“Design adds value faster than it adds costs.” - Thomas C. Gale
Expanding on the Design Process: Insights from Ginski Creative
In the realm of graphic design, every project with an idea or end goal in mind and a desire to bring ideas to life. Within our brand at Ginski Creative, we understand the importance of creating an environment that is open where clients feel heard, values, and stoked for the process ahead. This is an article to give the client an idea of the broad process of their project, but also to give an outline to other designers beginning freelance, and not knowing where to start.
Initial Consultation: Setting the Foundation
If you decide to go with Ginski Creative for your design needs, our design process will kick off with an initial consultation. This is a crucial step where we dive head first into your project. Whether it's through a phone call, video chat, or email correspondence, this is our opportunity to establish a strong foundation by understanding your goals, preferences, and vision. Clear communication and active listening are of utmost importance as we ensure alignment between your design dreams and our creative expertise. During the initial consultation, we dive into understanding the essence of your project's design. This is your chance to share all your ideas freely. The more ideas you bring to the table, the more creative opportunities we have to work with.
Crafting the Project Brief: Mapping the Path Ahead
Following our consultation, we will work hard to craft a comprehensive project brief that serves as our guiding compass throughout the project. This document outlines the project scope, timeline, deliverables, and any specific requirements, providing clarity and direction for both parties involved. With a well-defined brief in place, we can navigate the design process seamlessly, allowing more focus towards meeting those deadlines.
Into the Design Phase: Bringing Visions to Life
With a thorough understanding of your needs and objectives, we take a leap into the design phase, where ideas and concepts transform into tangible digital assets. Here, creativity knows no bounds as we explore various design elements, colors, typography, and layouts to capture the essence of your vision. Problem solving how to get the vision from your mind, into a digital asset. Throughout this phase, we maintain open lines of communication, keeping you updated on our progress and seeking your input every step of the way.
Feedback and Revisions: Refining to Perfection
Your feedback is one of the most important parts of this process as the more direct input given, the closer to your vision we can get. We're committed to making revisions as needed to ensure the final product not only meets but exceeds your expectations. However, to maintain efficiency and uphold our commitment to quality, we kindly request that additional revisions beyond (2) may incur a fee. This ensures that our collaboration remains productive and results-driven.
Final Delivery: Culmination of Creativity
As we approach the end of our collaboration, we finalize the designs and prepare them for delivery in your preferred format. While I usually work with digital deliverables, print deliverables can also be discussed. We ensure that the files are well organized and ready to be shared or implemented according to your requirements. Additionally, for your convenience, we offer the option to document your project onto a tangible hard drive for archival purposes, adding an extra layer of security and accessibility- but also for an extra fee (+ cost of hard drive).
Transparency in Pricing: Valuing Your Investment
At Ginski Creative, transparency is one of our core values. We believe in honest pricing that reflects the value of our services and the expertise we bring to the table. Our pricing structure is straightforward, with hourly rates and monthly packages tailored to accommodate varying project needs and timelines. We're committed to delivering exceptional service and quality work that aligns with your budget and expectations. My current pricing as of March 2024 is as follows:
My current hourly rate is $45/hour. Effective July 1, 2024, my rate will increase to $50/hour to reflect the attainment of my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and Photography. To initiate a project, a 40% deposit of the estimated total cost is required upon contract signing, with the remaining balance due upon receipt of the final deliverables.
For your convenience, I also offer monthly rates ranging from $3,200 to $6,200 per project, with an average rate of approximately $3,800. This is only available to projects that go past 4 weeks, and which I work more than 15 hours a week on.
Continued Support: Your Partner in Design
Even after the project reaches its conclusion, our commitment to your satisfaction doesn't end there. We're here to address any questions, concerns, or future design needs you may have. For small changes and consistent updates a small monthly fee can be discussed. At Ginski Creative, our ultimate goal is to foster long-term relationships built on trust, professionalism, and a shared passion for making your dream project come to fruition.
In conclusion, we will always be grateful for choosing Ginski Creative as your partner in creativity! We're excited to grow together as your project grows, and we can't wait to see your vision come to life in ways that exceed your wildest expectations.
Best Regards,
Gin Cunningham
Founder & Creative Director
Ginski Creative