Tuesday, November 24, 2009

A tale of two clients.


I love designing logos.

I can also tell if someone is serious about creating a new business when they talk with me about their logo.

Take Prospective Client 1:
Prospective Client 1 wants a logo design that he will be printing on a full line of cloths. He also tells me that I'm charging a little more for designing a logo than another "guy".

I said "You will be spending a lot MORE money plastering your logo on tons of merchandise. You NEED a great logo. It's like building a house. You need a good architects plan. Otherwise it doesn't matter how much you spend on building supplies, your house is going to fall down around you. You need a strong logo that shows people that you are serious, that you are professional, that they can count on you."

Prospective Client 1 said "Your right... you got the job". Prospective Client 1 is a smart guy. He was serious about giving his company his best shot so he invested wisely in a professionally designed logo. Today I delivered 7 logos. He liked so many, he requested to buy several.

Now, about Prospective Client 2:

I just got off the phone with him. He too needed a logo. "Something simple and classy." He directed me to the Oppenheimer site where they have an elegant logo with a capital letter O.

We talk budget and he says my price is not in his budget. "Well what would you like to bring your logo in at?" I asked. He replied "Well since I'm looking for a font and a capital letter, I think less than $50."

I doubt that this man is serious about creating an image and building a business. He loved the Oppenheimer logo and he could have had something of that quality, for a reasonable cost, to build his business around.

Bottom line, spend time talking with your prospective clients... give them the benefit of your experience.

And one more thing... when Prospective Client 1 (who turned into a client ) asked to buy several more of the logos from the batch I sent him, I told him "Save your money, from a marketing standpoint you are better off with just one logo". I saved him money and I lost money by giving him that advice. But I believe that by playing fair and square (and of course delivering top quality designs) I will have a lot more repeat business.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

7 things to know before hiring a Freelance Graphic Designer.

1. Fee based or hourly:

You might think you are getting a great deal when someone quotes you a cheap hourly rate.... but if the designer doesn't know what they are doing , a project worth $200 can cost you a lot more. I always work on a project basis.. you will know EXACTLY how much your project will come in at.


2. Full time freelancer or a part time freelancer.

There's a big difference between someone tying to make an extra buck as a part time freelancer and a full time freelancer. A part time freelancer's most important project is HIS or HER regular job. They are not going to be available to help you out in a pinch nor will they be able to get your project done in a timely manner if they are working overtime at their "real" job. You don't have to worry about that with me... I'm a full time freelancer and your project is my most important job.


3. Student or professional.

Do you really want to trust someone with limited real world experience to help you? Sorry, but the student's designs might look good.. but are they backed by marketing experience to help you sell your product or service? No. As a professional designer, your projects are designed to SELL. You can't get that with a student.


4. Outsourced or are you dealing with the "real" designer.

Some people outsource their projects to to other people and then tack on a percentage to cover their "consultation" time. But who's really doing the work... someone in India who doesn't know the US market? Don't worry... I will be the designer to helps you generate more sales. Look at my portfolio... print, web, Flash, logos... if you like what you see... then I'm the guy to help you. http://www.digitalartist.com


5. Temperamental artist ahead... beware!

Some artists let their ego get in the way of making your project go through smoothly. Not me... I'll give you the benefit of my experience.. then you make the final decision. You know your business better than anyone else and I know I can help you increase your sales through solid marketing strategy and world class design... no ego to get in the way over here!

6. Are they order takers or are they giving you MORE?

You don't want an order taker. Order takers don't go that extra mile to give you MORE than what you asked for. Order takers take the fastest route to finishing a project.
Sure, I'll listen to what you want. I will listen to your suggestions. But I've found that the best way to make you very happy is to ADD to what you are telling me... make suggestions that can improve on your project and make it SELL.


7. Experienced or are they trying to be experienced?

Check out your freelancer's web site.... if you see high profile projects (like you will see on my web site: http://www.digitalartist.com) then you know that the "big guys" have trust in your freelancer and that you can too. If you see lots of "low end" assignments that's a clear indication that either the freelancer is just very good or they are just starting out. If they are just starting out... be careful. The files they send you could have problems that could end up being very expensive for you in the long run. You don't have to worry about that when we work together.


Bottom line.... I'm the guy you want to work with. My prices are fair and reasonable, I'm totally professional and with my marketing background, MY DESIGNS ARE DESIGNED TO SELL.

Call me now, let's talk about your assignment and I'll give you a quote on the spot!
914-682-0114