• Q In my business I use a variety of printed materials. They’re all a little different and don’t look like they belong to the same organization. How would you give my marketing materials a unified look?
  • A It’s very important to have a coordinated look. It lends credibility. The first step is to standardize all the elements of your logo to make sure color, fonts, graphics, proportions, etc are always used in the same way. Then we examine each piece of collateral to ensure consistent application, and re-do layouts to bring everything into compliance.
  • Q We’ve had this logo for 15 years. It looks dated. How would you re-do it to reflect that we are current and energized?
  • A Sometimes minor changes are enough, but usually we have to re-think the entire logo. The process for a logo re-do, is almost the same as starting from the beginning with no logo. We re-define the objectives, and re-examine the design elements that seem appropriate now.
  • Q We have a logo, but we’re open to a redesign if you think it would really make a difference.
  • A I can evaluate your present logo and give my professional opinion. Sometimes it’s clear that a re-do will have a big positive effect on your business.
  • Q We did a logo a few years ago, but can you tweak it a little just to keep it fresh and create some excitement?
  • A In this case we can sometimes change just a few elements while still maintaining the recognition you’ve established for an existing logo.
  • Q I’m starting out in this business. I need to establish my business identity, but I don’t know where to start. How do I do this? What do I need?
  • A The first step of creating your identity is going through the logo design process. Once you have a logo, it can be applied to a business card, letterhead, envelope, and a print and/or web brochure.
  • Q I have some ideas for a logo, but I don’t know how to turn them into a professional, finished logo, or how to put it on a business card and stationery, and use it in other ways.
  • A I can work with your ideas, but we have to be open to the possibility that no matter how much you love them or channeled them from a higher power, they may not translate as-is to your new logo. I try to respect your vision, bring in my own intuitive understanding of your project, and also evaluate given design ideas from a trained professional point of view. Since you’ve come to me for a professional service, I count on your willingness to value my professional opinion.
  • Q I plan to self-publish, but I want my book to have more of a unique look than the books I’ve seen that were designed by self-publishing printing companies. How would you assist me in designing my book?
  • A I actually read your book! Then I work closely with you to discover the right size of the book, printing method, and look for the cover. There is no perfect cover as a quick browse through all the paperback versions of Anna Karenina available on Amazon will show, but we try 2 or 3 approaches and establish the cover images, type and layout that seem best. Then we continue some of the design themes, however subtly, in the interior layout and typesetting. Many people aren’t even aware that the inside of a book is “designed.” But we all feel the difference between the layout of an art book with lots of elegant white space, and a small paperback with narrow margins and type set in closely spaced lines almost to the bottom of the page! Once the book is designed and laid out, I can assist you in getting it printed. In some cases I use a self-publishing on-line site that prints on-demand, automates ISBN registration and barcodes, and will even sell and distribute your book—this a good combination of custom design and automated publishing that is perfect for a high-quality, small quantity or first step into self-publishing. In other cases, I can arrange for a printer or work with your printer.
  • Q Can you create marketing materials--a new flyer, a newsletter, a direct mail postcard, an invitation, a tri-fold brochure, a presentation folder to collect miscellaneous handouts, a menu, etc.?
  • A All of these materials are frequently requested. We can follow the layout of a piece you like or invent something completely unique.
  • Q Do you do the printing?
  • A I work with a number of printers who offer excellent value. I am able to determine the right printer for your job. I prepare and submit electronic files, coordinate any special requirements, review proofs, and oversee delivery.
  • Q Can you design a banner heading for my blog, twitter page, etc.?
  • A Yes. This is something like a branding-identity-logo project and will go through some of the same steps to determine the look you want, what you want to communicate, and to whom.
  • Q Do you design websites?
  • A I design simple sites that use the elements of your identity. I work with a developer who handles the technical end to insure functionality. I can also work with your own web developer, providing graphics and layout.
  • Q We need signage. Can you design something and give the design to a signmaker?
  • A Yes, I work with a few local signmakers who provide excellent value and service. I deliver the graphics files and coordinate production and installation.
  • Q Do you charge a fee for the initial consultation?
  • A Yes, I charge an hourly rate for consulting.