Designers aren’t expensive
There’s a rumour going around and it’s time to set the record straight – designers aren’t expensive. Let me give you a quick run down as to why our rates make complete sense.
QUALIFICATIONS
With a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Strategic Management, plus a Diploma in Web and Graphic Design, comes knowledge and skill which adds value to my work. Time and effort aside, these qualifications come at a price tag of $50,000.
So, just like your accountant or lawyer, most graphic designers provide a professional service using a set of technical skills and are backed by one (or more) tertiary-level qualifications.
COSTS
“We’re a new business, so we’ve got a really low budget.”
I get it. Getting a brand or website designed isn’t cheap – especially for start-ups. But, like all businesses, designers have costs which play their part in our pricing.
On top of the boring stuff – like commercial rent, tax and professional fees – one of the factors that add to my hourly rate is the software I use. Graphic design involves the collaboration of different Adobe Creative Cloud software that enable me bring your dream concept to life. Not to mention, I wouldn’t get far without my MacBook Pro, second screen, iPad, Apple Pencil... you get the idea.
Think about it this way – for others to start investing in you, you first have to invest in your business. And getting your brand and website designed professionally, in a way that appeals to your audience (and of course, you) is a profit in the works.
WORK
The design process isn’t simple. My brand design service involves meeting the client, establishing a design brief and researching the client’s business, and what appeals to their target audience. From here, I brainstorm ideas, create mood boards, generate concepts, sketch initial logo designs, develop the selected concept, present it to the client, get feedback, complete revisions, and finalise the brand. Once approved, I export the files and collate a brand rulebook.
At Sketch Studio, I typically spend 40+ hours on a brand design, so it’s only fair that this is reflected in my rates. Why don’t you skip a step or two, you say? My simple answer is, no.
In the words of Dr. Ralf Speth, CEO of Jaguar – “If you think good design is expensive, you should look at the cost of bad design.”