General Questions
How much will it cost?
This is probably the most common question. Some better questions might be, "How much would you like to spend?" "How much business do you want do gain from this?" and "What do you want to add to your company?" Since there's never a single "best" solution, design can go on and on ... and on, just like the Energizer bunny. Often it's best to put together a workable, livable budget for the project that allows for enough time to create a solution that meets the project criteria and goals.
Can we have this tomorrow?
Probably not. Unless it's a simple down and dirty job. Good design takes a reasonable amount of time to research the facts and explore the options. We do try our best to keep the project moving along and finish it up as quickly as possible.
How do you bill?
We do this on how big of a job we have. We do not bill hourly, but bywhat you are getting and how complicated it will be. If you are unable to pay upfront, we will bill you over the course of twelve months for any jobs over $100. If there are any other conditions to your payment, this can be discussed personally. Unfortunately, we do not accept credit cards so the only methods of payment are cash, check, and money order.
Web Design Questions
My site just launched, but I can't find it in the search engines. What's up?
Somebody once said, "If you build it, they will come." Don't count on it. To increase you visibility, we encode your sites with keywords, a description and other code for the search engines to index, along with manually submitting them to various engines and directories. The indexing process can take some time. Plus, link popularity if a big factor. Yup, the web has become a popularity contest. Many search engines weigh in the number of sites that link to yours. So weight a little if you can not find your site before worrying.
What is your policy regarding changes/revisions?
We are very specific and thorough with gathering your wishes, desires, expectations, likes, and dis-likes. We will build an initial layout for you to look at and to get the ball rolling. We will keep making changes until the layout is agreed upon and loved by you. The only time we actually start mentioning the possibilities of charging extra during this phase of construction is when/if you tell us to do something a very specific and clear way, we do it, and then you change your mind. The first time that happens, we won't say anything. After that if it keeps happening we will mention to you what you're doing and how much work/time that is for us and if it continues we will have to start charging additionally for such moments. Basically, as long as we can see that the construction process is moving forward the whole time there isn't any problem or thought of charging extra. It is only when the project keeps taking steps backward that we have to reconsider things.
Once we are done with the site, we will work with you to asses possible maintenance and updates. If there is just a paragraph that you want to add two or three times a year there would never be a chare. However, I we are to need to add a page or add text once a week, there will be a maintenance fee agreed upon when the project is completed.
Can you write the text/copy for my web site?
Absolutely. We offer page writing at an additional fee, but we do offer phenomenal literature programs.
Graphic Design Questions
What kind of graphic design services do you provide?
Our graphic design services are varied and comprehensive. We provide logo design, brochure design, illustrations, graphics for web sites, direct mail design, marketing, stationery - including business cards, letterhead, envelope, mailing label, presentation folder design, CD creation, and any other printing your business may require. We also offer color, black & white and digital photography done by skilled photographers. Give us a call to see what we can do for you.
What is my involvement in the design process?
We thoroughly discuss the project at hand with you from the beginning. We encourage you to bring in any samples, color combinations/swatches, and ideas they may have. During the design process, you are asked to approve certain milestones before work continues. At the conclusion of a project, you will be given the artwork in various formats.
How will I receive my design project once it is finished?
A finished project is yours upon receipt of final payment. We will supply the electronic files to you on CD, floppy, or through e-mail. We also keep a copy of your project on file for later updates or should you lose your copy. If the artwork is a logo, we give you numerous gift with your logo on them including: Premium Business Cards, Postcards, Note Pad, Sticky Note Pad, Sheets of Letterhead with Envelopes, Magnetic Business Cards, Magnetic Calendars, a Desk Calendar for your self, and other items possibly available on request.
How does your logo design process work?
We first discuss your needs, target market, and uses for this logo. We then ask for samples of existing logos that you like or dislike to get an idea of your taste. Sometimes you already have a design concept in mind. Other times, you have no idea what you want. Either way, we make sure we've collected enough information before we begin work. Our logo design service is very flexible. If you'd like to see only a few concepts or if you need many, our service can be priced according to your needs.