faqs - working with a graphic designer and web designer, what to expect, what is branding, why is branding essential to my business

Because not everyone knows what to expect when they work with a graphic and web designer I've put together this list of FAQs.

If there's something not covered here then please feel free to contact Liz.

What is branding and why is it essential to my business?

Branding creates an image of your business through consistently present visual elements such as symbols (logo), colours and style or layout. It is recommended that you have at least a logo, business card and letterhead all carrying the brand for your business. Following on from these necessities is a website and then marketing materials that again all reinforce the brand.

You may have only seconds to 'sell' your business to a potential customer, which is why your branding should be able to explain to them visually who you are and what your business is all about as well as why they should trust you with their hard earned money. You need to identify your target market and then try to make your brand appeal directly to them.

Click here for more information on branding and corporate id

Why use a professional graphic designer and what do they do?

As a highly experienced graphic and web designer, I have the past experiences that enable me to produce something original and suitable for use in the industry in which your business operates.

I am able to create an appropriate logo that works when resized, in mono as well as in colour. Logos should be meaningful and symbolic and not only does a designer understand this but they have experience of researching imagery and icons to create such an effective logo.

I know the right questions to ask and can help you present your business professionally with well-designed marketing materials, professional business stationery and a functional user-friendly website.

Before I start work on a client's project I will conduct market research so that I can work on a solution that not only meets your requirements but is also going to serve you and your business well.

What is the process of working with a designer?

Designers work from what is known as a 'design brief' which acts as their guidelines for what the client needs and would like to see. I'll first work with a client to establish this design brief. The client's requirements as well as tastes (i.e. preferred colour scheme and style) will be discussed.

Before work on a client's project begins, as with many designers, I provide a quote and outline of the project brief. My standard Terms of Business will accompany this quote detailing what can be expected from Sandlandesign as well as what I require from the client. I'll also include an estimated project completion date.

Upon payment of a deposit (deductable from the final invoice) I will start work on design and layout concepts. Layouts will be emailed in the form of PDFs, which can be viewed using Adobe Acrobat Reader (available for free from Adobe's website - click here). These are suggested layouts only - it's rare to get it right first time and it's expected that the client will pick and choose elements from this first range of designs. We will then work together with regular contact and feedback until you are totally happy with the final design.

I offer a full design service and will create something unique and bespoke for your business. All my websites are hard-coded as fully optimised for the search engines so that good old Google (and the other leading search engines of course!) can find you easily. All my sites are W3C validation checked so they comply with ‘good coding’ rules set by The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).

How much will it cost?

Using my services certainly won't cost the earth and I work hard to provide package prices that are tailored to your specific requirements. For example; I offer a 'Business Branding - Essential Startup' package which comprises a Logo, Business / Appointment Card & Company Letterhead. All 3 items are discounted as part of the package.

I've spent years developing my design and web skills, as well as ensuring I keep up-to-date with the latest technologies, and of course I feel that my services are worth paying for. I do not believe in using mass-produced templates to promote your business so you can expect an original and unique design to be proud of - and I wouldn't put my name to anything less!

All pricing includes an initial consultation (telephone or face-to-face meeting) and all project-related communication as we work through the design and development stages. Further consultations to discuss amending the initial brief or a new project brief are charged by the hour.

Quotes are based upon original designs and layouts provided in PDF format for review with a reasonable number of re-drafts to suit the client’s tastes.

Please contact Liz with your requirements for a no obligation and competitive quote.

Technical notes

Colours - Colours used for print are totally different to those for on-screen presentation (i.e. for use in websites). I use the Pantone colour-matching system for selecting colours for print and can show you colour 'swatches' so that you'll know the final result once a job has been professionally printed. You should NEVER go by how colours look on screen or even on paper if home / office printed when selecting colours for use in print.

Images - When purchasing images you need to consider whether you'd like it for use on screen only or whether you plan to use it in printed marketing. Images used on websites will be sized to 72dpi (screen resolution) so as to keep the file-sizes low and are thus cheaper to buy than images that need to be 300dpi which is print resolution. Sandlandesign advises on images and will only source / use images that the client has the copyright to use. No images sourced by Sandlandesign will infringe upon copyright laws.

Please click here for details of the services offered by Sandlandesign