We have included this section of common questions our new clients have when starting a design project. If you need to know something that is not answered here, please feel free to EMAIL us and we will get right back to you.

Q: Why don’t you have a price list on your website?
A: Custom Graphic Design and Illustration is a bit different from any other service. Sure the same concepts like customer service, professionalism and reliability apply, but the process is a bit trickier to quote on. Every job is different, with many different factors involved in the final bill. For instance, a custom illustration with a lot of technical details like realistic backgrounds will cost significantly more than a spot illustration featuring one character. We do our best to get our clients a firm quote once they explain (either in email or on the phone) exactly what it is they are looking for.

Q: I live on the opposite coast as your company, but I like your work. Is it possible to do business with you and see my artwork in progress?
A: The majority of our clients are folks we have never even met face-to-face. Since most of our business comes from the internet, we check our email on a regular basis, so our clients never have to wait around for a response. All artwork is approved via digital web proofs. We can also be reached by phone or pager. We have done work for clients who aren’t even based out of America, so distance has never been an issue.

Q: Are your services expensive?
A: That depends on what your concept of “expensive” is. What we have done with Graphic Artists, Inc. is create a professional company that can compete with most large design agencies. We keep our costs to the client down by operating "virtually", out of our own home offices instead of big fancy office spaces. When our clients use our services, they aren’t paying for electricity, rent or costly designer furniture.

Our standard design rate is $75 per hour (much less than most competing design agencies). Our work is, hands down, some the best quality you can get. Since many of our clients are new business owners, we do everything we can to give them a great deal, while still providing a superior product. Something to keep in mind is that you are purchasing custom, original, high-end design, which can be costly. Our clients understand that the only way to succeed in business is to have an awesome, professional presentation. Any of our regular clients will tell you that the cost is more than worth it.

Q: Can I copyright the artwork you design for me, or do I have to pay a fee every time I use it?
A: Many design agencies require the client to lease the artwork created or pay a huge fee to purchase copyright of the image. This is usually standard practice because the agency can continue to make a profit off artwork that is already completed. We don’t do that here at Graphic Artists, Inc.

Once our clients have paid the remainder of their invoice, copyright of any original artwork reverts to them. You don’t owe us anything after that. While we want more than anything for you to come back and use our services, nothing in our contract binds you after your invoice is paid in full.

Q: Contract? I have to sign a contract?
A: Our standard contract is a straight-forward agreement between Graphic Artists, Inc. and the client. It protects both parties by explaining in print exactly what the client is paying for, how much it costs, and any extras that could be incurred though the process of the job. There is no deceptive, microscopic fine print. Some extras that can increase the cost of a design assignment are additional printed proofs, extensive revisions, travel time and unexpected supplies not originally discussed when the job was quoted. That being said, it is very rare the our clients have to pay any additional fees. We do a very thorough job in the estimation process so that doesn’t happen.

Before we begin any assignment, a 50% non-refundable deposit is required. We need to keep generating cash flow to stay in operation. Unfortunately, we would be doomed if we had to wait until the project is finished before getting paid. We also realize that, while 99.9% of our clientele are honest people, there are some devious folks out there who want something for nothing. A deposit prevents this from happeneing.

Q: Do you accept credit cards?
A: If you wish to use your credit card, and have a Paypal account, then you can always pay us that way. We also accept checks or money orders.

Q: I need to have stationary printed with my logo. Can you do that for me?
A: Yes we can. Many of our customers have their own professional printers that they prefer using. We provide these clients with their artwork in printable form on cd. However, some of our clients don’t want the headache of shopping for printing. Graphic Artists, Inc. has accounts with professional print vendors who deal exclusively with businesses in the print and design fields. Plus, since we have years of experience, we speak the same language as our print vendors.

Q: I have found a nice photo online that I would like to use in my design. Is that okay?
A: Unfortunately no...not at all. Any images you see online are protected under copyright. You aren’t allowed to use any image or photograph without the creator’s signed approval. This applies to any content or image that you wish to use in your design assignment.

Another factor to consider when presenting Graphic Artists, Inc. with artwork that you wish to use is RESOLUTION. Resolution is the amount of digital information in a picture, and directly affects how the image prints. Computer monitors display objects at 72 ppi (pixels per inch). Any printed object needs to be a minimum of 250 to 300 ppi. That means that just because something looks good on screen doesn’t mean it will print well.

We hope this has answered some of the initial questions you may have. Remember that we can always be reached by EMAIL. We welcome any questions or comments you may have.