How Do I Get An Accurate Quote for
Graphic Design Work?

From SkyHawk Studios: Experience matters – top-drawer graphic design. Lean budget? Tight deadline? No problem.

Dear Friends and Clients,

The client had a seemingly simple question: “How much do you charge for a website?” He expected a simple answer – a dollar figure. He felt frustrated when he couldn’t get an immediate answer. Another client did get a dollar figure from several graphic design firms and went with the cheapest – then was shocked that the actual cost ended up being much higher – after the firm had added all the pages and features he wanted.

The subject of price estimates can be a frustrating one for both clients and graphic designers. Here are a few tips on how to get an estimate that is accurate and fair:

1. Be specific:

Asking “How much for a website?” is like walking into a restaurant and asking “How much do you charge for a meal?” The only possible answer is “it depends.” Filet mignon or grilled cheese? How many appetizers, sides, drinks or desserts? Quoting graphic arts work is the same – it all depends on what you want.

Let’s say you are opening a clothing boutique and want a website. Well, before a website design firm would know how much to charge you, they would have to know what you want exactly. How many pages will the website be? How many different clothing designers will you be featuring? Do you want a page for each designer? How many designs you want to present – is it 30 or 300? Do you want to include your policies for returns and exchanges? Do you have other products you’d like to feature like purses and shoes? And do you want an e-commerce shopping cart and checkout system?

The same for any copy writing project. For a client to ask “How much do you charge to write a brochure?” is like asking a contractor, “How much do you charge for building a house?” One would need a lot more information to even begin answering that question. In the case of copywriting, any writer will want to know….read more.

Seven Tips for Creating Effective Web Color – What You Should Know Before Hiring a Web Designer

Ever visited a website only to be so repulsed by the garish, horrible, clashing colors that you instantly exit the site?

There is nothing that screams “amateur” louder than the clumsy use of color on a website. We’ve all seen the worst examples – sites that assault your senses with six different neon hues – but even some web developers who should know better sometimes present color combinations that make us cringe – and make visitors leave rapidly.

There’s a lot to know about color theory, color harmony, and how to use color effectively, and any designer worth his or her salt has spent years perfecting this art – but even for the beginner, there are some easy ways to avoid the worst color gaffes…read more.

For other helpful tips regarding your business, please visit our blog. We have articles on everything from how to name your company to what consumers want from your website to how to market your business.

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Sherry

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Studio: 503 235 0062