know me. You have questions and concerns or maybe you are just new to this and have never worked with a Graphic Designer before. On top of that, you have your hard earned money involved and want to know where your money is going. I can go on and on with this scenario. So, to address any questions you may have I've included a breakdown of how I work.

 

Getting Started.

After our first meeting (online or via phone unless you are local), I will assess your design needs. In order to do so, a design questionnaire must be filled out by you, the client. It is a lovely form that is sent by me to you via email. Yes. I do understand that you can just tell me what it is you need over the phone and yes you can show me previous work from another designer or project. And yes you can forward me to this person or that person or human resources or whoever else. Dump the confusion. You have enough on your plate as it is. Believe it or not, this questionnaire helps me understand your design wants and needs the first time around. I will have it to reference back to whenever I have a question about your project and it allows me design your project the way it should be. That way I don't have to spend precious design time (and your money) calling/emailing you back and forth for every little question I may have. This, believe it or not, is what makes or breaks a design project. I cannot stress enough how important it is to complete this questionnaire. So please, please, PLEASE, take the time to fill it out to your best ability. Trust me, you will thank me for it later.

Once I receive a completed design questionnaire from you, then I am able to provide you with a written estimate. This is based off of the type of design project, turnaround time, whether or not is it is a rush job (you needed it like yesterday), etc. I try my best to stick within this estimate as much as possible unless the project changes or the project has gone over the estimated number of changes.

 

No Deposit No Work.

With most design projects, a deposit equal to at least 50% of the total design fee along with a signed agreement is due up front prior to scheduling your project. Payments may be made via online through PayPal and by check (local clients only). I do this to protect my clients and myself. Work on your project will begin once payment has been cleared. Details are included in my invoice, and the remaining amount is payable upon completion of the project, prior to supply of original artwork.

 

Next.

So you've signed the agreement and made that deposit. After doing so, I will go over scheduling, budget and any other specifications or preferences. Please include any photos, logos, content or anything else important that I may need to include in your project. The more I have up front, the easier the design process will be.

 

Additional Expenses.

Additional expenses may include courier services, overnight delivery, copy writing or editing, client alterations over original estimate, CDs, stock imagery, and or illustration. I will try my best to alert you whenever I recognize that your project will go over the estimate. Nobody likes surprises, well at least any of this kind.

 

Initial Proofs.

I hate to tell you, but design work cannot always be created with a snap of a finger. Depending on the project, I usually ask for at two week turnaround for the first draft after I've received everything from you. There are times when I am able to produce work with a faster turnaround time. If your project is a rush job or you have a tight deadline, I may be able to assist you, but please keep in mind that the pricing will change. Every project is different, so I learn individual needs before providing a schedule.

 

Printing.

I prefer that you allow me to handle your project through the final printing/production stage. If I create this awesome project for you the last thing I want to happen is for it to end up in the wrong hands. I oversee the entire process to get the best results and some. I deal with quality printers not only for the pricing but for their expertise and quality of work they produce. So if you take your project to Joe Schmoe (or any other print-on-the-fly-cheaply establishment) and end up with a nasty little surprise just don't say I didn't warn you. In other words, I will not be held responsible for the quality and reproduction of printing I don't supervise.

 

Approvals.

I try my best to make sure your project is on point and that all information in your job is correct. It is, however, the responsibility of you, the client to review all material before printing or publishing to make sure everything is accurate. Want a perfect project? Then please take the time to review your proofs.

 

Confidentiality.

Want to protect your intellectual property? No problem. I am happy to agree to and sign confidentiality agreements with any client that I work with.

 

Killed Jobs aka "The Idea that Never Made it Off the Ground".

If I've been contracted to do a job somewhere through the job, you decide to cancel the project, you will be responsible for paying for the time put into the job thus far. You will be charged for all hours after initial consultation. In other words, you are financially obligated for all work done, whether or not it is used.

 

Say No to Spec Work.

Please do not ask me or any other designer to do speculative work. It is bad for you and your business and for the designer. Need to see my work? I have a portfolio that speaks for itself allowing you and any other client to decide whether or not I am the one for the job. Need some light on the subject? I know this may not be you, but for anyone that feels as though someone including designers are to produce work without pay or at least a deposit, I want you to please do the world and myself a favor and visit www.no-spec.com. You can take a short cut here. Any requests for spec work will receive an honest reply and a reality check.

 

Ownership and File Delivery.

Even with the law stating that the rights of any artwork remains with me, the artist, I want you to be the final owner of your project. So, once I've received full payment of your project, the rights of the final work will be transferred to you, the client. Any rights protected photography or illustrations will remain with the author. A copy of your file will be given in either a .pdf or .eps format set to print. Such files can be scaled to any size without loss of quality, and with the right software, you can create any other filetype necessary (.jpg, .png, .gif, etc.). I’m more than happy to help with specific file requests, and answer any questions if you are unsure.

 

Many thanks.

Should you have any questions of your own, by all means drop me a message, or if you haven’t already, you’re more than welcome to browse through my graphic design portfolio. Thank you and I look forward to working with you.