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Graphic Design General Questions
Logos Basics
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Getting started with your design project

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Website Costs
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Website maintenance
Website optimization
Getting started with your website

Other Design Projects

Our Services

What services do you provide?
What software do you use?
Can I really submit my project and work with my designer, completely over the Internet?
Do you do printing?

Q: What services do you provide?

Joe Donnelly Design provides a full range of graphic design and integrated marketing services to serve your company, group or organization. Our services include:

Logo / Identity Design - logos, wordmarks, icons
Stationery Design - business card, letterhead, envelope, mailing label, presentation folder
Print Collateral - brochures, flyers, and newsletters
Advertising - print and online advertising
Direct Mail - postcards and mailers
eMail Advertising
Illustration - custom digital illustration and 3D rendering
Photo Editing - image composition, repair and optimization
Posters - posters, banners and display graphics
Website Design
Website Renovations
Web Graphics - including Web banner ads and animations
Icons
eBooks - Adobe Acrobat® .pdf document creation
Presentations - Microsoft® PowerPoint® presentations and graphics
Packaging Design
Marketing Strategy - branding, product launch and / product management

For a full list of our services, visit our Services page or contact us if you have a specif project
you don't see listed here.

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Q: What software do you use?

Joe Donnelly Design uses and supports the latest versions of industry-standard graphic design and productivity software applications. For a full list of our supported applications please click here.

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Q: Can I really submit my project and work with my designer, completely over the Internet?

Yes, there are no geographic obstacles to working together, thanks to the Internet and telecommunications. Your requirements can be submitted by email, phone or fax. Once we have agreed on your needs, the provided information is used to create your designs. Intermediate design concepts and revisions are either posted to our Web site or emailed to you for your review, comments and approval. Once your design is completed, final files are either posted for your download, uploaded to you or your printer or sent to you via CD.

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Q: Do you do printing?

No, we do not provide printing services directly. We can recommend reputable online and local printers at your request. Because our clients are located throughout the globe, it is far more expedient for proofing and more cost-effective and faster for shipping if you deal with a local printer. We can act as an intermediary with your printer, or simply provide you with the final files to take to your printer. Printing is typically not included in any of our project quotations.

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Q: How much do you charge?

We wish there is a straight answer to this, however design services are not so easily quantifiable as requirement varies for each and every project.

We have two types of billing depending on your design job :
   a) Net Price - per-project price, pre-determined at the start of the project or
   b) Hourly rated - billed according to the time utilised.
       Clients are updated regularly on their project by our time-log and status reports.

We offer a FREE, no-obligation quotation process, to help define the scope and specification of each project. We are flexible and can work within any budget constraints you may have.
We do not believe in disappointing anybody with any form of hidden cost. It is our policy to be transparent with our clients with all costs itemized prior to the start of any project. Any changes and adjustments are then made and agreed upon by both sides before embarking on any work.

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Q: Can a small company afford your services?

Many of our clients are small companies, non-profit organizations and individuals. By "farming out" their design projects, they save themselves time and frustration, and save the expense of keeping someone on staff to do design tasks. We are flexible and can work within any budget constraints you may be facing. Put us to the test and you'll be suprised how far your design budget can stretch at Joe Donnelly Design.

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Q: Do you do small projects?

Yes! We are happy to work on small projects; anything from minor edits to a Web site to altering a graphic or logo. Smaller projects are often hourly rated. Contact us to discuss your small project.

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Q: Should I just look for the best price?

With the advent of easy-to-use, do-it-yourself graphics software, it is relatively simple for anyone to create a functional logo or adequate Web site. We all know someone who designs Web sites orcreates graphics as a sideline. This also explains why there are so many badly designed graphics out there; if someone has a paintbrush, it doesn't make them Rembrandt.

It's not just about the price, it's also about originality in design and concept, variety of options, mastery of the software and successful and ontime delivery to the specifications of your printer or Web host. Many who opt for the lowest price often discover they get what they pay for. So, hire a professional designer, be it Joe Donnelly Design or someone else- it will save you time and money in the long run. If we can't be of service, we'd be glad to consult on other designer's quotations to ensure you are getting the best value for your money. Contact us to see how we can help.

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Q: Are there any separate, extra, or hidden, charges?

We do not believe in disappointing anybody with any form of hidden cost. It is our policy to be transparent with our clients with all costs itemized prior to the start of any project. You are notified of any changes and adjustments. Work only progresses once you have agreed to any changes.

Depending on the project type,some items that are typically quoted separately include:
- purchase of stock photography or illustration
- printing services
- Web domain registration
- Web hosting fees

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Q: I have many items to produce, can we arrange for a monthly retainer fee for you to create everything for us?

We have a number of clients who have retained our services on a longer term basis or for ongoing work. By paying a flat monthly retainer fee (with a 3 month minimum contract term) we can act as your fulltime, in-house design department, handling as many projects as your schedule and ours can squeeze into the retainer period. For clients who have larger, more involved projects or require multiple pieces created this can often be a more economical method compared to getting each item separately quoted and created.

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Q: What are your billing policies?

Contracted projects are typically billed in at least two installments for new clients: half payment after half the job is done (typically when the first concepts are presented and the initial feedback has been given), and the remaining half upon completion and delivery of final files.
This condition is waived for repeat clients, requiring only one payment upon project completion.

Hourly quotations are billed at the end of the hours quoted. General maintenance and other non-contracted work is billed at US$75 per hour, billed monthly.

However, other billing arrangements are possible upon agreement by both parties.

Invoices are submitted via e-mail as a Word, Excel or PDF file, or via fax, or (upon request) via postal mail.

Payment is due fourteen (14) days from receipt of invoice for North American clients; international clients are given a grace period of thirty (30) days.

Late payments will be charged additional interest fees or penalties.

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Q: How can I make payments to you?

We accept and prefer secure online payments using your credit card, debit card, or
your bank account via PayPal.com. Opening an account is fast, easy, and FREE.
We also accept business checks, personal checks, and money orders.

In certain special circumstances, you also may be able to make a barter arrangement, either for goods or services or link exchange arrangement depending on the nature of your business, i.e. non-profit association.

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Q: Do you accept credit cards?

Yes, using PayPal.com, you can make payments using your Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express (excluding American Express Corporate) cards.

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Q: Do I need to send a deposit for the work?

We typically don't require any deposit from clients in advance. After half the job is completed (typically when the first concepts are presented and the initial feedback has been given), we get half of sum of agreed cost, with the remaining half of the fees payable upon delivery of the final files. This condition is waived for repeat clients, requiring only one payment upon project completion. Other billing arrangements are possible upon agreement by both parties.

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We believe in your complete satisfaction. We will continue to work with you to refine your design until you are completely happy; we offer 'unlimited' revisions on your design project within the confines set out in the original design brief.

However, if we collaborate on a project, and in the end we do not arrive at a result with which you are perfectly satisfied, you do not pay! You agree to accept payment for any purchased services or products (e.g. stock photography, printing, Web domain registration, etc.). Any partial deposits or payments will be returned to you, less any financial institution fees. The copyrights to your design project remain with Joe Donnelly Design, while you maintain the copyright over your company or product names used in the designs. What this means is that we could theoretically use or resell the design (the look of a particular brochure for example) to another JDD client. You will also be asked to sign and warrant that you will not use any creative or interim designs created or presented to you as part of our design process together.

Many design firms speak of 100% client satisfaction, we are willing to stake our fee and reputation on it. If you are not happy, then we are not happy. We trust our work will speak for itself and your satisfaction will be assured.

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What is your Privacy Policy?
What are the Terms and Conditions of Use for the JoeDonnellyDesign.com Web site?
I have an idea that I would like to protect, does Joe Donnelly Design sign non-disclosure agreements?

Q: What is your Privacy Policy?

We are committed to respecting your right to privacy and will protect it when you visit our Web site or deal with our company. Click here to view the Joe Donnelly Design Privacy Policy. It explains our online information practices, including how we collect and use your personal information.

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Q: What are the Terms and Conditions of Use for the JoeDonnellyDesign.com Web site?

THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF USE CONSTITUTE A LEGAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN YOU AND JOE DONNELLY DESIGN AND GOVERN YOUR USAGE OF OUR WEB SITE. PLEASE READ THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF USE IN THEIR ENTIRETY BEFORE YOU CONTINUE TO USE THIS SITE OR ITS CONTENT.

IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF USE, PLEASE DISCONTINUE USING THIS SITE.

TO VIEW OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF USE PLEASE CLICK HERE.

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Q: I have an idea that I would like to protect, does Joe Donnelly Design sign non-disclosure agreements?

We appreciate your desire to protect your intelectual property and are glad to sign any non-disclosure agreements. If you do not already have an agreement, we can make a two way non-discoloure agreement available.

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Q: What is graphic design?

In general terms, graphic design is the process and art of combining text and graphics and communicating an effective message in the design of logos, graphics, brochures, newsletters, posters, signs, and any other type of visual communication. Today's graphic designers often use desktop publishing software and techniques to achieve their goals.

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Q: Why do I need a graphic designer?

If your goal is to simply create and print your own material from your desktop printer for personal use such as greeting cards, flyers, or craft projects using desktop publishing software then chances are you will not need a graphic designer.

What a graphic designer will bring to your process is an in-depth knowledge of graphic design and the elements and principles of graphic design, as well as the software skills required to use desktop publishing and image programs. A graphic designer will also be conversant in the process of preparing files for use by others - be they printers or online Web hosting providers, ensuring the trouble-free output of your finished communication piece.

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Q: What does the graphic designer actually do?

A designer is a communicator of your idea, your product and your solution to the world.

With training or experience as a visual communicator and problem solver, a designer will combine your content with elemenets color, typography, line, space, shape and balance to create a finished communications piece for your business or organization. He/she will work with you to explore different options or design directions to solve your particular communications challenge.

A designer will also prepare the 'mechanical requirements' of your finished piece and prepare it to the specifications of a printer, magazine, Web host, television studio or any other output medium, to ensure trouble-free output of a final finished product (such as a printed flyer or a Web site).

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Q: Why should I choose Joe Donnelly Design over some other firm to do my design work?

At Joe Donnelly Design we realize you have many options when choosing a graphic design provider and thank you for the opportunity to present our solutions to you.

Why should you choose us over the competition?

Experience: With over fifteen years of design experience, we bring a broad base of experience and knowledge to your design project. We are passionate about the design business and about helping organizations and businesses succeed and gain a competitive advantage.

Flexibility: Examine our portfolio and you will see the breadth of work we have completed over the years. Chances are we have experience creating almost any type of project or design you require. If we don't have experience with a particular design area, we work with a network of design associates who can lend their expertise to your project, ensuring trouble-free production of any item you can imagine.

Unlimited concepts and revisions: To ensure your complete satisfaction we will create and recreate as many versions or changes on your design project until you are completely happy.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee: If for some reason you are still not happy with the final product, we offer a full satisfaction guarantee. No results, you don't pay. It's that simple, and it's our commitment to your complete satisfaction.

Creativity: Creativity is a very subjective topic. Examine our portfolio and you will see how we solved our past client's design problems. We hope this is an indicator of our creative abilities.
Feel free to contact us to discuss potential design solutions to your communication challenges.

Risk free: We offer FREE, no obligation design quotation and initial consultation. It never hurts to talk to someone to help clarify your design requirement. Use our Get A Quote form to submit your design project today.

Competitive Pricing: We are a relatively small design shop, with significantly less overhead than bigger design firms. This allows us to pass the savings on to you. We will gladly meet or beat any design bid from a competing design firm.

Technology: We use the latest Windows and Macintosh software packages, compatible with any software you or your output company may require.

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What is a logo / wordmark?
Will we own the rights to a logo that you design for us?
How can I protect my business name?
Can you create my website too?
Can my logo be integrated into other projects (Web, printing, etc.)?
How much do you charge?
What about “package deals”?
What are the different logo types?
Do you use illustrations?
How many changes can I have done to my logo design?
How do design versions differ from design revisions?
How do I pay for my logo?
What if I change my mind in the middle of a job?
How do you deliver my final logo files?
What if I don't like my logo?

Q: What is a logo / wordmark?

A logo is a combination of characters, images and/or graphics creating a single design used to identify an individual, business, company, organization, team or school. The logo is typiclly a visual image used as a company trade mark or instead of the company name. When consisting solely of stylized textual elements, such symbols are referred to as logotypes or wordmarks.

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Q: Will we own the rights to a logo that you design for us?

Once we have completed the design process, and you have paid in full for your final logo design, the copyrights of that final individual logo are then transferred to you and you own them. We own the rights to any creative concepts not chosen.

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Q: How can I protect my business name?

Generally, businesses, including corporations, protect their trade names by registering their trade name as a service mark or trademark if the trade name also functions as a service mark or trademark. Dending on your country/state of origin, different laws govern the protection of your business name. Because of the legal complexities involved, we recommend that businesses obtain private counsel to get advice on how to protect a trade name in interstate commerce.

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Q: Can you create my Web site too?

Yes, Joe Donnelly Design is a full service freelance design firm capable of not only creating your logo and branding but using that branding in everything from Web sites to your business collateral.

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Q: Can my logo be integrated into other projects (Web, printing, etc.)?

You will receive many different files of your finished logo design, in a variety of colors, sizes and file formats, which can be used in everything from print projects to Web sites. If you prefer or require a different type of file format, just let us know and we will be happy to supply it.

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It is a natural concern of every client to know their financial commitment before embarking on a project. We wish there was a simple answer to this, however design services are not so easily quantifiable, as requirement varies for each and every project.

As part of our quotation process we will consult with you to define your requirements, scope and specifications of your project, and budget and work with you to create a package that bits your needs and budget. We will then present an itemised quotation for consideration and agreement before embarking on any work.

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There are typically two different types of logo design companies on the Internet offering 'package deals':
One sells pre-made logos. They design a group of logos related to a field of business. Typically these logos are iconic in nature or use a special font. You pick the logo/icon, they change the font to match your business name. Done. These are the cheapest deals that you will typically find. With the cheap deal comes some disadvantages, including the fact that the logos may have been sold to many different clients so you may not be the only company using this logo; so registering the logo may prove problematic.

The second type of company does 'custom work'. These logos are designed from scratch and are designed to fit your company. We belong to this group. Some of these custom logo design companies pre-package their logo designs in packages which offer different:

- initial concepts/variations
- turn around time
- number of revisions or changes
- number and variety of final file formats
- number of designers working on your logo

At Joe Donnelly Design we prefer to offer tailored designss based specifically on your needs not a pre-packaged design deal.

We feel that we should offer you the widest variety of samples/concepts/variations to explore different possibilities. Many package deals limit the number of concepts you will receive.

We feel that the delivery time should match your schedule. Many companies offer complete logo projects within 24 hours. We question how effective the final product will be with such a rushed schedule. Within your schedule, we allot time for adequate collection of information, market research, design concepts and revisions.

We believe in 'unlimited' revisions until you are happy and not handcuffing you to a specific number of changes. Many companies allow for a limited number of revisions or charging more for additional rounds of revisions.

We believe in providing a full library of final files, in a variety of formats (gif, jpg, etc.), in a variety of color variations and sizes for any future use you may have. Some companies limit the number and types of final files you receive.

Some companies have a limited number of designers to work on your designs. We will assign the appropriate number of designers to work on your project depending on your specific requirements. All our work is original and we do not use or resell pre-made logo designs.

So when it comes down to it, you can certainly opt for a package deal from a logo design firm, but be sure to compare the various factors above and see which package offers the most bang for your design buck.

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Wordmark logos: Wordmarks are the most widely used logo type, and are typically comprised of text and a typeface. The text or company name is usually written and given a unique typographic treatment (Microsoft, Yahoo, The Home Depot).

Brandmarks / Iconmarks: A strong yet simple grpahic symbol, that represents the company. This can be realistic or more abstract (Nike swoosh, Apple Computer).

Combination marks: A combination of an iconic symbol along with a wordmark. This is a flexible means of conveying the company name and introducing an element to act as a symbol for the company. The elements can be used separately or together.

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Depending on the type of logo being created, we may use an illustration element. These can range from simple icons to more complex color illustrations. Keep in mind that the more colors employed in a logo, the more expensive it could cost to print (in business cards, letterhead, etc.).

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We believe in 'unlimited' revisions until you are happy and not handcuffing you to a specific number of changes. Depending on your schedule and when you require your final files, we are happy altering the intermediate designs until we arrive at a finished logo you are completely happy with and are proud to use for years to come.

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Design versions can be thought of as different design directions or different creative directions. For instance a restaurant may be presented with logo versions which use images of food, another of a chef, and another of a fork. These are three different logo versions or concepts for one company.

Once you have narrowed down your choice to one or two concepts from the many presented, we then refine or alter your choice. These are design revisions and involve changes to color, font, and proportions of the logo, but typically don't involve changing the concept of the logo itself. From the example above, you may have chosen a design with a fork. The revisions may involve differnt sizes of fork images in the logo, different orientations etc. but all based on the fork design version.

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Joe Donnelly Design offers flexible payment options. Through PayPal.com we securely accept all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover). We also accept checks, money orders, or cashier’s checks. Please view our Payment Methods page for more details on your different payment options.

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No problem! Changes happen. We are happy to incorporate your comments and revisions whether they happen at the beginning or middle of your project. If these changes affect the final price for your project, a change order will be sent to you for your approval prior to any changes being made.

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Final logo files can be delivered by a variety of means. Files can be emailed to you, or posted on our secure Web site for you to download, or can be sent to you on CD.

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We believe in your complete satisfaction. We will continue to work with you to refine your design until you are completely happy; we offer 'unlimited' revisions on your design project within the confines set out in the original design brief. If in the end you are not satisfied, we offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Click here to view our guarantee.

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Artwork that is properly prepared and ready to be sent to a printer for the printing process. Traditional prepress consisted of boards or mats with all elements in place. Today, laser or inkjet printouts may serve as camera ready art, but in many cases, many printers can now accept digital files either via email, ftp or on CD. The concept of sending a physical printout is becoming less common.

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As previously stated many modern printers can print jobs from a digital file, so sending an electronic version of your logo is typically all you will need. Camera ready artwork is only needed if you are planning to print your stationery in spot (Pantone) colors, and your print shop is using an old technology.

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Vector files are files created in vector graphics software programs such as Abobe Illustrator, Macromedia Freehand or CorelDRAW. Vector files are files that you can resize, scale, and even change colors or fonts without loosing any quality or resolution on your image. This is in comparison to a bitmap format (see below). Vector files are mostly used by professional designers or print shops where the highest reproduction quality is needed for your logo. Common vector file formats include EPS (Encapsulated PostScript), AI (Adobe Illustrator) and CDR (CorelDRAW).

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Yes, standard with every logo design, we provide you with a full set of scalable vector files.

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Bitmap or raster files are most commonly used on the Web, and can be used in every type of program from desktop publishing applications to word processing applications and page or Web layout programs. Bitmap/raster files are made up of a fixed number of bits (or pixels) and have a specific resolution at a specific size. If the image is resized/enlarged, the image may show a distortion. As such, bitmap files are typically used in lower resolution print uses or on the Web. Common bitmap file formats include GIF, JPEG, TIFF and BMP.

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Pantone / Pantone Matching System or PMS colors are a color matching system. A 'Pantone' color is one where the mixture of basic colors is based on a specific formula. Therefore the specification of one of the 1000+ Pantone colors will lead to consistency of color from more than one printer/supplier. Clients normally specify Pantone colours by the number allocated to each one (e.g. PMS 032 Red).

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Yes. Typically we create logos in a variety of color options. If your logo uses less than 4 colors, they will be provided in versions made up of Pantone colors. Each color will be specified by a specific Pantone color value. This is the most cost efficient way of printing a logo which has less than 4 colors.

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Scaleable vector logo files can be opened, changed and edited by you using software programs such as Adobe Illustrator, Macromedia Freehand or CorelDRAW.

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Bitmap files can be used in almost all common software applications, and can be edited using applications such as Adobe Photoshop, Corel PHOTO-PAINT, or JASC Paint Shop Pro.

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You business cards and stationery will be created in a vector format, so using any vector editing application such as Adobe Illustrator, Macromedia Freehand or CorelDRAW you will be able to open, change and edit your files.

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There is a difference between how your monitor displays colors on screen, and how your personal printer prints and how a printer's press prints. We match your logos RGB colors with Pantone colors for your printed stationery. Pantone colors may appear different on screen because we match them on the Pantone chart as it will appear when it gets printed. You will also be provided with a version of your logo in RGB colors as well. To simulate how the final color will accurately look coming off a press you will have to calibrate your printer with the screen.

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Yes, we can design your full logo branding and complete stationery package. Use our online Quote form or Contact Us for a quotation today.

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How do I get started with my project?
What happens when I complete your contact form?
How long before I see my first designs?
How will I see my designs?
How many changes may I ask for my design?
How long does it take for a design to be completed?
How long does it take to get the finished design files?
I want to give you bits from a brochure/etc that my agency has produced - what software/formats can you handle?
How do you deliver my final files?

As a very broad generalization, our design process follows the following steps:

1. Complete our Get a Quote form to submit your project specifics to us.
2. We will either be in touch to clarify your requirements or provide you with a price quote for your project.
3. Once you have accepted the price quote, we will be in touch to conduct more thorough creative research about you, your company/product/service and your design tastes and requirements.
4. Armed with your creative input, we will provide you some general designs within 5 business days for your feedback.
5. You will provide comments about the first round of design concepts.
6. There is a series of design/feedback/redesign/feedback cycles as your comments and changes are integrated into a more refined design.
7. Once you have approved a final design, we prepare the final files for delivery. This takes anywhere from 1-48 hours.
8. Final files are delivered to you along with the project invoice.
9. You provide payment within 14 days.

Time frames are generalized, and can be adjusted to match your schedule.

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After completing our Request for Quotation form, the information is sent to us.
Within 24 hours or less, we will either be in touch to clarify your requirements and/or
send you a written quotation for your design project.
Feel free to ask questions, clarify points, or make additional requests.
Should you accept the quotation, you will notify us and we will begin your design process.

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Depending on the type of project or design requirements, you should see initial design concepts anywhere from 24 hours to 5 business days after the start of the design process.

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We are flexible and can send you your intermediate design concepts in a number of ways:
- via email as attached files (jpg, PDF)
- posted to our Web site and we will provide you with a URL to log in to see your design
- printed and sent via traditional post

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We believe in 'unlimited' revisions until you are happy and not handcuffing you to a specific number of changes. Depending on your schedule and when you require your final files, we are happy altering the intermediate designs until we arrive at a finished design you are completely happy with and are proud to use for years to come.

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Depending on the type of project or design requirements, a typical project can take a little as 24 hours or extend for weeks or longer for complete Web site designs.

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Once you have signed off a final design, we prepare the final files for delivery to you. Again depending on the project type, this can be as quick as 1 hour to a more typical 24-48 hours.

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Any source materials are welcome. We can accept Windows or Macintosh formatted files in all popular software formats. Please contact us to clarify specific file requirements.

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Once your design is completed, we can deliver your final file:
- via email as an attachment
- upload to our secure Web site for you to download
- upload to your Web site via ftp
- save files onto a CD and deliver via regular post or courier

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Can you create files I can edit and print with my computer?
Do you keep my designs on file?

Yes, we can accomodate most popular software packages. Just let us know what software you use and we can format your files into a form that is editable with your software.

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For a period of 6 months following your project, we keep your design in an active archive should you lose or damage your files, or require followup work. After this period, we arhive your files. Any retrieval at this point may incure a nominal cost.

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Q: How do I communicate with my designer and Joe Donnelly Design?

Once we start the design process you can communicate with us in a variety of ways:
- most conveniently, by email
- by instant messenger (MSN, Yahoo, AOL Messenger, ICQ)
- by phone
- by fax

Clcik here to view our Contact Us page.

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