Working with a designer can be rewarding, inspiring, and fun. It can also be stressful, confusing and expensive!

It really all comes down to communication, so here are a few of the most common questions I’m asked, along with how I answer them to keep things running smoothly

Have a read, and if you’d like to know anything else, drop me a question in the comments box, or email me, and I’ll do my best to answer.

Q: Do you do work for free?

A: I understand why you’re asking. I’m an artist, I probably create things in my spare time, so why can’t I knock together a quick logo while I’m eating my dinner?

Well mainly because I am also a professional with years of training and experience, working to earn a living from illustration, design and photography.

Would you expect an electrician to work for free? Hopefully not!

That said, if you’re worried about budget, let me know and I can gear packages and ideas towards what you can afford.

Q: How much do you charge?

A: Each job is different, so each price is different. The quote for your job with be tailored to deliver exactly what you want.

All sorts of things can affect the price, including the amount of work or detail involved, as well as deadlines.

Please see ‘What next/how do we start working together?’ below for more details.

Q: What do you offer?

A: ASYLUMseventy7 offers a whole range of design, illustration and photography services.

Briefly, this includes: CD/DVD design; print design; promotional materials; merchandise design; branding; photography & retouching; web design.

I can also help you by taking control of your project and deal with printers, CD manufacturers, and offer copywriting for your website, advertisements and printed products.

If you would like to read more about the services offered, visit the ASYLUMseventy7 service page.

Q: How do we work together to make things happen?

A: Fantastic. Right at the outset, I thoroughly discuss the project with all clients and I keep them informed all the way through the process. The more detail you can give about what you want, the better.

Whether you’re looking for T-shirts, CDs, posters, magazines, logos, photographs or whatever, you might find find it easier to point me towards examples of stuff you like than try to put your needs into words or doodles. Alternatively, you might want to gather some samples, color combinations/swatches, and any other ideas or inspiration you may have.

Positioning and sizes are helpful, too but the most important thing is that you feel free to gather up what ever bits and pieces you need to most accurately show me what you’re looking for.

But don’t worry if you are not sure. Even the tiniest seed of an idea is enough to get me started, and then I’m more than happy to put together some ideas to suit your needs.

Q. Do I have to pay upfront?

To ensure that I’m not left in the lurch, I do ask for a deposit before design work can begin. It’s a pretty simple process: I’ll send you an invoice for 30% of the quote and once this has been paid, we can get designing.

Once we’ve successfully worked together once, you won’t need to pay a deposit for future jobs.

During the design process, you will be asked to approve certain milestones before work continues. I find that this process keeps you involved and prevents any breakdowns in communication.  In between these milestones, you are of course still free to check in for an update.

Q: How long will my design take?

A: This depends on the complexity of the job, deadlines, and so on, but the clearer the brief, the fewer adjustments needed and the quicker we can get a finished product together that everyone’s happy with.

With photo edits and retouching, these can usually be done with in 3 – 5 days.

Q: Can I get my money back if I don’t like it?

A: If everything above is followed, there should be no problem with the design. We’ll have our milestones, so there will be plenty of opportunities to ensure you’re getting what you want, how you want it.

If you want any changes made, that is no problem at all (within reason).

Q: Do I own the design?

A: When you pay the invoice on the final design, you will have paid for reproduction rights, as will have been agreed in writing at the start of the process.

I will still own the copyright to the design, which is normal for design/artwork, but fear not – the design/artwork will never be reproduced, sold, or given away by me.

Q: Do you do printing?

A: ASYLUMsevety7 doesn’t offer printing. However, I have many contacts and can deal with the full production and delivery of any printed literature or merchandise you may want, including leaflets, flyers, t-shirts, clothing, stickers and badges.

That’s it for now. Thanks for taking the time to read and do hit me with any other questions you might have.

Mark.