1 ] What is your hourly rate for work performed?
We bill all of our studio's work at $80/hour.

2 ] Does this rate vary for different services: ie admin, design, travel, etc?
$80/hr. is the flat rate we use for everything, including meetings, concept development, design and management. It does not vary according to the service as the principals of what!design are involved in every aspect of the projects our studio produces. Also, the estimates are just that, "estimates," so they can be adjusted until both parties have signed them.

3 ] Is there a mark-up for outside services? If so, what percent?
There is only a mark-up for photography and printing/production, which is 15%. For copywriting and any other contractor services, we negotiate before the project starts to assure that there costs will be within the budget.

4 ] What are some sample rates for outside services, ie, photographer and copywriter?
The rates for copywriters range from $65 to $100 an hour depending on their expertise and experience level. Photographer's day-rates range from $1,800 to $3,000 ‹ this does not include film and processing, an assistant, styling, and other miscellaneous costs (which would be estimated up front once the scope of the project has been determined so there are no surprises upon project completion).

5 ] Is photo direction included in cost quoted?
Photo direction is not included. The reason for this is that we do not know the scope of the photography needed for the project. The price we give is based on a previous project only to give an estimation of costs involved. Upon further development of what the actual concept and design will be, we will send another estimate that would be more accurate according to the determined scope of the project.

6 ] Are photos digital or film?
All photos are on film. Film offers greater flexibility for enlargements, cropping and tone of the image. Digital photos are not as high a quality, nor do they provide the softer tone that film achieves - especially when photographing people.

7 ] How will layouts be presented at each stage of the process?
We present the first round in person with mounted color printouts of the concepts.

After the initial presentation, we prefer to do what is most convenient for the client. Some clients choose to receive faxed or mailed laser printouts, but more frequently clients ask to see an online or pdf version.

For further explanation of the what!processes, visit our process page.

8 ] Are there additional costs for author's alterations?
There are only additional costs when the rounds of changes go beyond three. At that point we would address it with the client and if the changes are minor, we can overlook them. However, if the client changes the direction and/or scope of the project altogether within any round of the project, we would have to re-negotiate the costs. The printer also charges for author's alterations in the proofing stage before going to press.

9 ] Are press proofs a part of your time in the proposal?
Yes, this is part of the "production management" line item within the estimate.

10 ] Will the client be provided a copy of the artwork (not pdf) on CDs for in-house promotional work/website?
Absolutely. We believe that our clients have hired us to create a communication tool customized for their needs. These tools are tailor-made and only for each individual client to enable them to communicate more effectively with their stakeholders. Everything we create for our customers is their property to use any way they choose to get their message out.

For contracted work (ie: photographer and/or illustrator), industry standards dictate that the work must be purchased as a "complete buy-out" in order to be used freely by the client. The terms must be negotiated with the artist before beginning work on the project.