Simple, just get in touch (either by phone or email) and we can have a chat about what you’re looking for. This will allow me to take notes so that I can prepare a quote for you. For some projects, such as e-commerce websites, annual reports or a full rebranding, I will need a bit more information, and to that end, I can provide you with a small list of things to consider about your project that we can discuss before moving on. Your answers will help to form a brief for the project. Alternatively, you can prepare and supply your own brief first for me to work from.

Yes, this is quite common for many of the clients I have worked with. If you have them, just supply me with a set of your design guidelines and I will work from those. If not, then just supply what information you do have, such as colour references, fonts, maybe a previous example of something produced for you, etc. and I can generally work from that.

This depends on how many other projects are on the go at any one time. However, in saying that, I would usually prefer to work on any one project exclusively until the first proof stage. After that, I will slot in any returned amendments to these proofs into my schedule as soon as is possible and advise when you will receive new proofs. If we have a previously arranged schedule, then I will work to that.

Pretty much. Only occasionally do I need to outsource parts of a project such as to a photographer or specialist illustrator. Final printing of course is outsourced but generally, I will oversee and manage this including visits to the press when necessary. If there are other areas where an outside resource is required, I can usually set this up through the contacts I’ve built up over the years.

On most projects, I will arrange and manage the print side of things. Some clients prefer to place their own print which is fine by me. However, if a client places their own print, the responsibility for any issues arising from doing it themselves, that are not related to the quality of the supplied artwork, rests with them.

This is very much dependent on the type of project. Some projects are easily defined and I have guide prices for these that I will advise you of in advance. Other project types need to be quoted individually because of their complexity. For instance, two 32 page reports may seem the same but if one primarily contains text throughout and the other contains detail diagrams on every other page, the design time required will vary greatly, and therefore so will the cost to produce them. I tend to work on fixed quotes but with the provision that additional time may be charged if the time required to complete the project exceeds that originally quoted due to additional clients requirements. Any additional time/costs required will always be advised prior to any further work proceeding.

Obviously, until I know what your business or organisation does it would be impossible to say for sure. However, over the last 30+ years I have worked with many different types of businesses and organisations and have yet to find one where I cannot be of service due to unfamiliarity with what they do or represent so I’m confident I can help you.

This is a hard question to answer as it’s always dependent on what other projects I have on the go at the time. What I can say is, I will do everything I can to meet your requirements. For longer projects where there will be several proofing stages, and where a client needs time to present each stage to their colleagues before moving on, I will put together a schedule of work showing when the different stages will be completed. This is not written in stone but it does serve as a guide for all involved.

Absolutely, and depending on the project, this is something that usually comes up, during the briefing stage. Whereas I would never directly copy another designer’s work, some clients have requested something in a similar style to a piece they have seen elsewhere. Usually I can accommodate this. If the client has a clear idea of what they want and just needs a professional designer to help them realise the final product, then yes, I am also happy to work with you this way. Actually, it often makes the process quicker and less costly.

Yes, as mentioned in the previous earlier question, I would never directly copy another designer’s work (except for maybe reprint purposes where the original designer or artwork is unavailable for whatever reason) but if requested, I can work to a similar style. One thing to consider in this situation might be the breaching of someone else’s copyright which I absolutely will not do. 

Yes, this again is something that comes up. Clients have come to me with previous pieces of work that they need either replicated or built upon where the original designer is perhaps not available for whatever reason. This could be to replicate a printed piece for reprint purposes or maybe to redraw their brand logo where the original artwork has been lost, or a ton of other scenarios. I would just say to provide as much information as you can (specific colours, font names, sample documents, etc.) and I can usually work from that.

Yes, you paid for it. However, I usually only supply it back to the client if requested and it’s not something I normally do as part of the end process. Most clients do not have the speciality software required to access the design files so there is often little point in returning it. However, where it is requested, I am happy to supply it. I do keep copies of all work produced and can return previous project files within 24 hours (often immediately if required) at no cost to the client.

If the designs are original pieces (ie. not part of a set of corporate designs) then, by law, no. The copyright remains with the designer unless transferred by agreement. This is particularly important for clients to understand where the artwork produced is being used for advertising purposes. Similar to stock photography agencies, the original cost for the artwork may vary depending on what the artwork is used for. For instance, if it’s for local use it will cost ‘X’ amount and if it’s for a national campaign it will cost ‘Y’. On occasion, and for regular clients, I will make an exception. This is always something we can discuss at the start of a project if it’s of concern to you.

If you are a new client then yes, I require a 50% deposit of quoted costs before any work is carried out on your project. The balance would be payable on completion of the project. For clients I have worked with before on more than a few occasions, I normally dispense with this as a certain level of trust has already been established. Details of payment terms and conditions are set out in a separate sheet supplied with each quote.

Modestly, I would like to think so. Clients who have worked with me tend to come back time and time again, and some I’ve worked with for around 20 years and more now – either in my current persona as Roslin Creative Design or under a previous business entity name. I am more than happy to provide references if required.