2. How much will my project cost?

Cost is an obviously important question, but one that can’t be answered without details of your communications project. Your company and its communications needs are different from every other, so it makes sense to tailor a quote to your individual needs. The “How much for a brochure?” question is kind of like asking an estate agent, “How much for a house?” It depends on the house.

After we complete a Communications Platform defining the program or project, I can prepare a cost estimate for you.

4. Others charge less than you. Can you match them?

Communications is not a commodity. A commodity is supplied with little qualitative differentiation; in general, a nail is a nail. A leather chair, on the other hand, will have many levels of quality. The better the chair design, grade of leather and craftsmanship, the more it will cost.

Just as you carefully choose your consultant, I also carefully choose my clients, and only work with those who value the service I provide.

3. What does the cost include?

The cost includes a significant amount of my time, which will span over weeks or months, depending on the complexity of the project. For more details about exactly what happens behind the scenes, read How I Work on this page. When the project is completed, you will receive full ownership of all materials produced, along with original artwork computer files for production and archiving.

5. What are your terms?

Projects require a 50% deposit before the start of work in most situations, with the balance due on completion prior to delivery of final computer files. I do not add a handling charge to production jobs, but do require pre-payment before placing the order. All details are included in your initial invoice. For your convenience, I provide electronic invoices that you can pay with company checks.

6. How long will the project take to complete?

At the beginning of each project I will inform you of delivery timeframes, such as when to expect the initial ideas, and how long possible revisions may take. As each project is different, I wait until learning about your needs before providing a schedule. Depending upon complexity, communications projects can last from a few weeks to several months.

7. Can you start right away?

It’s likely. However, I pay close attention to my current clients and priortize my time to deliver their ongoing projects on or before deadline. Call me and we can discuss your project's timeline. 503-701-9284.

 

8. What’s involved in a project process?

With some variations, most communication projects follow the same general steps. To read about them, go to the How I Work page.

9. How do I review early drafts of print material?

I will normally hand deliver a printed copy or, if our time schedule or geographic distance doesn't allow, I will email to you a PDF file (.pdf) that you can view on your computer or print. You will need Adobe Reader to open the .pdf file; most computers come with Adobe Reader, or the free application can be downloaded from www.adobe.com.

10. How much of your project research and analysis is based upon my competition?

A great deal. Evaluating the competition is a necessary part of the process, and should be expected from any communications consultant. Even though I research client competitors for every project, some clients choose not to have this stage documented and supplied, thus saving money.

12. Do you work with competing companies at the same time?

I do not work with competitors of current clients.

13. Who owns the creative?

Once you pay for a project, you own it and retain the copyright.

14. What computer file types do you provide?

While I work exclusively on Apple Macintosh computers, you will be able to open the file formats I provide using compatible programs on Windows systems. The file type will depend on the project.

Print If the project is a printed piece, Adobe InDesign (.indd) will be used. You will receive the original .indd file packaged with all related files, along with a .pdf file.

Graphics If the project is a logo or other graphic design, Adobe Illustrator (.ai) is the main file type used. The .ai file will be in vector format, which means it can be scaled to any size necessary without loss of quality. From the .ai file, you can create other file types: .eps, .jpg, .png, .tif, etc. Occasionally, I will also work in Adobe Photoshop (.ps). From the .ps file, you will be able to create .jpg, .png, .tif and other file types.

Presentations will be in Microsoft PowerPoint (.ppt) or Apple Keynote (.key).

Text documents will be done with Microsoft Word (.doc).

Spreadsheets will be in Microsoft Excel (.xls).

Web site work is done in Freeway, a superb and highly rated web development program for graphic designers, not programmers. Freeway is available only for Mac OS X; there is no Windows version. However, it creates standards-compliant HTML code that can be modified by HTML editing software.

I will help with specific file requests, and answer questions if you’re in any way unsure about your needs.

16. Will you feature my project in your portfolio?

I reserve the right to showcase work in my portfolio, but it’s not certain yours will be included.

Q&A

Q&A: what clients want to know

11. Will you sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement?

In most cases, yes. A Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) establishes a confidential relationship between your company and me to protect your confidential and proprietary non-public business information.

 

15. Can you help with printing and graphic production?

Absolutely. I have extensive experience dealing with commercial printers and graphic arts production, and have learn many ways to get the most for the money. I can supervise production or offer money-saving advice.

Questions

Before choosing a communications consultant, I recommend you ask questions. To save you time, here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions I receive.

Roll your cursor over questions to view answers.

To see all the questions and answers, click here.

More questions? Just call and we can discuss them. 503-701-9284.

Answers

Home | What communications can do | My Work | How I work | Getting started | Q&A | About me | Contact Me

1. What kinds of projects do you handle?

I've enjoyed a wide range of communications experience, from strategic to tactical, planning to implementation, and most creative in between. Most clients find that the most important service I provide is first determining the right solution. Occasionally I conclude that I cannot help solve the client’s problem. But usually we find the way.

My work includes general corporate identity and communications, product introductions, promotional materials, web sites, presentations, events and printed materials. If highly sophisticated graphic design, web development, public relations or advertising is required, I will most likely bring in a specialist. For a more complete listing of my communications services, click My Work in the menu. If you have a particular need, ask me. I'll tell you if we fit; if not, I'll recommend the right person.