Frequently asked graphic design questions

How much does design X cost?

Pricing varies depending on many factors. For example, A small business may require a selection of refined logo concepts and business card design and can easily manage their identity usage. A large or national business would more likely require extensive presentation, a wide range of stationery design and a comprehensive identity standards and usage guide. A website may require five or fifty pages. The later of both instances would obviously affect the cost.

Having said that, design should be thought of as an investment. Not an expense. When coupled with a quality product or service, a well designed brand identity, website or advertisement will pay for itself again and again.

How long does the design process take?

Projects can vary from 2 weeks to several months, it depends entirely on what deliverables are required. Feel free to get in touch to discuss your needs and deadlines.

When can you start?

I may be able to start on your project straight away, but it depends on my current workload. To ensure quality is maintained and deadlines are met, I can only accept a certain amount of projects at a time.

What will I receive for initial branding and logo ideas?

From my initial roughs and ideas I will select a those that I feel work best. You will be sent a PDF file containing computer rendered examples of the preferred concepts. Initial roughs and sketches can be included if you desire.

Your PDF file will include a 100% black version, greyscale version and a reversed image on a black background to display how your logo will look on a variety of reproductions. A variety of colour schemes for you logo may also be included depending on your requirements.

PDF is a standard document format. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, it is available as a free download here.

What files will I receive once my project is finished?

Finished files will typically be provided as PDF documents. This is standard vector format file types which can be scaled to any size without loss of quality.

Source files for your final design will be provided as a Illustrator (.ai), Encapsulated PostScript (.eps), Photoshop (.psd) or InDesign (.indd) depending on your project. With the appropriate software these formats can be saved as any other format you require.

Can we speak on the telephone to discuss a project?

We can indeed. After contacting me initially via this webpage you will receive my phone number and we can certainly speak on the telephone.

Can we meet face-to-face to discuss a project?

I work from south-east Melbourne, if you are nearby and would like to discuss your project face-to-face, a time can certainly be arranged to do so.

I’m in a different country from you, is that a problem?

It’s no problem. Though it’s nice to meet face-to-face, there is no reason a design project can’t be completed via telephone and email. From my design studio in Melbourne I have worked with clients from the United States, China and the United Kingdom, and would be happy to work with you wherever you are.

How/when do I pay for my design project.

Typically I require a 50% deposit prior to beginning work, with the balance to be paid upon approval of final artwork and prior to its delivery, this includes payment for any printed media required such as business cards and letterheads. A copy of my project agreement will be sent to you prior to beginning work, which outlines the process.

I accept direct deposit/bank transfer, Paypal or cheque as payment methods.

Do you do free pitching and/or speculative work?

I do not.

Can you arrange printing for me? Can I arrange printing myself?

Either way is fine. If you do not have a preferred printer I can manage the process for you. If you prefer to manage the process yourself I can simply provide finished, print ready artwork files.

How long does it take to receive my printed media once approved?

Once the final design has been approved, banner and large format printing generally takes five to six working days while offset printing generally takes eight to twelve working days.

These are of course general figures, large projects, or those with complexities such as embossing or foil-stamping will take longer.

I want a website, but do not have a domain name or hosting provider.

I can register a domain name for you, and arrange web hosting on your behalf. Please be aware, though inexpensive, domain name registration and hosting is an additional, and re-occurring cost outside the scope of your design project.

If transferred to your sole control, it will be your responsibility to renew your domain name and/or hosting account when required. Domain name registration and website hosting is typically done on a 1 to 5 year basis.

I have a question not answered here…

If you are unsure about anything at all feel free to contact me. I’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.