WHAT DO I CHARGE? The Value of Design

So you like my portfolio and you’d like to hire me… Congratulations. If I may so, you have impeccable taste and I’d love to work with you. So now comes the question. What do I charge? It may look effortless, but a lot of work goes into good design and it takes years to develop professional design skills. All too often a client needs some work done for $250. The reality is the work they need is actually worth $1500. Before you get sticker shock lets talk about a few things and what actually goes into a design. Sure, I could throw together a brochure in a few hours for $250 but that would be doing you and your company a disservice. We both care about your company and how it does. I want you to do well, and want you to get a huge return on your investment decision to hire me. In order for that to happen, I want to get to know what it is that you do. I will want to discuss your job specifications and scheduling; "what makes your company tick; what sets you apart from your competitors; what are you trying to communicate; and what are your biggest challenges?” Although this process may seem somewhat time-consuming, it is essential to sharpen the focus and objectives of your project. This ensures that the designs I produce for you are not only creative and of good quality, but strategically targeted as well.

If you wish, you can compare me to other designers and other sites that will design you a brochure for $250. Look at my portfolio. Look at theirs. If you are happy with those designers, then I am happy that you have identified a solution that will work for you. We probably would not have been a good fit. If you look hard enough, you could also probably get a logo for even cheaper. Ask yourself, “can the logo be trademarked or has it been plagiarized?” Are you comfortable in risking a potential lawsuit from the entity that actually owns the logo trademark? My business model is focused on giving a differentiated and custom solution based on your unique business strategy so that you will stand out in the crowded marketplace. It is a lot of value for your money.

I understand that the reality is that many people and companies are on a very tight budget, and can’t afford the prices that first class designers charge. There is nothing wrong with this; cost discipline is an important component to your business margins. It is important though to understand the value of good strategic design. I offer a package of services for those interested in establishing a relationship based on personal strategy and differentiated value. If my design services are still out of your budget then that is okay. I will still be here if you become dissatisfied with less expensive, “templated” solutions, and I will love to get to know and work with you.

Image from Designing a Life Blog.