Frequently asked questions
Every one has questions, Clients doubly so. So to ease your consternation’s, here I answer some of the most frequently asked questions I receive.
If there’s anything else you want to know, or for additional explanation, feel free to get in touch.
FAQs about hiring me
- Who or What is The Zod
- What sort of design do you do?
- How much is this going to cost?
- Can you match a competitors price?
- How long will the project take?
- Can you start right away?
- What’s involved in the design process?
- Can we talk on the telephone?
- Can you offer help with printing?
- How do you accept payment?
- Will you use current trends for my design?
- Will you feature my new brand identity in your portfolio?
Who or What is “The Zod”?
That’s a vary good question. The Zod is a strange creature, quite content to sit in front of a sketch pad or computer for hours on end racking it’s quite considerable brain, trying to create as the mighty god he is something out of nothing. Growing increasingly hostile at any thing around, even though they are not the source of The Zod’s frustration. This will go on for quite some time, with only momentary glimmers of inspiration of how legendary it could be to guide him along. Then suddenly everything falls into place like some divine plan from space, and the work is done. The Zod will experience a flash of positive emotion, hope, and vigour. And with newly inflated ego it quickly venters out to start on the next project just to repeat it all over again.
Well the simple answer is that it’s a nickname that I picked up, back in the dawn of time (high school) that seems to have stuck with me. So I have crafted a design identity around it.
What sort of design do you do?
Well I have a wide range of skills, and abilities.
I have practical experience in Web design, Book and Magazine Layouts, Illustration, Photography, 3D modeling and animation, and Logo Design.
Or just ask, and I might just be able to do it.
How much is this going to cost?
That’s a difficult question. Every project is different, and every client has different needs. So every quote is has to be tailed to your needs.
There’s a wide range of factors that influence the cost. The specifications, time, expertise, support, service, and budget.
A small local company is not going to need the same level of exhaustive research and documentation. But larger projects need to scrutinize the competition, explore a wide range of variations, and design at a set of branding guidelines that can work in a larger realm.
Can you match a competitors price?
I tend to be quite flexible in my quotes. BUT you also have to look at the quality of the work your asking to be done.
Yes you can go to one of the thousands of Design Contest websites and get a logo for only a hundred bucks, but what do they know about you?
A true designer builds a relationship with the client. Understands what you need and creates something wonderful.
How long will the project take?
Eight hours seventeen minuets and three seconds. Or not, the time frame varies from project to project.
A simple website could take less then a week, but if there is additional functions that you need the site to preform the time frame will have to be longer. At the start of any project a time frame will be set up with deadlines for specific points to complete.
Can you start right away?
Yes, just let me check my schedule first.
What’s involved in the design process?
There’s about six steps in any project.
It all starts with a Q&A session. A design brief is constructed to ensures that you know exactly what you want to achieve from your project.
and acts as a point of reference for me, giving me the key points to focus on in your design.
Next it’s time for research and brain storming. Here I examine you and your competition, what sets the you apart, random links in wikipedia, your current design standards, and how to integrate this new project so it stays on standard.
Now it’s time to turn off the computer and start sketching. Drawing with just pencil and paper helps me generate a large number of possible ideas. Most will go nowhere or be incredibly bad but it’s important to just let the imagination go wild at this point.
From there I will pick out two or three strong ideas and render them in illustrator. Build a PDF with the design prototypes, some mock-ups and colour options. Then it’s up to you on what direction to go with.
I’ll then make any revisions that are needed and finalize the project. My focus is to create a design that works for your business, and still works for many years to come.
Once the project is finalized the files will be sent to you on disk, e-mail, or download for your use.
Can we talk on the phone?
Absolutely. All clients receive my number, just don’t call me to much.
Can you offer help with printing?
Yes. I have experience dealing with printers, and am more than happy to offer help and advice.
How do you accept payment?
With most design projects, I request a 20% down-payment prior to starting the project. This is payable by check, bank transfer, or PayPal. All details are included in an initial invoice, and the remaining 80% is payable upon completion of the project, prior to supply of original artwork.
Will you use current trends for my design?
I don’t like to create designs based solely upon trends, because trends can go out of style. Trends come and go and ultimately turn into cliches. A well-designed logo should be timeless, and this can be achieved by ignoring the latest design tricks and gimmicks. The designs I create are intended to last the duration of clients’ businesses—not to look trendy.
Will you feature my new brand identity in your portfolio?
As long as it’s OK with you.
Thank you
Should you have any more questions, by all means drop me a message, or if you haven’t already, pleases take a look through my graphic design portfolio.