WEBSITES:
Q. Which host should I go with?
A. You
can choose according to your needs and your price range. They are all
good, and use roughly the same format for store management. I have a list of sites that I recommend here.
Q. Are these sites easy to use?
A. I believe that they are, yes. I recommend utilizing the knowledge base pages and message boards to pick up lots of tips and help getting started. You do not need to know HTML. The shopping cart is also fairly easy to set up. Loading your products photos and controlling inventory is all very user friendly.
Q. How do I get started?
A. You will need to register a domain name. Sites like www.godaddy.com make it easy. You then sign up with whatever host you choose. When you get your welcome letter you will need to get the server information and enter it in your account settings with your domain host. It's just a few sets of numbers and the site host will do the rest. Sometimes it takes a few days to transfer. If you have me do a custom template for you, you will forward me the email with all of your set up information and I will install your template and set up your basic site appearance.
DIGITAL ELEMENTS:
Q. I want to purchase backgrounds but I don't know how to use a template, can I still use them?
A. I highly recommend that you familiarize yourself with the use of a template and some basic HTML before you tackle graphics such as backgrounds.
Q. Can I use your frames with ________ (PSP, Elements...)?
A. The brushes (.abr file) will work only with Photoshop CS or CS2, CS3 or CS4. However I provide transparent .png files which enable you to use any program as long as you can use layers. It's easy!
Before purchasing a custom design from me, please read the following:
Every
design requires research, and trial and error until it meets your
expectations. You need to make sure you are presenting the best
possible image to your customers. You only get one chance to make a
first impression!
My Time
I
spend a great deal of time on custom work from the email communication
in the beginning to research and creation of your artwork. I have Adobe
Photoshop CS2 and Illustrator as well as a huge library of vintage
books, photos and ephemera. I don't copy anything off the internet or
use copyright protected graphics (such as scrapbook sites). You may
find cheaper graphics, but to get a true professional and polished
look, it takes time. I work hard to ensure that every design that I
create is superior quality.
You, as The Customer
As
soon as you pay for custom work please keep in mind that I add it to my
work schedule. I really try not to have more than 3 pending jobs at a
time. In order for me to maximize my creativity and productivity I like
to focus on your project and try to complete it as soon as possible, I
ask that you be available to answer questions and get back to me in a
timely manner so that I can complete what I start and send you your
finished artwork. If you must be unavailable please let me know, and
you may still purchase custom work but simply tell me if you need to
wait a few days or weeks to begin the process.
Please
be clear about what you want before I start work. I understand that
sometimes you aren't sure what look you're going for, but I need to be
paid for my time. Any drastic
changes in design midway through the process will result in additional
fees. If we can establish your preferences upfront it eliminates a lot
of "trial and error". It is very helpful to look around the web and
find designs that you like. I obviously don't copy other designers but
it helps me to establish your style and make your vision come to life.
Artwork
I
rarely use any kind of clip art so the majority of the artwork I use is
created by me in Photoshop CS2! (Although I occasionally use licensed
artwork). I have a huge variety of resources that I use for customers.
I feel that individuality is essential and I don't believe in
"borrowing" material or ideas from other people.
Fonts
I literally have thousands of fonts. I'm a font addict! Most importantly my best and favorite fonts are usually ones I've paid for so I can do any style of font from fancy to retro to distressed. Because
I pay for many of my fonts I cannot give them away, but any fonts that
I use in your design which are available for free I will be happy to
send you a link to, or a zip file with the font.
CUSTOM GRAPHICS
Q. How long does it take?
A. Any time frame for custom work that I do depends on many variables. I find that I'm usually pretty good at getting your style fairly quickly, and if not I ask enough questions to give me an idea. It can take anywhere from 1 to 4 days for a logo depending on how long it takes to communicate back and forth. Websites usually take me about a week from start to finish, sometimes much less if not many revisions are required. I work as quickly as I can, and when customers are available to answer questions it takes much less time.
Q. How many graphics can I have on my site?
A. About 50% of internet users are connected by dial up. For those who are viewing your site, if the pictures take too long to load many will "hit the back button". I try to use just enough graphics to be attractive and enhance your image or show your product, but not so many that people won't wait for it to load.
Q. How do I know you're actually charging me the amount of time you worked on my page?
A. The only way that I can continue to do business successfully is to give people a fair and honest assessment of the time I put into their graphics. I try to keep my prices accessible, but still be able to get paid for the time I put into it. Satisfied customers will always be your best method of advertising!
Q. Why should I buy custom graphics if there are websites where you can do it for free or cheap?
A. Because those sites, although they make give you a workable template, will look like free graphics, and wont be made to your specification. Do you want to project a professional, and artistic image or do you want that first impression to come across as a "bargain"? I have always tried to keep my fees reasonable, but as much as I'd love to design all the pages in the world, I have a limited amount of time with which to work, and I need to be able to have the time to do quality work.
You can download a free, reliable and easy to use editing utility here: IrfanView
