FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I always tell my clients that when it comes to logos, their LOGO is the most important piece of advertising they will ever purchase. It is often the first visual that their market will see and defines their brand. All projects will be discussed thoroughly before their onset and a general quote can be provided for both hourly and flat rates. A deposit through PayPal will also be required before starting the assignment. All deposits are non-refundable. Sometimes, for a variety of reasons, project needs to be put on hold, or suspended. In the event oftest happening, a "KillFee" of 50% of the balance of the deposit will be billed to the client. I provide a wide range of logo pricing based on my clients' needs, budgets, type of usage and range of exposure. My focus is to provide small to large companies alike with a brand image that they’ll want to use for years or decades...something that will be applied to every aspect of their advertising and promoting. If you average out the cost of an $800 or higher costing custom designed logo, it literally will cost you pennies a day! People who hire me, hire me for the following reasons: • My experience. Although I've been an independent contractor for 30+ years, I actually started a lot earlier than that. • I don't work on more than 3 projects at a time, so I give my clients the attention I feel they deserve. • My turn-around times are quick and efficient. I've had many clients come to me in a panic when they realize they're left their logo design to the last minute. I can fix that! Logo PRICING: I get requests all the time to UPDATE/REFRESH EXISTING LOGOS. Logos that need to be refreshed, repaired or revised start at about $300. It can be a viable option to creating a brand new concept and when you have a brand image already established and don't want to deviate from that general look and feel. This area of pricing is popular with "PERSONAL LOGO" logos starting at $525. It usually involves a 2-3 day turn around time for first round concepts and you'll have 3 designs 3 revisions if necessary, and all completed file formats you request for your printing purposes. COMMERCIAL LOGOS: This is the package for clients for their CORPORATE/BUSINESS logos. They start at $525 and will include a minimum of 3 concepts, but often more, and 1-3 days turn around time. 3 free revisions and all necessary file formats delivered once approved. With logo design and branding image development what I like to stress is that my client is not just buying a "design," but a design process. It's the process that results in a design solution that is customized to a specific brand and targeted to their market. The result is something that they will utilize for years if not decades to come. For other types of graphic design projects, clients will often ask for an hourly rate. For creative design, which includes concept and layout, my hourly rate starts at 55/hr. GRAPHIC DESIGN/ILLUSTRATION: In general, rates start at $60/hr. I can also provide you with a free flat rate if you prefer, but I would need to see your ideas and what your needs are specifically in order to do that. A word about the definition of "revisions:" Revisions are defined by any change in any of the graphic content (elements) of the concepts submitted. It is not defined by creating a whole new version of that concept. When a flat rate is offered it's necessary to limit the amount of revisions on the submitted concepts. Additional development of the work can be discussed if additional/new creative direction is introduced after the onset of the project. If necessary, we can then switch to an hourly rate to continue new concept development. The fixed price includes the selection of ONE of the final approved designs. If the additional concepts are desired, an additional fee, usually 50% of the flat rate per design is applicable.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Having them verbalize their needs first is essential. I try to ask as many questions as possible and encourage them to provide me with as much visual reference as they have. I like to explain that in the case of logo/branding development, it IS a process and the first design submissions may not look like the final product at all. I try to be available promptly for any questions or concerns. I rarely take on more than two projects at a time. I like to be available to my clients 24/7 if necessary. I realize we often have different schedules and I like to assure them that I'm available most hours to accommodate them. A 50% deposit of the flat rate is required before the onset of the assignment. If the assignment is an hourly rate, a number of hours "deposit" will be negotiated before the onset of the assignment. CANCELLATIONS or "Kill Fees." In the event that the assignment is canceled for any reason, a 50% kill fee is required at that time. All jobs are COD upon completion.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I graduated from Art Center College of Design, in Los Angeles, which is one of the top three commercial art schools in the US, with a Bachelor's Degree in Advertising Illustration. I attended on full scholarship and graduated with Honors. I also took continuing ED courses in computer graphics way back in 1991 at both Pratt Institute and The New School (Parsons), both located in NYC. I use the Adobe Education Exchange to upgrade my skills on a regular basis. I frequently am updating my skill especially when software upgrades are released. I routinely take training courses on UDEMY and refer to specific video training on YouTube.