Do you charge by the hour or do you have flat rates?
With the exception of a flat rate for a logo design, I do charge by the hour for all my projects. Because every design project is different, I need to collect as much details about what kind of work is required before I start. Based on the details provided I can usually stick to the initial quote price unless there is some unforseen alterations or additions to the project after the quote is issued.

What are the terms and agreements?
Before a project can begin, I give all my clients an Estimate Quotation form. Inside this document is a description of the project as well an estimate of how long the it will take and a quoted cost based on the details within the form. Click here to read my Final Design Terms and Agreement (Adobe Acrobat Format). The agreement must be signed by the client before I begin the project (No exceptions).

Do I get to keep the files?
Yes, I provide you with all the original files at your request. I can email the files to you provide them on CD which ever you prefer (and depending on the email file size restrictions). I will also always keep a copy of the original file in my archives just in case you need them again in the future.


Before we meet for your consultation, here is a list of the standard questions I will be asking you about your project. The top 5 'must-know' questions are:

1) What is your budget?
2) What is your target market?
3) What is the size (approx) and quantity?
4) Will you be needing full colour or black and white?
5) Do you require any special graphic treatments (ie: new photography, new illustrations)?

Below are some specific design projects that have more detailed questions
Your company logo
• Who is your target market?
• Do you know how and where your logo will be used? Size, number of colours, printed in newspapers, magazines, stationary and self promotion, on the web, packaging, signage, CD's, Clothing etc.
• Do you have a particular style in mind?
• What is your budget?
• What is your deadline?

Brochures

Catalogs
• What is the overall size, and will it be bound or folded?
• Who is responsible for the photograhy?
• Is the copy written, and is it in digital form?
• How much are you willing to pay for paper stock?
• Will an order form be inserted, or will it be part of the catalog?

Order Forms
• How many carbon copies are required?
• What is the overall format (size and proportion)?
• Approximately how many items does a person usually order at once?
• How much space is required for item descriptions?
• How many colours are you willing to pay for ie: 1, 2 or Full colour (4 process)

Menus
• What is the overall format (size and proportion)?
• Are there other inserts (drink menu, dessert menu, etc.)?
• How would you like to handle daily specials?
• How many colours are you willing to pay for?
• How much more are you willing to pay for lamination?

Annual Reports
• Who will supply the imagery, and is it in digital format?
• Will there be any special printing requests, such as spot colour, varnish, embossing or foil stamping?
• Are you interested in special paper stocks, like vellum?
• How will you want statistical information presented?


Direct Mail

Self Mailer
• Will the delivery address be printed directly on the self-mailer or will self-adhesive labels be used?
• How much written material needs to be presented in the self mailer? This will help determine size.
• What type of closure will be used in order to assure safe passage through the mail.

Invitations
• How many printed pieces are required for each invitation?
• Is the budget large enough to consider specialty packaging or customized wrapping?
• what is the basic personality or theme or the event?

Advertising
• Is the direct mail piece a part of a larger marketing plan?
• Has the advertising copy already been written? If not, how soon can you get it in your hands?
• Who is the target audience for the piece?

Solicitations
• What is the nature of the solicitation - a rebate offer, a coupon, a free sample, or something else?
• How many printed pieces will be included in the solitication?
• Has you considered using a self-mailer?

Self Promotion
• What kind of budget is available?
• Will it be primarily a print or a 3-D construction?
• How many pieces will be printed?
• What talents and skills are you trying to convey?

Box Mailers
• How large of a construction is required?
• How many box mailers will be sent out?
• What, other than the printed material, will be included in the box mailer?

Packaging

Compact Discs
• Will a standard jewel case be used, or will a customized packaging be required?
• Ultimately, who will be approving the design - an agent, a record company or the musicians themselves?
• Will photography be used, and if so, who will supply it?

Hangtags
• Are the hangtags the only identifyer on the product?
• How many items in the product line require hangtags?
• Is there a budget for specialty papers and affixers, such as wire or twine?
• How important is durability?