Design Tips to Clients

Knowing basic design process and terms helps you to get the best results from your graphic designer. Below, I listed some of the questions I am often asked by my clients. If you have a specific question, please send it to info@nagatadesign.com. I will either answer your question by email, or post the answer on the web site, whichever is appropriate.

Designers often assume that their clients know the basic terms of design. Some marketing managers who have dealt with designers before may communicate well with their designers, but others don't. If you need information about the design process or don't understand design terms, ask your designer. Having good communication between clients and designers is the first step to design success.

Logo File Format

If you are going to create a logo for your organization, make sure that your designer can provide you with logo(s) in vector-oriented graphic file(s) at the end of the process. Industry standard vector-oriented file extenstions are either .ai or .eps.

Unlike other pixel-oriented graphic file formats, such as .jpg, .tif, .gif, psd, vector-oriented graphic files draw graphics based on mathematical calculation, so that the files are pixel independent, scalable, and easily editable. It means that whether the file is enlarged or shrunk, it doesn't lose any visual integrity. This will assure that our logo will look impeccable either on a 100" x 100" trade show banner or business cards.

One important note. Unless you have Adobe Illustrator or an equivalent graphic design application installed in your computer, you cannot open such vector-oriented files. But don't delete them, because they are master files. Burn them on a CD and keep them in a safe place. When you hire a designer for another graphic design project, he or she will ask you to provide vector-oriented logo file(s).

Copyright

Some people wrongfully believe that the images on the Internet are free to download and use. All images or articles are copyright protected, even if it's not stated clearly. Indeed, some images are free to download and use, but in that case, the terms are clearly stated.

If you find an image or article you would like to use on your web site, you should contact the owner to get a permission for the use.

If you would like to register your valuable intellectual property to protect your investment, you can find detailed information at United States Copyright Office, http://www.copyright.gov.

Choosing a Rental Web Server

There are numerous rental web servers. Each one of them offers slightly different services, and the choice depends on your specific needs. I would advise clients to choose the one, which always has a person available at the end of the line. I personally prefer to make a phone call directly when I experience any problems, but on-line chat may work, if you are comfortable with it. By having a 24/7 help, you will be less frustrated, and save time.

Contents

Whether creating a web site or brochure, contents is central. Without persuasive and well thought out contents, beautiful design is just an empty container. Needless to say, developing good contents takes time. Before contacting a designer, make sure that you have finalized text in concrete sentences.

It is not advisable to develop contents while the design process is going on, because design largely depends on the contents. If the length of your text changes drastically in the middle of the project, your designer may have to redo the whole process from the beginning. It delays the schedule, and is likely to incur extra charges.

If you are having difficulties develop contents on your own, use a professional writer. I can give you a referral on request.

What Do You Need

When you bring a project to a designer, you will need to provide a finalized text, logo (.ai or .eps file), and other materials. You should be prepared to discuss what kind of design vehicle you want to use, production cost, schedule, and any ideas you want to convey to your (prospect) clients.