[ frequently asked questions about graphic design ]

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Updated 4/8/08

FAQ 1. What computer do you recommend for a graphic designer?
The computer you select depends on your needs and comfort level. If you're more familiar and comfortable with a PC versus a Mac, you should buy a PC. Comparison shop in magazine reviews to choose the equipment model and configuration you'll need to do the type of design work you're getting into. A designer whose focus is multimedia will need different equipment than someone who designs only for print. We chose Macs for our studio. If you're considering a Mac, visit Macworld online for equipment/software reviews and price comparisons. We provide a list of some other equipment you may need for computer graphic design. The software we use most are Quark XPress, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe PhotoShop, which are all available at Amazon.com for both Macs and PCs. You won't need both Quark XPress and Adobe InDesign. In fact, InDesign is now the new standard for page layout. InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat come bundled in Adobe Creative Suite.

FAQ 2. How do I copyright and market my illustrations?
This annual publication has the answers: Artist's & Graphic Designer's Market: Where & How to Sell Your Illustrations, Fine Art, Graphic Design & Cartoons. Here is an excellent book for those who need information on trademarks and patents as well: The Entrepreneur's Guide to Patents, Copyrights, Trademarks, Trade Secrets and Licensing.

FAQ 3. How much do you charge?
Our fee structure consists of three rates: one for creative work, one for production tasks, and another for web programming. Our rates are very competitive in the graphics industry. Since every project has different requirements, we would be happy to review your scope of work to determine how many hours might be involved. For more information, please see Services & Fees.

FAQ 4. What is the meaning of illustration?
Similar to the meaning of design, the goal is an effect -- a feeling, such as spontaneity, simplicity, power, or sophistication. That goal is achieved through the use of a single principle or a combination of principles -- composition, contrast, balance, unity, rhythm, repetition, and/or depth. The purpose is to get attention, persuade, increase understanding, eliminate preconceived ideas, and support or convey a message. Suggested reading: The Encyclopedia of Illustration Techniques (a directory of a variety of media and techniques).

FAQ 5. Will you own the rights to a logo that you design for us?
That's an excellent question to ask, because many people think that if they paid for a logo or illustration that they own the rights to it. That usually isn't the case. We do not retain rights to work completed. After projects are accepted and paid in full, all rights are transferred to our clients.

FAQ 6. Where can I find studies or surveys on consumer behavior?
You may be able to find the information you are looking for on our webpage that lists market research firms.

FAQ 7. Do you have a catalog? Also, do you offer discounts to students?
We try to find great resources for students and new designers. And this is the ideal way we found to do that: we find online suppliers (who typically have a lot of standard products and a few unique ones), we pick only the unique products that they have, and we get their approval to put those items on our website. So essentially, our website is our only catalog. Because we recommend the products and services of 50+ suppliers, we unfortunately have no control over corporate or student discount policies. But we promise to attempt to list the very best available.

FAQ 8. I am a graphic design student. Could you tell me more about this field?
Students and people new to graphic design frequently ask us for information about working in the graphic design field. We unfortunately are not able to give the special attention that we would like to each inquiry, but we have posted our responses to the most commonly asked questions at Starting Out in Graphic Design.

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