Whether a logo design project, document design, or stationery design, here’s a selection of questions clients often ask when they are looking to hire a graphic design agency for a project.
Any graphic design agency will be able to give a range of reasons why branding or brand identity is important to a business. I feel it’s essential to small and independent businesses particularly as it’s often a cost-effective way to stand out from competitors.
Good question. It depends on what the product or service is, your role within the organisation, and how long you’ve been operating. Often an evolution or development is the best option for an existing, established brand. Whereas a small, new business that wants to pivot with a fresh image may need a complete rebrand. Before undertaking any work it’s always worth speaking to your potential partner agency to see what they think.
It’s likely every different graphic design agency you speak to will give you a different answer to this question. From DCDW’s perspective a good logo is recognisable, different from competing offers, built on a strong foundation, and should display confidence.
If we are talking about a new business in Devon (or anywhere else) a basic brand design project will usually include:
That said, every graphic design agency may operate slightly differently, so it’s always best to outline your expectations at the start of the project.
Every project is different. The size of the client, number and type of applications, company heritage. A new logo design as part of a simple brand identity project for a small company should start at around £2,000+VAT. But this depends on a range of factors such as timelines, as well as those outlined above.
Both. Most independent clients like to work project to project, and some prefer a fixed retainer. If you want to know more / have any further questions on this please get in touch.
A logo is important, but it is only one part of a brand identity. It can influence other elements, and be a quick way to sign off and own a message. At its strongest, a good logo design works with the other elements in a full brand identity (typography, colours, layout, icons, photos, patterns) to position a brand, support its operations and make it visible in a busy landscape.
I’m happy to advise and work in design ideas and example layouts for websites, but for full website design and build I’d recommend bringing in a web design / development agency for a full build. I recommend Illicit Studios in Exeter, Devon. I worked with them on this site and was really happy with the results – make sure you tell them I sent you!
The length of the brand design process can vary like any other project. As a marker, I’d expect a project that includes, logo design, colour palette, type design and basic stationery designs (like AW Psychology’s) to take six to eight weeks.
However, this can increase if there are additional design needs like photography, iconography, or uniform design, for example. There is also the amount of time the client needs to review, discuss and provide feedback.
The broad stages of the design process usually centre around:
It’s also worth mentioning that there is usually an initial deposit required to commence work on a project, and full payment is required after approval before files are supplied. Learn more about the graphic design agency process here.
No problem. Every step of the process is about guiding us closer to a solution that works for a client. Often understanding what doesn’t work for a client is as important as knowing what they like. Generally DCDW budgets for around three rounds of amends.
Clients are – and should feel like – a key part of the creative process. As a graphic design agency DC Design Works is always open to collaboration in feedback in the development of ideas. The goal of the project is to get you where you need to be, with the best design solution possible.
Three rounds of amends is usually the standard for a project. Beyond that we may agree a set price for further rounds of amends as a project continues.
Yes. While DC Design Works is a graphic design agency based in Exeter, Devon, it delivers great work for clients up and down the country. Oxford, Stratford upon Avon, Exeter and Sefton are just a few examples of recent client locations.
In whatever way works for the client. Usually we start with a meeting or video call, and as a project progresses it may be that feedback is submitted via email. This is something we usually agree at the start of the project to make sure things fit the client’s work patterns and availability.
You do. DC Design Works will keep the project and design files archived in case you need them at a later date, but once the project is complete everything is yours.
Yes. Generally, a range of vector and raster files will be supplied by your graphic design agency at the end of a project. This usually includes:
But if you need something specific, feel free to outline it at the start of the project.
100% – these are usually provided on project completion. These can be sent to your self, or the business / person handling production. Please note, all files and proofs will need to be approved for production by yourself directly with the supplier.
Can’t find your question in here? Send it through and I’ll do my best to answer ASAP.
