How do you like to work?
Well I personally like to work directly with you, the client. I also like to make you, the client, feel that you are always the center of my attention. I try to make turn-around times short so you feel that you are always the top of my list for priority. Due to the fact that I have other clients, you will notice an update on my terms that I need at least a 2-week lead-time for deadlines. Depending on the project it could be more or less. That amount is discussed in the client contract. Rush fees (+50%) will be incurred on any project that is needed within two weeks. I can of course work on your project within that time without rush fees being incurred, but the rush guarantees that it will be done before deadline.

Can I get a discount?
While repeat clients are wonderful, you won't get a discount for being one. I do apply a 10% discount for a credit on your design (Design by Aibrean's Studio). If you are a non-profit, you will receive a 50% discount on design (not to be conjoined with the credit line. You must be able to prove you are a non-profit and a credit line will be placed to receive the discount). I can also work within a discounted rate on a retainer basis (one set fee per month up to a certain amount of hours) if there is a steady amount of maintenance work.

How much will it cost?
Design is not a skill that can be nailed down in a set price. Each project is different and each client is different. I need to know as much about your project and you as possible to get a quote. Even with the quote, there might be issues that were unforseen (like additonal pages to a website, or more concepts on a logo) that affect the overall end cost. It is very similar to house-flipping. While I can give you a ballpark, you never know when you might find some termite damage (like if your logo isn't press ready and I need to re-create it for a print piece). My main questions that I ask you for the project checklist is for your budget, deadline, audience, and previous materials for reference. My estimates are usually within $200 of the actual cost and you will be made aware if we are approaching the estimated quote. I have rates available for viewing here. Please contact me for a log-in as I do not publicly display them.

Who are your clients?
I have worked as an independent consultant in many design firms in addition to my personal business of Aibrean's Studio. I have worked with NCR, Ferrari, Standard Register, MeadWestvaco, NewPage, LexisNexis, AAA, Vision Marketing Group, PLIE, as well as many other diverse clients ranging from musicians and tax professionals, to non-profit groups and software companies. That range enables me to work within a variety of design styles with the knowledge of the type of audience base you have.

How knowledgeable are you about your clients?
Not only do I talk to them, but I also take advantage of the internet and research my clients and their competition/relevant market. It's not just about making you look good, it's about making you look better!

How are you viewed by your clients? By your peers?
Client referrals (a previous client recommends me to another person who becomes a new client) are about 90% of my business. I get the other 10% from the internet and the local AFA membership list. Being a member of the Greater Dayton Advertising Association, I am involved in local professional development meetings as well as volunteer service for the Association in local advertising events. Recently I helped set up for the Hermes award judging. I also have won two Hermes awards in the past two years ...a lot to be said of an individual in the business working against other multi-staffed firms that have very extensive job budgets. I am affordable AND award-winning.

What is your design process?
First off, upon initial contact, I have the client fill out a design checklist (these can be found at the right sidebar of my contact page). This gives me an in-depth look at the audience, deadline, subject matter, overall idea, and budget. It's not worth the client's time or mine if the project doesn't have a budget I can work with, but it is if I can quote significantly less knowing more about the project before-hand. After the design checklist is completed, I give the client an estimate and a contract they can sign if everything is in order. From there I start researching and concepting. I send the client an initial rough concept to see if I'm in the right direction. If I am way off, I revise and send a new concept (perhaps altogether from scratch), and if I'm on target I work forward.

What kind of design experience do you have?
I have over 5 years of design experience. I have worked in 3 design firms as a consultant as well as my own design business. I am currently active as an Art Director at a local non-profit. I also have a degree in Applied Business in Advertising Art from the most award-winning college here, The School of Advertising Art.

What kind of results have you achieved?
I have always delivered 100% satisfaction. In terms of actual noted success, I have two Hermes awards from the GDAA. One of my email campaigns had such a good response the company told me they had more contacts in two days than they had in two years.

Who will work on my project?
I do. If there is something I am not able to do (such as advanced programming ...I'm a designer not a coder) I will let you know and give you a quote on the service from programmers I have worked with in the past. I also enable you to personally talk with them if needed. They are local as well so if you are a local client, we can meet together to discuss options.

What do you need from me?
Typically I would need logos, photography, existing collateral, color preferences and company fonts (multi-seat so I am able to use it). Obviously if you have none of that, we start from scratch in the branding process. Consistency plays a big role in your audience's perception of your company. You want to be immediately recognizable by the similarities in design elements. Of course, there are those times when being different is appropriate. The best way for me to start is for you to fill out a project checklist. These are available for graphic design, online media, copyrighting, and voice overs.

Will I have to sign something?
I provide you with a contract and project estimate. The project contract details all the terms and conditions. They can be found here for those who would like to take a look before-hand.

What do you mean by "front-end" design?
I am a designer, not a programmer. For website design, I work strictly with HTML/CSS and not with a programming language like PHP/ASP. That being said, I do not turn down projects that require such. I do have sources of people that I work with for such a medium and I have done several projects that require me to design and the design in turn is implemented by a programmer. This is a great resource for those who like my design style but need their site to be database-oriented or need the programming solution for extensive e-commerce.

How do I pay you?
For those in Ohio, you may pay by check/money order as well as methods available for all of my clients. I offer credit card payment by way of Google Checkout (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover) or your Paypal Balance. Clients to which have long projects or have a frequent need for design are provided with their own unique client portal area that is password-protected and have instant access to files for review, contracts, and their invoice to pay directly with. One-time clients or new clients may pay using the following page.