Cheap design
Did you just work with another designer and end up with a logo that you didn’t want? It wasn’t anything you guys talked about and they clearly didn’t listen? Maybe they delivered everything late? OR your designer ghosted you in the middle of the project?
All those situations SUCK.
I didn’t think I would ever have to write a blog post about cheap design but here we are. I consider myself affordable but also turning towards the expensive side. I’ve had a lot of people recently want to work with me which is exciting BUT once they hear my pricing they say I’m too expensive for them. I’m noticing a trend of potential clients coming back to me after something has gone horribly wrong with the designer that they picked over my services. Usually picked because they are cheaper.
I try to be affordable for new businesses, I even offer payment plans if that’s something you’re up for. Things are not cheap out there. I get it and I want to help you out in any way I can. But I also want to be able to pay bills, feed my family and pay off my student loans.
With that being said; let’s talk about what your getting with an expensive designer.
There is going to be a huge differences between a cheap graphic designer and an expensive graphic designer.
I’ve seen some wild things from these designers charging next to nothing and they aren’t pretty. They might be learning or they don’t have the style that the client is looking for in the end. Whatever it is, when you buy cheap, it’s not going to last long… right? For example; the dollar store toy for my toddler, how long did it last… a few days. Poor quality, poor construction, poor materials and it’s in pieces. Do I end up just spending the money on something like Lovevery because the quality is good, YES. We will have those toys for eternity because they are built so well.
Now let’s talk along the terms of a graphic designer that’s more expensive. With me that means good design work will benefit for your business and the work will be QUALITY. When you work with Timberline, you’ll get a TIMELESS branding that will last more than a year (it’s meant to grow with you to a point) and that will also attract your ideal client which will help your return on investment after working with me. I aim for meaningful connections with my clients and create a meaningful brand that will help them connect with their customers or clients. An expensive designer might come with a contract, timelines, boundaries, and processes that seem like a lot but they actually help us do the job the right way.
I’m priced the way that I am because:
I have put processes into place to not only guide us during this process but keep it organized. It’s taken me years of figuring out what works best for my business.
I have programs that I use to do my job that require monthly subscriptions. Without them, I wouldn’t be here today. A huge shout out to my OGs; Adobe, HoneyBooks, and Squarespace.
I respect and value my time and your time. I only take 1 to 2 (max 3) clients at time. This provides a more 1-on-1 experience for clients and I don’t get overloaded or burnt out.
I treat my clients like friends but with boundaries. I put contracts in place so that neither of us are ghosted and it holds us both accountable for multiple things (invoicing, timelines, project deliverables, hourly rate or flat rate, non-refundable deposits, and a few other things). Plus no emails past 5pm, that includes DMing via instagram to discuss your design stuff. I won’t answer.
I do have years experience but sometimes that means nothing with some designers. I spend money and time on investing in my business with conferences, courses, and workshops which has helped me created new processes for things to open up more time to design so I’m not spending days figuring out other stuff. It’s also helped me learn a few other programs and quicker tricks for the ones I’ve used for 10 years.
I put my heart and soul into every branding project I work on. I want you to look and feel confident with your branding.
I typically turn down quick turnaround jobs. Do you need something tomorrow and you just reached out at 3pm. Good luck, I’m not the designer for you. I offer design intensives for quicker solutions but you need to give yourself at least 3 week prep for that full week design intensive. Example: reach out to me 3 weeks before your deadline/launch date, you’ll have a few days to do a questionnaire and then you must return it to me a week prior to your scheduled intensive. There is more about it here.
I’m sure there is more that I have forgotten but I hope you get the idea. Good things take time and good design take time. Trust the process because it will pay off. And remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day, neither should your brand.
