Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you based?
My creative graphic design agency is based in Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, where I've recently been lucky enough to move back to after many years working at agencies in Bristol and Bath. I'm happy to travel to meetings within the local and surrounding areas, but most clients use email / phone to work with me, so you don't have to be local! I've got clients as far away as America, Australia and others in between!
What is your background?
Before I set up my freelance graphic design agency, I worked for ten years in agencies and publishing in Bristol and Bath, across a whole host of projects, from branding, logos, exhibitions, magazines and many different forms of literature and stationery. My diverse experience means I've worked with everyone from corporates, through to start up companies and charities. I now work around my young family which allows me to carry on helping people and businesses whilst doing what I'm most passionate about.
Are you available for on-site freelance work?
Potentially, yes! I usually work between the hours of 9.30am and 2.30pm, so can only offer half days, but as long as it's viable to travel to you and work within these times, then I'm happy to come on-site to support your team on an ad hoc basis.
How does the design process work?
Working with me is very much a collaborative process. I'll get to know about you and your business, who your target audience is and what sort of message you're aiming to get across. Once I'm armed with the info I need, I can get to work, creating something lovely for you. Typically, I'll email you a PDF with some initial layouts on, and from there you can mix and match the parts you do/don't like, and we can go back and forth, refining it from there until it's 100% perfect for you.
Can I see some testimonials?
Of course! I've been privileged to have worked with many wonderful clients and businesses over the years, who have been kind enough to leave me reviews over on Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, Trustpilot and FreeIndex. If you head over to the Client Reviews section on this website, I've gathered them all into one place for easy viewing – www.emmajaynecreative.co.uk/client-reviews
What are your payment terms?
Once you've decided that you'd like to work with me, a 50% deposit will get your project secured into my next slot in the diary, and the balance isn't payable until you've approved the final designs. The balance will be due prior to releasing the final files or sending to print.
How long does it take?
At the time of booking your project in, I will advise you when my next slot will be. Provided you've sent any files I've requested over in time, I will usually be able to send initial proofs for review within a week. We can then make any amendments as necessary, and this will depend on how quickly you can get feedback to me. If you have a specific deadline which you need to meet, discuss this with me at the time of booking – I will do my best to accommodate any special requests.
How specific do I need to be? What if I don't know what I want?
Don't worry if you're not really sure what you want, I'm here to help! The best thing to do in this instance is to have a think about the message or tone of voice you're wanting to get across. Have a look through different styles which you think currently do this well. Take a note of any that catch your eye, and any that you think definitely don't. This will help to give an idea of the sort of styles you have in mind and will give a good starting point to build from. It's also just as helpful to know the sort of styles / colours / fonts you DON'T like, as those that you do! This will give a much better starting point than the age old "I don't know what I want, but I'll know it when I see it."... which can feel like a bit of a shot in the dark!
What information will I need to give my designer?
You may be wondering what sort of information I will ask you for in order to get started on your designs. There's lots of useful information you can send to make the process a much smoother affair.
• Do you already have a design style in place or are you starting from scratch?
• What text and images do you have available for the project?
• Who is your target audience?
• How do you want them to feel about your company? Is it fun? Corporate? Innovative?
• Where will the design be used? Will it need to be printed at very small sizes? Or on a large format scale?
If you've got an idea of the sort of styles you like the look of, send that across. In fact, any details of styles, fonts or colours you definitely DON'T like, send that across too. It's all really helpful!
Have a think about these things for your next project. They will make things much easier than saying "I'll know it when I see it!".
What is the difference between a logo vs branding?
A logo is your company's visual mark, a symbol, or graphic element that is easily recognisable. It forms part of your branding message.
Your brand encompasses much more; it's the tone of voice you set, the message you convey to your customers. It's the way you present all of your marketing materials (of which your logo is one of them), in a clear and consistent way, using company colours and fonts. It's making sure every single point of contact the customer has with your company is sending the right message and evoking the emotions you want them to feel about you.