Frequently Asked Questions

What will it cost me?

Every project is different and the price needs to reflect this accordingly. Please send me a quote request and I will get back to you right away with an estimate. My rates are competitive, you won't be disappointed.

 

How will I be billed?

A majority of my clients prefer to be billed on a flat rate per project, but if you have a good amount of work that needs to be done we can set up retainer. Many clients like to set up a 5 or 10 hour a week schedule. I am flexible. I have even bartered work before.

 

Are you a designer or programmer?

First and foremost I am a professionally trained graphic designer and have been graphically inclined since I could pick up a pencil. I have been working in the industry since 1992. A majority of my work involves interactive design through websites and web applications. Corporate Identity has always been a passion of mine.

 

I also can program, but I don't think of myself as a true "programmer". I have picked up programming along the way and can create stable usable applications in either PHP using MY/SQL or ASP with Access or SQLServer.

 

I have no website, no logo, but I have a business. Can you help?

You found the right person for the job. I can not only come up with an identity for your business, but I can get business cards designed and printed as well as letterhead if you need it. I can then translate that into a website built with the current web standards, add interactivity or animation and even host it on the highest quality stable secure servers. Basically, I can do anything you need visually, and if for some reason I can’t, I have made many friends in many industries that I trust and count on to take things to the next level.

 

Do you use templates for your website design?

Absolutely not. Every project is started from scratch and is treated with an open mind and a fresh outlook. You will be getting an original work that you will be proud to own. I do not re-use my designs.

 

Can you make a website that allows me to update it?

Absolutely. I have built many websites for small and large clients that allow users to log in to a secure backend and updates specific sections or features of their website instantly. It is very common and cheaper then you think to get going.

I will need images/photos for my idea, what do I do?

You stop worrying. I belong to many stock photography clubs and in most cases can populate your idea with top notch images at very low rates. Once we get going I will send you a "lightbox" login that will allow you to login and view images that await your approval.

Our current designer is no good and has left a mess, can you fix it?

Not a problem, I have taken over many projects that were developed by so called “designers” and given them a full overhaul and restructuring. Think of me as the drill sergeant for your site, I will get it in shape and acting like it should.

 

How does the whole process work?

Once we discuss the project budget and timeline I can get you a proposal, then following a 50% deposit and contract I will begin the design process. In most cases of visual design, i.e. website layout, I will send you up to 3 comp’s or composites in which you would choose one or elements from any of them. A final would be sent back and you would have up to 3 change request sessions that would allow for tweaking and fine tuning of the design. Bottom line is you will be satisfied. I tend to view the above as a guideline for the process, usually my clients love the work as it comes to them and the is little need for major changes and adjustment.

 

I love using phones and don’t understand how to use email, will that be an issue?

Yes. Communication with my clients relies heavily on email and messaging. When I am in a zone and designing complex solutions a phone can distrupt the flow and cause for serious downtime. Just simply drop me an email message or instant message. I am rarely away from my computer for more then a few hours and my phone can relay text messages. I do talk on phones when it is needed, and I do attend meetings if you would like but for the most part, using email instead of telephones simplifies and streamlines the entire process by having a written record of requests and discussions that we both can use to refer to and keep the project on track.

How long would it take to get a website designed?

On average, a somewhat basic, 20 page or less website can be designed, constructed and launched within a few weeks. A corporate identity (logo) can sometimes be turned around within the week.

 

What equipment/software do you use?
I have a few different machines that I use for testing running Windows and MAC OS, but I do most of my work on a DELL Precision with a few 30 inch flat screens running Windows XP. I also have a widescreen laptop that I can bring to meetings or presentations. Software that I use on a daily basis is: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Macromedia Dreamweaver, 3DStudio MAX. I also use: OpenOffice, SQLServer, MYSQL, IE, Firefox, Opera, Corel Painter X. I use a 13x19 - HP Photosmart 8750 for all my color proof printing.