FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
-My hourly rate is $50/hr and I am also able to estimate flat rate fees. Considerations made in the calculation of billable rates include: industry standards, materials used in creation of the design deliverable, estimated hours of design production, and overall process. -40% of the projected project fees are due before beginning the project, and the remainder of the project will be billed hourly or at a flat rate (at the discretion of the client). -Costs related to production or printing are the responsibility of the client. Depending upon volume, I front the cost and bill the client later. These fees are separate from the project cost and may be billed along the way or at the end of the project. Please note that I charge $20/hr (not pro-rated) for my time spent liaising with printers, overseeing proofs and production, etc. -40% of the projected fee is non-refundable after Phase 2. This is to protect my invested time.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
PHASE 1: PLANNING In this phase, we’re gathering information and establishing design criteria. The client’s needs, objectives, and problems to be solved are defined. A contract outlining the scope of the project is developed and signed by designer and client, and 40% of the project fees are due. PHASE 2: CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT Phase 2 clarifies the direction of the concept. I usually have the client create a Pinterest board and add 15-20 images that the client feels are relevant to the style/feel of project. For logos, the client also answers a detailed questionnaire so that I can further clarify design direction. After the visual direction has been solidified, I will design visual solutions that I feel are viable, appropriate, and meet the criteria of the design development. Phase 2 ends with a presentation of design options. 20% of the project is not refundable at this point to protect my invested time. PHASE 3: DESIGN DEVELOPMENT & REVISION At this stage, the designer refines the chosen design(s) with the client. There are two rounds of revisions* that can be made to the chosen design(s) (*For flat rate projects. With hourly rates, two rounds of revisions are a ideal, but changeable according to client needs. Any changes in scope, budget and/or schedule are agreed upon at this point. PHASE 4: DESIGN IMPLEMENTATION Decisions on all related art direction, including commissioned illustrations, photography, typography, copywriting, layouts, digital files, and all other elements are final at this point. The client may make changes to the final design(s) only through the designer. Conversely, the designer may execute design alterations only with the client’s approval. Any changes requested from the client beyond the two rounds included in the price of the project are billed at my hourly rate of $50/hour* (*For flat rate projects). PHASE 5: PRODUCTION Depending on the end product(s) that the designer has been commissioned to produce, the designer either delivers final files to the client or oversees production and manufacturing of the work. It is highly recommended that the designer manages and supervises the production, as the selections of materials (such as paper type, printer connections, etc.) are essential to achieving high quality output. After the end product is approved, the remainder of the project is considered billable and a final invoice will be sent to the client.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I studied comprehensive graphic design at University of Tennessee, where the portfolio review process and program admission is highly competitive; the final class size was 18 students selected from a pre-portfolio class of 60 students. I was met the requirements for practicum experience required by my degree which was over 100 hours of training at University of Tennessee Press, Morris Creative Group, and Nathanna Design. I began working as a freelance designer during my studies, in 2011, completing my senior thesis in 2012. I became Nathanna Design's first employee after my time as their intern in 2013.