Proposals and contracts protect you and the graphic designer you work with. They are absolutely critical.

Designers put together proposals in many ways. Regardless of how the agency presents the information, the proposal should answer the following questions:

• What are the deliverables? A tri-fold brochure, an electronic version of the logo, a dreamweaver template? Find out what you are getting at the end of the project. Typically the designer retains ownership of the electronic files and the artwork. If you want to own the files, you need to discuss that with the designer. It could impact the final cost.
• How many design options will you get? The industry average is three. Sometimes if budget is an issue for the client, the agency will offer only one or two comps.
• How many rounds of revisions will the designer make to the design option you select? We typically offer two rounds of revisions. That means we will tweak the design based on your feedback twice. Any amount of revision beyond that will cost more. This is important. These costs can add up very quickly, so know when they kick in.
• How many rounds of revisions once the copy is placed? Again, it’s important to put parameters on this so both you and the designer know how much tweaking you’ll do.

This is information pertains to the design cost only. Printing is always an extra cost. And unless you supply the artwork, that will be an extra cost too. For your budgeting purposes, keep that in mind. If it isn’t clear, ask. Nobody likes money-related surprises. Better to know exactly what is included up front than at the end of the project.