Yes. I do offer other design services, which can be a topic of conversation once I’ve completed the brand identity phase of your project.
My focus begins with the identity as I feel it’s the engine that drives all the other design assets that could potentially follow, so once you’ve signed on for identity design and we’ve walked that process, we can definitely discuss other design assets that you may need.
If there is flexibility in my schedule I may be able to accommodate single design requests for things such as flyers, business cards, posters, package design, and web design, but this again would be dependent on my current schedule.
Feel free to contact me with your requests for design work outside of brand identity design and for a custom quote.
Your investment depends on many things and will ultimately come down to the scope of the project, but you can be sure you are receiving the best value possible.
It’s important that we first discuss your brand’s needs to find out exactly what the scope of the project will entail, the steps needed to accomplish that scope, appropriate deliverables, and finally your investment towards that.
With that being said, please be aware that a minimum budget investment of $3k is required to begin having a serious discussion about your brand’s needs.
I’m very sure the other designer you spoke to has amazingly super low prices. My COST and your INVESTMENT reflects the value of my work and ensures that I am working with clients who take their business, as well as mine, very seriously.
The amount of time, work, education, resources, and investments I make into my business, ensure that you are getting the best value not only for your design project but for your business and your audience.
By undercharging my value, it also undercharges yours, your business, and the potential value that your audience would have received.
It’s important to remember that I am running a business, which has costs attached to it. Taxes, healthcare, rent, utilities, etc. unfortunately won’t pay for themselves, so my prices not only cover the time and value I invest in your business but allows for me to continue running mine while providing the best-valued service possible to my clients.
Feel free to review my process here.
Unless agreed upon in the proposal, all original artwork files remain the property of the designer (Smith & Sylvan Creatives). Depending on the type of project, there are times where there will be a charge for the artwork creation, and a separate charge for a licensing fee, which would allow the client to buy or borrow the rights to the original piece of artwork. This would be determined once we’ve sorted out the scope of the project.
For Logo/identity design projects, the finalized design(s) will remain the property of Smith & Sylvan Creatives until the client has paid the final balance on the project. Once the balance is paid, the finalized files for the Logo will be delivered and the client will retain ownership of the mark(s).
NO, all designs are custom created for the individual client/brand. My unique value is invested in my ability to be 100% authentic when it comes to solving my client’s problems through design. This is one of the main reasons why I don’t charge $50-$100 for “custom” design work. I pride myself on creating one of a kind designs that express the voice and value of you, your brand and your audience.
A finished project is yours upon receipt of the final payment. At your request, I will supply the electronic files to you via Dropbox, Google Drive, email, whatever digital platform will work best. I also keep a copy of your project on file for later updates or should you lose your copy.
You will always receive an EPS (vector), jpeg, png, pdf file with your project. It’s important to know that you should always receive a vector-based file for logo designs. They allow for scaling without loss to the quality of the design. With a Raster/Pixel based designs such as PSD (Photoshop) files, they will not retain clarity when sized beyond their initially created quality settings.
My value truly lies in providing you with as much information as possible, so even if we don’t work together it’s important to me that you have the appropriate knowledge you deserve to make the best decisions for your brand.
*It is very important to QUALIFY your potential designer by asking as many questions as possible on their process and what to expect as a result of that process. Be sure that your final design files when working on identity/logo designs are delivered to you as vector files and are designed using a vector-based program.
With a vector-based file, your design can be used to complete stationery and brand marketing assets – including business card, letterhead, envelopes, brochure design, websites, graphics for web sites, direct mail design, email marketing, mailing labels, presentation folders, and any other designs your business may require.
Throughout the process of developing the design work, I make sure to keep you in the loop as to where I am in the process. I will communicate with you on how far along we are and what the next steps will be based on the projected goals we established during the initial process phases.
My goal is invested in being a great listener when it comes to your needs. I always encourage the client to provide as much information and vision before beginning work. This happens during our Strategy phase. Once I have refined the final concept based on the direction we defined, we will review how well it has accomplished the goals we initially set forth during our Strategy session and see what possible assets can be enhanced if necessary.
Experience has proven that when we decide to seek out validation and approval, we tend to deviate from our initial unique pathway towards our vision/goals due to the many different opinions that will be offered up to us by others. While it’s great to get feedback from those we trust, it’s more important that you trust your vision. No one will know your vision better than you and if there are too many voices/opinions in the pot, it can get very muddy. Once we have agreed upon a certain direction, it’s very important that we adhere to it as close as possible in order to guarantee its full success.
Remember an identity needs time to build equity and value. Your business and brand’s success is not dependent on a design, but rather on how you communicate effectively your story and all the elements that support that story to your audience. I can’t stress enough how important Strategy is to set the tone to all else that will follow.
Of course, we may have some slight alterations to certain elements, but that should be the product of our continued communication throughout the process and not that of others outside of the process.
Unfortunately, while I value your friends, family, and spouse’s opinion, once work has begun, I can’t just stop and start something else after already investing so much time and energy into the initial scope. This is why we begin everything with the Strategy Phase, as it’s purpose is to make sure we have a clear roadmap towards reaching your design goals.
Once the initial 50% non-refundable start fee is paid and the project begins, any changes to the initial project scope are subject to additional fees. Depending on how far along the process is will determine how much is owed towards the initial project. Any desire to change the initial scope means we are starting a new project and thus, a new quote. If I decide to move forward with the new scope, the start of that project cannot begin until the balance owed on the previous project is paid in full.
CAN YOU HELP ME?
Depending on my current calendar schedule and how involved the project scope is I may be available to assist you, however, if I can accommodate your needs a rush fee will be added to the price of the project.
Please be aware that custom identity design work takes time and has a very involved process but I always will be sure to deliver the same level of quality and integrity to each and every project.