Can you help me out with printing this thing?
Many clients find the printing world a little confusing. Lots of weird jargon and lots of places to risk making expensive mistakes. I'll gladly work with you through this part of the process, identifying where the decisions are that will affect overall job quality, where savings are to be had and the significance of some of the steps and processes. I have a variety of different printers I work with and will typically get 3 quotes on any given job to ensure you're getting the very best value.
If you're comfortable in this world I can also arrange for the files to be sent directly to you or your printer so you can manage the process. Let me know when we begin the job whether you'll take care of printing or have me do it. —It's completely up to you.
What file format will my materials be created in?
I create all my design work on the Mac OS since the majority of publications prefer Mac files. (and there really are no viruses out there to bother us Mac fanatics... yet). Projects are created using Illustrator, InDesign and PhotoShop. In the extremely rare cases where a publication won't take a Mac file or a PDF, I'll typically create a high resolution jpeg or tiff for the publication and save it for PC.
Can I get my letterhead saved as a Word document?
Word really isn't an ideal software platform for publishing. (neither is MS Publisher for that matter). But for in-house printouts of letterhead or creating direct-to-pdf versions of your letterhead, I can for a small additional fee, create a Word version of your letterhead from the native design files. Please note though, that colours can be expected to vary widely from the approved on-screen appearance when printed to your office inkjet or laser printer. This solution is best suited to those who do all or most of their correspondence electronically and colour fidelity of printed letterhead is not a significant issue.
Do I get to keep the final artwork?
I'll archive your project, and e-mail you the final version as a high resolution PDF. (the most widely accepted format). I can provide you or the publication the native file (ie. Illustrator, InDesign or PhotoShop) at no additional cost. Be aware though, that as these are Mac files, the fonts are not PC compatible and unless you also have these programs, you won't be able to view or edit the files.
If a disc in hand is important to you, I can also burn the final art to a CD and send it by courier to you or your publication for a small additional charge.
Who owns the final artwork?
You do, of course. Your final approved ad and artwork is yours, and all rights transfer to you upon full payment and delivery. Note however, that the rights only transfer to the final creative you've chosen and purchased, not the unpurchased designs or the materials used to create the final product. Likewise, original photography and/or illustrations may be subject to other rights and restrictions that must be cleared with the appropriate suppliers.
What would you charge to make changes to my ads at a later date?
I charge a flat rate of $90/hr for revisions to an existing ad, with a $90 minimum. I'd be happy to give you a quote for any changes before I start. Typically the price for minor type changes or resizing would be in the 1-2 hour range, or $90-$180. But please confirm with me first since pricing can vary depending on the extent of changes.
What else can you help me with other than print design?
Lots of stuff! Indivisual is also a great source for packaging design, TV commercials, multimedia, web design (take this site for example), photo retouching, trade show booths, promo and incentive products, and more. Not sure if Indivisual can help? Just ask.
So, how much is this brochure / catalogue / identity / annual report going to cost?
Well, my pricing page will help get you in the ballpark though as you can imagine, every client and every project is unique (more pages, more colours, different approval processes, different end uses etc. etc.) They're all custom projects in some way or other. After our initial meeting, I should be able to provide you with fairly accurate pricing within two to three days.
Our budget is kinda' tight.
Is there any way you can save us some money on this?
The short answer is “Yes. Just hire me more.”
I can bring the best value when we work together over the long haul. When we can sit down together at the planning stages, before all the strategic decisions have been made. I can help you realize savings by planning things in a logical order with a view to repurposing creative development, buying services in effective ways and dividing your “to-do list” into manageable chunks. (think of Indivisual as an extension of your marketing department and not just your “business card supplier”)
What do you need from me to get started?
A signature on that quote you just received for a start. And a 50% deposit* Payment can be made online by credit card, (through PayPal) by company cheque or money order. Depending on the project, I may also ask you to raid the mail room, boardroom and your friends' offices for background information on your company, your products, and your competitors. These can be brochures, clippings, magazine ads, packaging or websites. Remember, the better we know your business, the better I can help you market it!
* credit terms are available. ask for a credit application after your first project with us.
When can I expect to see the finished product?
That depends. Typically, I need 5 to 10 business days for print ads and a 2-3 weeks for larger projects like brochures. Expect to add another 7 to 10 days for printing and bindery. After our first meeting, I should be able to give you a firm timeline for project completion. Rush delivery is available on request, for a modest additional fee.
Ligatures, picas, hickeys, dingbats, gatefolds? You guys have a language all your own. Can you recommend a good reference book to help get me up to speed?
Sure can. I'll soon be adding an online bookstore chock full of some of the best industry-related reading available. In the meantime, here's a link to a helpful glossary of graphics terms.