Here is a sampling of questions I have been asked previously. I hope it will offer you the information needed to get started on a design project with me.
Q: What design services do you provide?
A: A majority of my design work has been for print production. From that design work, I have incorporated the artwork into social media graphics and campaigns. It is also important to remember that you are not simply hiring me to “design a graphic,” but to build a creative design partnership. Through this partnership, I can help identify your needs, offer creative solutions, and help you create results to enrich your products and business.
Q: What are your past clients saying about you?
A: You can read about those in my testimonials section. I hope you will also hire me for your next design project and join my growing list of successful clients.
Q: What are your rates for your graphic design work?
A: Design rates in any creative profession are highly dependent on the description of the project, the size, the client, the turnaround time, and the usage (where the image or images are used and seen). I do not say this to be vague or elusive, but because no two projects are the same.
Q: How do you accept payment?
A: For most projects, I request a non-refundable $500 payment for each new project to begin work. This covers the initial consultation and the first proof. I accept payments via check, bank transfer, or PayPal. The exact details and terms will be provided in my proposal. The final amount will be paid upon completion of the project, for finalization of the artwork to be sent to you, and for your ownership.
Q: Do you do free artwork for the promise of exposure, trades, free tickets, supper, or deferred payment?
A: No. Not under any circumstances. So please don’t ask, it will be a waste of your time and mine. I only take payment up front if you wish to work with me. If you are serious about obtaining quality work from a creative professional who will bring extra value to your project, then you will need to do your due diligence to raise the capital to hire someone to create that visual value for your project.
Q: How about spec work?
A: No. A more effective and ethical approach to requesting spec work is to ask designers to submit examples of their work from previous assignments, as well as a statement of how they would approach your project. You can then judge the quality of the designer’s earlier work and their approach to your business. The designer you select can then begin working on your project by designing strategic solutions to your criteria, under contract to you, without having to work on speculation up front.
Q: What are your turnaround times for your art and design work?
A: I work quickly, but timing varies based on the project. In addition, I only work on the side on weekends when I am available. While most projects fall in the 1-2 week range, I have accomplished 24-hour turnarounds. For more lengthy design projects, I have spent 2 to 3 months with clients. My design turnaround is adaptive to the people I work with and their projects.
Q: Where can I review a list of the design and art services you provide?
A: The complete list of what I can offer you in terms of design is shown in my portfolio. I have worked with clients in music, non-profits, home building, politics, public events, and private individuals, just to name a few. My main priority is always to offer creative solutions to present your vision at its best, reflecting the quality of your product, brand, or image.
Q: I have a personal project, I am not a company or agency, can I hire you?
A: While privately commissioned artwork is less common due to a single person’s budget versus an established company that looks to hire an artist, it does happen – message me using the contact form, and we can try to work something out.
Q: What industries have you worked in?
A: My work experience entails tenures in print shops, a newspaper, and with an advertising agency. Therefore, I do have a solid knowledge of what print shops require for a design project to be submitted for print production.
Q: How did you get your start?
A: I have always had a creative edge to me, and was encouraged by my Mom. A lot of my early work consisted of hand-lettered posters and banners. As computer technology grew, I started learning various design programs and what they could offer. My first professional job as a graphic designer was with a print shop in Washington. The shop owner liked what I had presented in my crude portfolio of WordPerfect, PowerPoint, and Publisher artwork and gave me a shot. Having worked with PCs up to that point, I did not know how to turn on the Mac on that first day. So, by trial and error, I began to learn the skills of PageMaker, Illustrator, and Photoshop. That was twenty years ago, and I have kept learning and staying up to date with current technology and design.
Q: How can we get started?
A: Know that I can only accept a few projects at a time to make sure my clients get the attention their project deserves. In addition, I do have a full-time graphic design job, which is my priority for my design energies.
Blue Pine Design 
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