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Shedding a little light.
Answers to commonly asked questions.

How does the creative process work?
After being assigned a project I schedule information-gathering meetings with you and your staff. We discuss your objectives, preferences, target audience, and detailed descriptions of all the user features and benefits of your product or service. Then we research your industry, audience, and competition and develop one to three concepts for your review. After one is chosen, we produce the final version for approval.

That's a very simplistic overview, but that's the general flow. I wrote an in depth article on the subject entitled, “The Creative Process”. You can also learn more about the designer/client relationship via downloadable PDF called, "Working Together” (Call for password).

How much will it cost?
Every project is by nature custom-made so we do not have a set price list. We determine a price by evaluating your needs and estimating the amount of time for research, concept development, and production plus any expenses. And we keep your budget in mind. Our pricing in competitively lower than what other firms charge with the same level of talent and experience, and we usually have an estimate for you within 24 hours.

Every client has a budget in mind, but you may feel apprehensive about revealing it with the idea of being cost-efficient. Price does matter, but it shouldn't be your top criteria. Those who understand the persuasive power of a creativity and intelligent design realize that the ultimate gains in revenue and exposure will ultimately outweigh any initial design investment.

What is the difference between designers and design firms?
Ultimately, it depends on what your needs are. Unfortunately, anyone with a computer can call themselves a graphic designer, so it's important to schedule an interview, and see the creative solutions they've provided in the past. We compare the features and benefits when selecting the design firm in an article entitled, "How to Choose a Graphic Design Firm."

How long will it take?
It really depends on the scope of the project, but typically a logo design will take 2-3 weeks. Standard web sites take on average take 3-4 weeks to complete. A timeframe is put together after the information-gathering meetings and after contacting any outside services. We also provide regular progress updates pride ourselves on being able to meet or exceed your most critical deadline. One thing to keep in mind, it’s best not to wait until the last minute; there is no substitute for time when it comes to creativity. However, we do make every effort to adjust our schedule to accommodate your needs.

Can I use my own printer?
Yes, but a few words of caution. we do prefer to supervise your project with printers we've had relationships with for years. This ensures the best results, and can sometimes help in avoiding additional fees associated with your job. We base our file preparation on a strict set of specifications, and any requirements set by your printer may incur additional charges. Our article on "Using Design Firms for Printing" may interest you.

If you have a question that's not answered here, please feel free to email or call us.

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