Cost of Graphic Design
You may think hiring a graphic designer is costly, but consider the added benefits it can bring to your business. Branding is one of the most important things you can do for your business in today's fast pace society. Give off a professional look that shows you have invested in your business.
How to Keep Costs Down
When branding a logo consider other examples of successful business. Some logos may be unique and highly creative but do you remember the business or what the company does or just that it is a nice graphic? You can spend hundreds of dollars on a logo but if your customer base can not recall or easily read your companies name you may loose out on business. Clearly readable font's and visible colors that show up help maximize your advertising. To help you in this effort your logo can be designed with these things in mind and formatted for use on light and dark backgrounds for full versatility so you don't run into problems using the logo on different mediums in the future.
Give thought to any specific colors, photos, and graphic style you would like to include. If you are making advertising material begin gathering information that you would like to include and have it organized. This contributes to easy placement and less corrections saving you time and money. Some of the basic information you will most likely need is you logo file, if you presently have one, your business name, phone numbers, email, web address, and office address if applicable. Include your services and or product information and any coupons or specials you would like to offer. Have ready any photos you will be submitting. If you would like to use “stock” photos to give an extra boost to your material those can also be selected to best incorporate with your material.
When expressing the overall look you would like to convey use words that can be interpreted well. For example: I would like my brochure to have a dark blue background that matches my logo, the text white, and a stock photo on the cover of a meadow with the sun shining.
Proof Process
Typically there are three proofs included for you maximized benefit. 1.)The initial proof will be a draft of your material. This will primarily determine the information is placed in the correct areas and a base of the creative direction. From here there can be changes to the layout and any information that may need to be added or removed. 2.)The second proof is when fine tuning comes and final changes to verbiage and any corrections should be brought out. 3.)The third proof will be your almost finished product and typically only small changes need to be made.
Final Files and Payment
Once payment is received you will have access to your finished artwork and/or printing of your project will be started. Payment can be made in the form of a check, PayPal, or invoiced though PayPal (no need for a PayPal account). Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express. Payment plans are offered for large projects. Reasonable deposits may be required.