COSTS & PAYMENTS
I usually agree a project fee based on how long I expect the work to take. If it takes less time than anticipated, you’ll pay less. If it looks like things might overrun (which occasionally happens for all sorts of reasons), we’ll have a chat and agree a way forward.
Yes, always. The first chat comes with no strings attached. It’s not just about finding out about the project, but seeing if we’re a good fit for each other.
For small projects – no, not usually. However, for larger projects usually involving multiple designs, a 50% deposit is usually requested. However, I can be flexible and offer payment terms based over a number of months if that’s a better way forward.
I’m sorry if this feels like a cop-out answer, but that depends on what you want and what sort of budget you have. I try really hard to not let budget be a barrier, but it’s not always possible. When we sit down to have our initial chat, we’ll cover cost then to get the awkward conversation out of the way.
A really helpful way of thinking about budget is this: “what are you comfortable spending?” If you need a new washing machine, for example, you’ll have some sort of idea what amount you’re comfortable spending and then you try to get the best washing machine you can for your budget. It’s the same here. You’ll have an instinctive limit on what you are willing to spend (usually based on perceived value) and so the question isn’t “how much is this thing going to cost me?” but ‘how much am I comfortable spending to get the result I need”.
We have that conversation early and try to agree a way forward from there.
WORKING WITH ME
At the very least, I will need a copy of your logo in as high a resolution as you have and, if you have them, a copy of your brand guidelines – although I appreciate not everyone does. I’ll also need the words you want to use and we’ll have a chat about images. We’ll discuss anything else pertinent to your project as we go through the briefing process, and if you need access to other services – such as copywriting or photography – then I can make the necessary introductions.
That’s absolutely fine. Not everyone does. And some people want something that I feel isn’t right and I can suggest a better solution. This is why it’s so important to have a good in-depth discussion before we start the design process. I’m here to offer advice, challenge ideas where necessary, and help you find the right creative solution for your business.
In short – as many as necessary as long as we’re within the scope of the original brief. If the project starts to grow or change direction, then we may need to have a chat and agree a way forward.
Absolutely, yes. When we chat through your project, I take into account other marketing assets you already have: your logo, business card, flyers, website and social media designs. Unless directed otherwise, I will strive to match my work is consistent with your existing designs and brand guidelines.
If you have a range of marketing materials that all look and feel different from each other, we’ll work towards establishing a baseline and start from there. If necessary, we can then work together to bring some of those other marketing assets in line with the agreed baseline so everything works as a consistent and cohesive whole.
It depends on the project and how much content and other assets you have ready to go. When discussing your project, we’ll always discuss deadlines and I’ll work with those as much as possible. If they aren’t realistic, we will look at other options and solutions.
I’ll always do my best to accommodate tight deadlines, and it’s always worth asking what’s possible.
However, if your project involves commercial printing, you’ll need to allow a few working days for production and delivery, even if I can turn the design around the same day. I’ll always be upfront about what’s achievable and help you find the best way forward.
Absolutely. While I love working with clients over the long term, I’m equally happy to work on individual projects as and when you need me.
I’m happy to work on whatever basis suits you and your business. You don’t need to commit to a retainer or ongoing relationship to work with me – unless you want to, of course!
Yes. Using tools like Zoom or Teams means I can work with clients regardless of where they’re based. I can even design live online, turning the design process into something far more dynamic, interactive and collaborative.
DESIGNS & DELIVERABLES
In short – no. It often takes more time and effort to reproduce something an AI model has generated than if I’d started from scratch and used my skill and creativity to create something bespoke, personal to you and 100% on brand.
As good as AI models can be at helping you visualise your ideas and generate something that looks convincing, the designs they come up with aren’t always technically or practically usable.
That doesn’t mean they’re not useful. Far from it! They can be a great starting point and help me understand what’s in your head. But I’d encourage you not to become too attached to what AI has produced. There may be other approaches or creative ideas that work even better for your business.
My job isn’t simply to recreate what AI has generated. It’s to take your ideas, vision and passion for what you do, bring my experience and creativity to the table, and turn them into something that really makes a difference.
Both options have their place. Here’s an honest look at the pros and cons of each.
Using tools like Canva
The upsides:
- Affordable and accessible. Great if you’re on a tight budget or need something quickly. Most tools offer free options and work in your browser
- Easy to use. Ready-made templates help you create something that looks reasonably professional without specialist design skills.
- Print-ready PDFs. You can export PDFs with the appropriate print settings, including bleed and crop marks where needed.
The downsides:
- Your time isn’t free. The hours you spend wrestling with a design could be better spent running your business – or enjoying some well-earned time with family and friends.
- Consistency is a challenge. Will your new design look and feel like the rest of your marketing? A consistent brand presence helps people recognise and trust your business.
- Looking good isn’t the same as good design. Does your marketing communicate the right message, reflect your brand and connect with your target audience? Or does it just look nice?
Work with a professional designer
The upsides:
- Save time and get it right. Work with a specialist who understands your business and knows how to turn your brief into effective marketing materials.
- Made for you, not everyone. Bespoke design that reflects your brand, speaks to your audience and helps you stand out from the crowd.
- Designed for the real world. Artwork prepared for its intended purpose, whether that’s print, digital or both, and aligned with your existing brand and marketing materials.
- Experience makes a difference. A good designer asks the right questions, challenges assumptions and brings the skills and experience to create something that works for your business – not just something that looks good.
The downsides:
- Availability. If you need something immediately, I might not be able to fit you in. But it’s always worth asking.
- Cost. Yes, professional design is an investment. But it might cost less than you think – particularly when you consider the time you’ll save and the results you’re working towards.
Yes. One of the first things I’ll establish is whether your design is intended for print, digital, or both. Although they might look identical, the artwork is prepared differently for each medium. Getting this right from the outset means your designs will look their best wherever they’re used.
Yes. As mentioned in another question, I don’t offer printing as a service. But my background is in print production, so you can be confident that any design requiring commercial printing will be prepared correctly and ready for production. I can also advise you on what will look good and work well for your project – giving you some options to think through.
I can either connect you directly with one of my trusted print partners or arrange the printing on your behalf. And unlike some designers, I don’t add any commission or mark-up to printing I arrange for you.
Easy answer: everything. You can have access to a DropBox folder that’s got all your work in it – the original files, images, PDFs, everything. You’ve paid for it so it’s yours.
Once the project has been paid for in full, ownership of the agreed final designs and associated copyright is automatically transferred to you, subject to any third-party licensing restrictions.
SERVICES & PARTNERSHIPS
Not directly, no. My speciality is graphic design, and I believe in concentrating on what I do best. Instead, I have spent years cultivating a team of highly trusted partners to deliver those services and I would be delighted to make the necessary introduction
My creative and marketing network
- Printing
- Photography
- Web development
- SEO
- Social media and digital marketing
- Copywriting
- Animation
- Marketing and business consultancy
My wider business network
- IT support and telecoms
- Accountancy
- HR
- Business insurance
- Commercial utilities
- Financial advice
- Estate planning
And so much more…
Yes. I provide white-label graphic design services to a number of marketing agencies and other suppliers. Whether you need an extra pair of hands, additional creative capacity, or someone to handle design work behind the scenes, I’m always happy to have a chat.