Project FAQ’s
How Branding Projects Work
How much does a branding project cost?
Check out my prices and packages HERE.
How do payments work?
I divide smaller projects into two payments: a 50% beginning deposit and a 50% final payment, net 15 days. On larger, long-term projects, payment milestones will be set based on the project.
Payments can be made by direct bank transfer, check, PayPal, Zelle, or Venmo.
How long does it take to complete a branding project?
Depending on the number of designed items involved, it usually takes anywhere from 3-4 weeks for a logo project and up to 2 months for a standard brand identity package that has some additional pieces of collateral.
When will we get started?
After we’ve had an ”Introductory Call” I’ll send through a Project Proposal or custom quote including a timeline with specific dates. The start date is usually 1-2 weeks from the booking date.
How will we communicate?
We’ll start off with a phone call or a Zoom video meeting for your Introductory Call as well as discussing your project and presenting the first round of concepts. For shorter messages, we’ll communicate through Notion (a project managing system), over email, and by phone.
Do you provide editable source files?
Absolutely! Many designers charge extra for source files, but I never have. You will receive all the native source files of all your final pieces.
Do you provide font files?
Because of licensing restrictions, I will provide you a link to purchase the fonts for your project. I will make font recommendations but will allow you to obtain the proper licensing for each font on your own.
Can you manage the printing of my project?
Yes, if needed, I can manage the entire printing process for you, recommending vendors, obtaining quotes, and seeing the project through to the finish. In this case, I’ll add a small print management fee to the project. I prefer to set up payment with you, the client, and the printer directly so I’m not part of the billing equation. This way you can establish a direct relationship with them and feel comfortable ordering with them the next time.
However, many of my clients already have trusted print vendors they use and simply need print-ready files they can send to those vendors.
Do you offer?
Website design?
Web design and development is a specific skill and not in my wheelhouse. I recommend that clients hire a Web Designer or firm for their website needs. The web designer or firm will use the Branding Style Guide and other elements I develop to create your site.
I am able to do quick consulting on the project if needed, checking in at a couple strategic points to make sure the brand design is consistent throughout the web design.
Copy Writing?
No. My specific services are helping companies with product naming, taglines, mission statements, brand stories, or other short messaging. When it comes to lengthy copy for brochures, presentations, or websites, that is not one of the services I provide. I would recommend specifically hiring a copywriter for that need.
Quick turnaround? I need a logo or a collateral design in a couple of days, can you do it?
Because strategy is a big part of my design process, I am not able to turn a logo design around in a few days. A much longer discovery period is required for branding.
For marketing pieces, depending on the needs, it is possible for a quicker timeframe, but there is still planning involved. I do offer Design Intensive Days where you will book a specified time with me and I will knock out only your designs in that timeframe, resulting in a shorter completion time.
Choosing a Designer
How can I be sure I’ll like what you design?
Definitely check out my design portfolio HERE. Does it have the general style you’re after?
You need a designer whose work matches the vision you’re looking for. You may like a designer personally or like their reputation, but if the work itself doesn’t feel like it would fit with your imagined aesthetic, then it is ok to look elsewhere.
Sometimes you can quickly get an idea of whether a designer is compatible for the project by their design style or even by asking a few questions.
I’ve checked out your portfolio and I’m still unsure if you’re a good fit?
I know, it’s a scary investment! Please know you’re free to stop the project at any time. If any work wasn’t covered by the non-refundable deposit, you’ll receive an invoice for work done up to the cancellation date.
How are your services different?
Studios have different specialties. Some are marketing agencies who dabble in enough design to offer branding, but it’s not their wheelhouse. Others outsource design work to subcontractors, so the person you hire is not the same person who is creating your visual identity. Essentially you are working with a 3rd party designer. And then, there are full-service agencies that offer everything; brand strategy, design, marketing or advertising, etc., it’s a full team’s eye on the project as a whole. However, with a full team you pay more, need a longer deadline for completion time, could receive more information than is necessary, and may deal with several contacts which could over-complicate the process.
My wheelhouse is branding, making me a brand identity specialist. And my process is simple, straight-forward, packed with quality, and a great cost-effective option.
It’s just a logo, do I really need to be that picky?
YES! Your logo, which is part of your brand identity is the face of your business. It’s on every website, sign, marketing piece, presentation, and package that you produce. Your logo is at work 24/7, helping customers form the right impression.
Making sure your designer thinks beyond the logo and creates a full visual theme to represent your brand, is crucial. Your brand identity should be easily replicable, and so distinctively yours, that you could hide your logo and everyone would still know all your items belong to your company.
What if you haven’t done any work in my industry before?
A strong designer will work in any industry.
I was asked to step into the Cotton Ginning industry and with a company in Australia, which I knew nothing about. But my client helped me learn because they were confident in my ability to execute their vision. Within my process, I always start by looking at competitors, related organizations, and even do extensive industry reading and learning.
But I get it. It seems risky and makes more sense to find a designer with that specific industry experience. However, drawing from a designer with a wide variety of industry experience can be extremely useful to give a fresh perspective.
We’re not in the same city or country, can we still work together?
Absolutely! 98% of my clients are not local, so I have always had to adapt to managing projects long distance. Live and pre-recorded videos make such a difference.
What if I know “exactly” what I want my logo to look like?
I am a Brand Strategy Designer, which means I believe in a full researched thought-out plan before even attempting the logo design process. I am passionate about excellent execution to a brand and project which I feel requires a certain type of process. For this need I would not be the designer you would be looking for.
I’ve found a cheaper designer, do you price match?
No, I do not price match. However, I am happy to discuss the best package for your budget and needs.
My prices are based off of my experience, knowledge, the project’s time frame, the competitive marketplace, and the project deliverables I provide. Knowing that this is a long term investment, it is best for you to consider all options that fit your individual needs before making a final decision.
Can I see design concepts of my logo before I commit?
I do not provide free samples of your own project before we begin, which is industry standard. To best get and idea of the work I am able to design, please visit my portfolio page HERE.
Can you finish a design that another graphic designer started?
No. I instead will start from scratch. Trying to pick up from where another designer left off results in a disjointed concept, brand, and challenging overall design experience for both of us. Every designer has a different approach, design style, and thought process when it comes to designing. My job is to make sure your company has the same continuous research-based process so the brand that you have invested in launches with the right way the first time and with continuity.