• Frequently Asked Questions

    What does this investment cost?

    My work on a brand identity project generally costs from $3,000 to $10,000 depending upon the scope you specify. This investment is about making you stand-out among your competitors and allowing your existing or potential customers opportunities to connect with your product and services. Other marketing materials, such as brochures and collateral material, are extra. To see the other services, I offer, please review the     Facts     page above.

    The cost of a project will vary based on your needs. For example, if you are a small company you may be the only person responsible for branding and you would have limited need for extensive style guides.

    In contrast, a large company with many departments using branded materials may require a presentation for a large group, extensive review of critical information about your company and your competition to identify branding opportunities, strategic planning for your identity and preparation of extensive style guides so that all users adopt the new branding in a consistent way. Such efforts obviously will cost more than those needed for a small start-up.

    What does the investment include?

    A complete visual identity system includes a logo/trademark, stationery, web presence (if applicable), style guide, and a social media favicon. Other collateral materials, i.e. sales/promotional materials, brochures, annual reports can be added and more depending upon specific requirements and needs.

    Full ownership of all original files and completed artwork is transferred to you upon completion of the project and after payment of my fees.

    What's involved in the design process?

    Hiring a designer for your branding needs is rewarding, helping you identify some of the characteristics that make your business distinctive. But it is also fun. I take great pride in my work and am committed to my clients and the relationships I establish with them. My process assures that your logo/trademark will reflect your company and how you want to be perceived. 

    How long will a project take to complete?

    Every project has different needs, so there is no "one size fits all" timing for my work. That said, almost all projects take between three weeks and three months. Most last four to six weeks.

    What do you provide during the course of the project?

    I generally send clients a PDF presentation showing one or two potential brand identity solutions. I provide brand identity solutions in a variety of contexts to show how the identity works in multiple promotional materials.

    What type of artwork file formats do you provide?

    The primary file formats I provide for the logo/trademark are Adobe Illustrator (.ai) or Encapsulated PostScript (.eps). These file formats allow the art to be scaled to any size without loss of quality. I am happy to provide any additional file formats you request.

    What are style guides and do you provide them?

    Style guides, or branding identity guidelines, act as an instruction manual for all use of your logo/trademark. They specify things like color requirements, minimum reproduction size, correct page positioning, and other visual requirements for your logo/trademark. For all but the smallest projects, I strongly recommend that you have me develop style guides for you.

    Why are style guides important?

    Your logo/trademark is the identity of your company. A logo/trademark that remains consistent in all of its uses makes it easier for your customers to recognize you. This helps to establish customer trust, improves recognition and demonstrate your personality. Consistency adds value, value adds trust, and trust creates loyal customers.

    Trends or no trends?

    The logo/trademarks I create are intended to reflect you and your long-term business goals, not the "flavor of the week".

    What are your additional services?

    While my primary focus is brand identity design, brand consulting and the design and production of related materials, I also offer additional graphic design services such as book cover design, wine label design, standard collateral, and other design materials. To see the other services I offer, please review the Facts page above.


    How do you accept payment?

    I require a 50% down payment at the beginning of each project. I accept payment bank transfer, check, or Paypal. The remaining 50% is payable upon completion of the project, before I supply original artwork. Details of payment are included in my invoice.

    Can you recommend any other designers?

    If you have details of a specific project, I can happily recommend designers who would be suitable for you. I make a strong effort to maintain relationships within the design community and am familiar with many excellent designers.

    The finale

    Thank you for visiting my website. Should you have any questions, please contact me.

    Whether you need help with a project or not, I enjoy meeting new people. So please ask questions and provide suggestions. I hope to hear from you soon.