Frequently asked questions
To help potential clients, I’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions I receive.
If there’s anything else you want to know, or for additional explanation, do get in touch.
FAQs about hiring me
Click a question to jump down the page.
- What exactly do you sell?
- How much does it cost to work with you?
- Such and such charges less. Can you match them?
- How long will the project take to complete?
- Can you start right away?
- What does the process involve?
- What exactly do I receive during the course of the project?
- Can you make my design look like this?
- You’re in a different country from me. Will this affect things?
- Can you help with commercial printing?
- How do you accept payment?
- Will you use current trends for my design?
- Can you recommend other graphic designers?
What exactly do you sell?
I sell brand identity design that differentiates my clients’ companies from their competitors, boosting client profits by helping them attract and retain their ideal customer base.
I’ve listed a range of specific deliverables here.
How much does it cost to work with you?
It varies depending on the specific needs of each client, and I’m happy to provide a quote when I learn more about the design brief.
Think of brand identity design as an investment. It’s a venture that when combined with a great product or service will pay off year upon year for the entire life of a business.
If you understand just how profitable good design can be, let’s talk.
Such and such charges less. Can you match them?
No. Design isn’t a commodity.
“A commodity is anything for which there is demand, but which is supplied without qualitative differentiation across a market. In other words, copper is copper. Rice is rice. Stereos, on the other hand, have many levels of quality. And, the better a stereo is, the more it will cost.”
— WIKIPEDIA
Just as the client chooses the designer, the designer also chooses the client. It’s up to the designer to work with those who value the service provided. My satisfied client list is extensive (you can read feedback here).
How long will the project take to complete?
Time frames vary from three weeks to three months or more, with the schedule depending almost entirely on project deliverables.
Can you start right away?
It’s possible, but my focus is always on current clients, and I never accept more than two or three projects at any one time.
What does the process involve?
Here’s a brief overview of the design process.
What exactly do I receive during the course of the project?
I normally send clients a PDF presentation showcasing two or three effective brand identity options. The designs are displayed in a variety of formats and contexts to show how the identity adapts across different touchpoints.
Can you make my design look similar to this?
That’d be easy, but is it really a good idea to “fit in?” It’s more difficult, but ultimately much more rewarding, if the design sets a company apart.
You’re in a different country from me. Will this affect things?
The majority of my clients are from outside the UK. This hasn’t adversely affected any of my design projects, and as much as I enjoy meeting face-to-face, communication via telephone, Skype, and email can often save both of us considerable time that would otherwise be spent travelling to and from meetings.
Can you help with commercial printing?
I’ve dealt with many print companies around the world, and I’m more than happy to offer advice on how to save on print costs. Here’s a brief primer: 12 money-saving questions to ask before printing your promotional material. Reader comments beneath the post also contain useful tips.
How do you accept payment?
With most projects I request a 50% downpayment prior to scheduling the work. This is payable by via bank transfer (other payment options considered upon request). Details are included in my invoice, and the remaining 50% is payable upon completion of the project, prior to supply of original artwork.
Will you use current trends for my design?
It’s unfair to have clients returning after a couple of years when their identity is out-of-date. The work I create is intended to last the duration of clients’ businesses — not to look trendy.
Can you recommend other graphic designers?
If you can tell me what your budget is, it’s possible I can point you in the right direction, but if you aren’t sure, here’s a broad resource that might be of some use: Where to find the right designer.
Thank you
Drop me a message with any other questions you have.
