So you’ve got a project or an idea and need a graphic designer to help bring it to life with a logo, signage and marketing materials. In this article I’m going to give you some insider tips to make sure you get the results (and value) you want.

How much should I spend?

You’ll find many designers charge by the hour, I don’t, instead I charge a fixed amount for a project based on its value to you. Why do I do this?

1. The price is fixed, enabling you to budget more accurately with no nasty surprises.
2. The time component is totally removed from the equation – you and I are both free to be creative and work towards the best possible outcome.
3. The price is calculated at the outset to give you a good return on your investment.

Should I tell my designer my budget?

Yes! (Here’s why): Prospective clients are generally often reluctant to ‘give away’ a budget figure, but honestly by knowing your budget I can bring the most (and best) resources to bear to create the best possible outcome while staying inside it.

If we take a logo for example, “How much does a logo cost” is akin to asking how long a piece of string is. A logo can be created for very little, but simply put, the more you invest, the more resources are made available (more research time; number of initial ideas; amount of development; number of design revisions; amount of refinement) thus increasing the likelihood of success of the project and mitigating the risks.

Pricing options

With the above in mind and depending on the project I will usually give you three price options (effectively small, medium and large), each step up will provide clear benefits over the previous option so you know exactly what you’re getting for your money.

The take away

As a potential client looking to hire, think about:

• What does the project mean to you?
• What does a successful outcome look like to you? How can you measure this success?
• A project can usually be achieved at any price point, but the more investment you can provide increases the likelihood of success, mitigating risk.
• Tell the designer your budget.
• Get a detailed breakdown – make sure you know explicitly what you are getting for your investment.
• Ensure your designer is someone you can work with easily, shares your goals and understands your passion for the project.

In the light of Covid-19 and heading back to work we have been increasingly taking enquiries about social distancing solutions and safety signage. To help you decide what you might need for your business to keep your staff and customers safe we have a brochure showing:

Of course if there’s anything else you need do get in touch as we have access to many more products and solutions for you.

Martyn Joyce of Blackberry Design has recently been featured in the new book ‘50 Must read design tips, from designers to designers’.

The book gathers advice from experts in the Graphic Design field all in one place. From client management to typography, brand identity to practical tips for designers. The book showcases new ways to think about design from the country’s leading designers.