FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
The majority of my work lends itself to the hourly rate system. The best way I've found to track time (I use Harvest to track time and manage invoicing, billing and the like) is using a cross-platform service like Harvest, which also allows me to set up different hourly rates based on the service. Occasionally I do take on projects that are based on a flat fee and am always to open to working within the budget of the client. If I provide an estimate up front, I have almost always able to complete projects within the estimated figure and have only worked beyond the estimate when there were unforeseen circumstances or changes outside of my control.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I like to learn a little bit about the customer, what they do and how they work, which makes communication easier as if speaking with someone I know rather than a stranger. I try to learn as much as I can about their company (or employer depending on the case) and the project I'm being hired to work on, from it's past to it's present state. I find that getting to know as much as I can about what gets the customer going will usually help me to get them there.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
In addition to college, I have more than 25 years of experience in my fields of design. I've been working in digital design since 1990 and have been using Photoshop and Illustrator since the first releases. While working as an Art Director in the mid 90's I began learning web development and design in my spare time. As the world of web sites evolved and transitioned into the mobile device, I evolved and transitioned right along with it. I started doing UI design in 2008 and have been doing it ever since. In my free time I do industrial design and engineering, primarily focusing on motorcycles and motorcycle parts. I develop build my own bikes, design and develop my own parts, and love to invent new stuff. I have a U.S. patent on one of my inventions, an adjustable kickstand for street bikes. Although engineering parts for motorcycles seems a bit disconnected from designing marketing campaigns and UI's for mobile apps, the experience has given me a unique insight for designing products and packaging. My wide range of interests and infinite curiosity has helped me stay in front of the curve for many years.