What is a Graphic Designer?
Graphic Designers are artists who use visual media to convey a message. We work in the commercial arena, creating art for stores, publishing houses, and advertising agencies. Computers are used almost exclusively for design, sketching, image manipulation, and photo editing. Computer design advantages are many; speed, precision, on-screen editing, and the ability to test various designs before a final decision ismade. Uses of graphic design include: promotional displays in retail outlets, product packaging, logo design and print advertising (layout of magazines, newspapers and brochures).
About the Design Process -
A design should help a client solve an information problem. Example: A client needs a way to best communicate corporate information to potential customers visiting the company office.
1. The designer determined that the information needs to be small and portable - something that potential customers will be able to pick up and carry with them for future reference. She suggests a brochure.
2. The designer sketches a number of possible designs for the brochure and prepares them for viewing by the client. She will review the designs with the client until they like what they see.
3. The designer presents a selection of comps (mock ups of the design) to the client and discussed the options for each one. Educating the client is just as important as the design. Happy clients are return business.
4. The designer returns to here computer and begins work on a style for the chosen format. Again, she will come up with several designs and present them to the client. The client always has the last word in the decision-making process.
5. The designer also ensures that the design complements the client's website, other corporate materials, and the company's public image.
What about pricing?
Here are typical costs for work I have recently completed:
Newsletter - $25.00-$50.00/per page
Business Cards - $50.00-$150.00
Brochures - $300.00-$500.00
Letterhead/Envelopes/Marketing Materials - $100.00
Web Design - 5 page site with basic graphics - $500.00
I look forward to hearing from you!!