good question...

You’ve seen the work, read the testimonials and anonymously stalked me on Facebook for six weeks. However, it’s only natural for you to still have a few questions before hiring me.

I thought it might save you a bit of time if I addressed some of those questions here. I’d be more than happy to answer any other questions or provide additional information for the ones below.

•   1. How much will my project cost?
•   2. Who owns the rights to the finished design?
•   3. How long will the project take to complete?
•   4. Are there any hidden costs?
•   5. What can I expect from the working relationship?
•   6. Do you design for print and the web?
•   7. How do I know my project isn’t too big for you to handle?
•   8. Is my project too small for you to be interested in?
•   9. What is your professional background?
• 10. How does the design process work?
• 11. You are in a different part of the world to me. Is that a problem?
• 12. How do we stay in contact?
• 13. How do you accept payment?

• how much will my project cost?

  This is of course a vitally important question. The straightforward answer is that it very much depends on the scope of the project you have in mind. My process when working out a cost is to understand your requirements as fully as possible. I can then estimate the amount of time it will take me to complete and use that as a basis for my quote.

  I keep my overheads low which means I am able to offer a very high level of creativity and professionalism at competitive prices.

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• who owns the rights to the finished design?

  You do. Plain and simple. Once the project is complete, I will make sure you have all the files you need in the format you require, to do with as you please.

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• how long will the project take to complete?

  Naturally, each project is different and the complexity will determine its length. However, once we have established exactly what is required, I will provide a delivery timeline and keep you constantly updated with when to expect each stage.

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• are there any hidden costs?

  No, absolutely not. All costs are completely clear and in writing from the beginning. You can be sure you won’t receive any surprises on the invoice at the end.

  If during the course of the project, you choose to expand the remit to include additional work, any extra cost that this may entail will be explained and agreed upon in writing in advance.

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• what can I expect from the working relationship?

  The working relationship I have with all my clients is based on excellent communication, friendliness and high standards. I believe a fundamental part of my job as a designer is to be there to answer questions, to provide clarity and to make sure you are entirely happy with progress and with the final result.

  I maintain a strong working relationship with many clients even after a project has come to an end. I like to think that they know they can rely on me to help out in any way I can.

  To see what my clients themselves have to say, please take a look at a few testimonials.

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• do you design for print and the web?

  Yes, I cover both print (brochures, magazine ads, posters, stationery etc.) and web (websites, e-commerce, banner ads, e-newsletters etc.).

  In fact, many projects cover both. For a good indication of the kind of work I produce, please visit my portfolio.

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• how do I know my project isn’t too big for you to handle?

  Although I primarily take care of the majority of the work myself, I do have a team of trusted, specialised freelancers. This means that if your project has a large scope and may involve several disciplines, I have a tried and tested resource to meet those needs.

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• is my project too small for you to be interested in?

  I love designing and the size of the project doesn’t change that. You may just want a business card or invitation and don’t have immediate plans to take over the world with your global empire. That’s fine. Many of my long term clients began with a small project and our working relationship developed from there.

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• what is your professional background?

  I worked as a graphic designer and art director within the advertising / marketing industry in London for over 10 years. I was employed on a full-time basis for the majority of that period by top-rated UK agencies, designing for Blue Chip brands such as Sony, Channel 4, Volvic, BBC, Kodak etc.

  I launched Brightspark in 2007 to allow me even more creative flexibility and to bring the same level of professional service to a broader market.

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• how does the design process work?

  You can read a step-by-step guide to my design process here.

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• you are in a different part of the world to me. Is that a problem?

  I have clients from all over the world and location is not an issue. We do not need to be in the same room to communicate effectively. The design process would work in exactly the same way if you were my next door neighbour or on the other side of the planet.

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• how do we stay in contact?

  I believe that communication is absolutely fundamental to my business and making sure my clients are constantly up to speed is one of the reasons I get so many referrals.

  You can find everything you need to stay in contact here.

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• how do you accept payment?

  All details of how to pay will be on the invoice. It will be either by bank transfer, cheque (UK) or through Paypal.

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