Frequently asked questions

We all have questions... Here are answers to some common ones. If you have have further questions, feel free to get in touch with us...

How much will it cost to design my project?
The cost for a project is dependent on the scope, complexity and ultimately time spent. It’s impossible to give a cost without knowing the specifics of what’s involved. A simple one-off-use logo, for example, could cost $500 but a logo identity system for an organisation might cost $5,000 or more to develop and implement. As another example, we’ve worked on websites starting at $1000 going all the way up to projects costed in the seven-figure range – the more complex and involved a project is the more time it takes to implement, and thus the cost is greater.
If you’d like an idea of cost for a project, take a bit of time working out what your requirements are and get in touch.

How do you charge for a project?
Generally we cost a project by the time it will take us. We’ll work out the number of hours and multiply that by our hourly rate, which is normally $125 per hour. This is standard for this level of consultation – indeed it is actually less than many commercial agencies would charge for consultancy work.

What else can affect a project’s cost?
Our standard rate is based on a daily schedule (9-5) and reasonable turnaround (24hrs – so we can fit it into our production schedule), and we base a costing on this standard workflow (see below also). If work is required urgently – needs to be done overnight or over a weekend period – then this incurs a charge of +50%.

So-and-so costed a project cheaper than you. Can you match that?
Probably not. If you‘re just after the cheapest price there are always people with less experience who will charge less. Some will also under quote to get the job but then end up charging more. At the end of the day you have to be happy with the  outcome – that it is effective in achieving its goals. If price is your key concern – over good outcomes – there are others better suited to helping you out. Good luck with that.

I have a fixed budget – can you do a job for that?
Sure. We’ll work with clients working with a set budget, work through the possibilities, and agree on a fixed price for a project. If you’re working within a specific budget let us know and we can usually find ways to accommodate it.

Can you show me some ideas for my project before I hire you?
That kind of work is called ‘work on spec’ or speculative work. We don’t do spec work. We believe it to be ethically problematic, as well and producing sub-par results. Why? Well, the crucial stage of design work is the research and conceptual phase. Not valuing this and doing it poorly results in mediocre outcomes, and spec work – work you don’t know if you’ll get paid for – promotes that. Simply, good design is based on good ideas. We also value our own expertise, and don’t give away good ideas for free. For more on the issues of spec work see: www.nospec.com
Put another way, would you ask a plumber to come and fix your sink for you for free before deciding to hire them? No. You base your decision on either their experience or a recommendation.
To get an idea of our work have a look at our portfolio; we’re very versatile. And our work successfully helps clients achieve their project outcomes. Best thing is to get in touch and have a chat with us. We can put together a proposal and costing to suit your needs.

What’s the difference between an estimate and a quote?
An estimate is a costing of a project without clearly defined specifications. As such the cost is indicative but very much dependent on the final requirements of the project – more of a ‘ballpark’ figure. A quote is a more well-defined cost based on the agreed scope and specifications for a project.
Note, however, that while a quote will detail the specifics involved in a project, if extra work is required outside the specification – additional proofs or changes – then this is usually charged as extra.

What’s a ‘brief’ and why do we need one?
The brief for a project defines the work parameters: specific goals or outcomes required; direction for creative approaches; details timing considerations; as well as costs. Put simply the brief is the key key strategic document for the project, and as such it’s important to develop at the project’s initiation. The brief provides direction for the project, and is a useful reference to have as the project develops.
Note that while smaller projects may not require a fully fleshed-out brief they still require a clear definition of the project’s scope and output requirements.

What’s ‘standard working process’?
When costing a project we’ll base it on a standard development process which allows for:

•  project briefing
•  any research required
•  concept development and presentation of initial concept(s) or mockup
•  allowance for TWO further proofs each allowing client edits/amends
•  a final proof for approval before production
•  development (web)/supply of finished artwork (printing)
•  liaison/management of production where required.

Anything extra or outside this is usually charged for as additional unless detailed in the brief. Things like design research, audience research or user testing, prototyping/proofing, illustration, photography, writing, editing can be included where needed.

Please note that all work is subject to our standard working terms and conditions.

Have further questions? Get in touch with us.