what designers do — in a nutshell:
"We produce creative solutions that help to address our clients’ needs"
graphic design process and faqs
Design is actually a process that unfolds between a creative & the client — with communication being a key element. Through a gathering of information,
we essentially interpret your ideas through our design concepts so that they may be translated into a unique finished product. There can be many different variables and technologies that go into an actual design depending on its final destination - print, web and now mobile. Since many folks are unfamiliar with this design process, and or an understanding of their responsibility with a designer so that a project may be completed effectively and in a timely manner —
this page has been created to give an overview as
well as some frequently asked questions.
Please Note: No work is done "on a speculative basis" and Future Primitive Graphics fully supports NO!SPEC in
its efforts to communicate why this practice devalues the entire design community which in turn can have negative effects on the client as well.
frequently asked graphic, logo & web design questions:
- who is the right graphic or web designer for your needs?
- how do you begin on a project?
- what is the time frame on a project?
- what is the actual design process?
- what is the pricing and payment process?
- what is logo development? and why is it important?
- do you provide website design and website content updates & maintenance?
- do you offer SEO (search engine optimization) services and are these necessary for your site?
- do you build e-commerce and data driven web sites, offer web hosting or domain name registration?
- what are the client's responsibilities and necessary communication?
- why are your desogn prices not listed?
- do you have client references or a resume?
Designers come in all styles. Taking time to review a creative's portfolio can go a long way in dertmining if their style is right for your project. As your
designer, my goal is to work with you to bring your vision to life — and it's more than just throwing a concept together. It's also about communicating and educating the client as to why something may or may not work as well as offering sound, effective creative options that may work within your budget.
There is typically an initial Discovery Session to gather pertinent information, get a sense of your objectives and to see if I am the right designer for your project. Sessions are usually done by phone. The first hour is complimentary. However, if your requirements exceed that, then it will be billed at an hourly rate. If you decide that I am the designer for you, then I will draw up an estimate/contract of the services to be provided for the project. If you accept the terms and upon your signature along with a 50% deposit* which needs to clear depending on payment form, the project will then commence. This time frame can vary - but generally 7-10 days. (*note: the 50% deposit is non-refundable)
Time frame can vary depending on the current project load as well as the scope and or complexity of a print, web or SEO project. Once a deposit has cleared, then design drafts begin. Since the initial concepting process is the most labor intensive, the turn around time can vary and can take one to two weeks to show the designs. While there is an open line of communication with the client at all times, it is imperative that the client provide all of the necessary content including text, photos & images, logos in a timely manner to ensure the project flow. Not providing this vital information can stall the project as well as delay the completion date at no fault of the designer. After the initial comp phase, a project moves more quickly — provided that all essential and necessary elements have been sumitted by the client.
The design process can indeed vary depending on the type of project. For example, in the case of Logo Design, once a consultation has taken place and information has been gathered on your business, approximately 3 to 5 initial comps are created based on the style and parameters of the project estimate. One design concept is chosen by the client and further developed and refined. The client is presented with project proofs to review and or submit changes. All client proofs are provided via email in a .pdf or .jpeg format. (these are Low Resolution files for proofing purposes ONLY).
3 rounds of design changes are included/built into the initial project estimate. If more changes are requested beyond the inclusive 3 rounds, then they are subject to an hourly surcharge and billed accordingly based on a one hour minimum on top of the original project estimate.
"Unlimited changes" are not offered as they are not time or cost effective and can ultimately cause more confusion than clarity.
The design is then finalized and delivered in the necessary file formats depending if this is a print project (high resolution files) or formats for the web.
Final payment and or balance due is required at this time in order for the project to be delivered.
Pricing on projects can vary greatly and will be determined at the time of estimate. As a standard, ALL projects are done on a contract basis. There is a 50% non-refundable deposit to begin a project. This deposit reflects a client's commitment to the project and compensates me for my time investment. Payment is due IN FULL at the completion/deliverable of a project or web site launch. If it is a print project, printing costs are NOT included. If you require print bids for your projects, I would be more that happy to obtain them for you.
Some projects are done on an hourly basis and may be ongoing with a client. In this case, you can expect to be invoiced at the end of the month as well as mid-month depending on the extent of the work. This keeps things on track and breaks up the billing to the client. Payment of this type of work arrangement is due IN FULL within 14 days of invoicing or risk the project be on hold until payment has been received.
asap = rush charges and can vary depending on the urgency of the project but average from 50% up to 200%. Under a 3 day tunraround starts at a 50% rush charge and goes up from there. Much like FedX, 2 Day Air or Urgent Care, it's like expedited design at a premium. My needing to bump someone else's project or burning the midnight oil for your project deadline means you gotta pay a bit extra.
cancellation or kill fees may apply if a job gets cancelled midway through production and it is appropriate to compensate the designer for the work they have completed thus far. This is generally referred to as a "kill fee", and commonly is paid in a percentage of either 50% if pre production work has been done, or 100% if the project is in production or completed.
Logo design & development is an investment in your identity and brand. It's part of a process and so incredibly important —
one you really should not cut corners on it. Consider all the materials it will appear on over time — print, web etc. and helps to build your credibility. Logo design is a process
that brings a client's vision to life. It helps to symbolize who you and your business are to the outside world as well as differentiate you from your competitors.
(with that in mind, please note: I do not create logos for $50)
Yes. I work with clients to create clean, functional, SEO friendly websites that are easy to navigate providing a positive user experience. This includes concept, layout, design thru completion, SEO integration and final site upload. There are some aspects of more complex programming that I have chosen not to do - but will seek out professional colleagues for these client services if and when necessary.
Yes. I do provide site maintenance and educate clients on the importance of this. Maintaining and updating your website is something that should NOT be overlooked. Freshness matters to both your customers and Search Engines. This cannot be stressed enough!! If you have a blog, be sure you post frequently with RELEVANT, HIGH QUALITY content. Websites that have not been updated for long perioids of time can actually work against you. And always be sure your contact info is kept up to date. Website Maintenance is charged at an hourly rate based on a one hour minimum then billed in 1/2 hour increments or blocks of time may be purchased.
The one word answer to this is yes and YES! Competition is fierce for placement in Organic Searches and PPC campaigns can be costly when not done correctly. Enter Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and why it is so important to have proper SEO integrated into the initial site design stage rather than an afterthought! My clients have experienced first hand the benefits of the SEO friendly websites I have created/built for them. With Universal searches, it is increasingly important to ensure ALL aspects of your page have been optimized — images, text and video. Installing some Analytics, choosing good keywords/phrases that are relevant, providing rich content and monitoring your web site's performance (and changing what's not working) are things that can affect your traffic. If your site is not perfoming well, you may not need a radical redesign — just some SEO love!
SEO TIP: Choose a good keyword relevant domain name for your website - which may not necessarily be your actual business name!
Currently I do not offer e-commerce and data driven website design. If you are in need of this type of site, then do find a developer who is well-versed in the necessary programming languages to create your site properly.
I do not provide web hosting or domain name registration. However, I would suggest using AISO.net - "Web Hosting as Nature Intended".
They are a Green web hosting company - powering their data center with the sun NOT coal and are 100% off-grid. They are concerned with both customers AND the Planet which resonates well with my beliefs. Another viable option for hosting is going the way of Hostgator.
As stated above "it is imperative that the client provide all of the necessary content including text, photos & images, logos (unless I am creating your logo) in a timely manner to ensure the project flow". While the line of communication is kept open and accessible during a project development with consistent updates during normal business hours M-F 8:30 to 5:00 MST, it is the client's responsibility to respond to designer questions and or provide proofs feedback in a timely manner so that the project is completed on time. Clients' communication delays WILL affect a project's completion date.
Rates and pricing can be affected by a project's complexity as well as the technology used to execute it. The design landscape is vast and varied. We grow and market our business much differently than in the past. A client's design needs can be a logo & business cards to a SEO friendly website and banner ad campaign or an entire package. A plan can be tailored to a client's needs and priced at that time. For more info or to request a quote, please utilize the contact form.
Client references are available upon request. A resume may be viewed online as well as .pdf download version for your convenience.
back to top