Prismatik Graphic Services - how we work together

Who is Prismatik?
How we work together
Cost and billing
My experience
Prismatik sites to visit

[Note this page mainly refers to websites. Smaller projects - graphic posters, business cards, etc. are discussed and then carried out usually within a day or so, still with a back and forth component to make sure you are satisfied before delivery.]

Prismatik is a one person business so you get personal attention and no communication break-downs due to passing your ideas on to third parties. 'Personal' means no 'boiler-plate' sites. The design is whatever suits YOU and delivers YOUR message to your targeted viewers.

The way we work together

To begin the process, you and I either meet, talk on the phone or electronically to discuss what you want. I will undoubtedly ask a lot of questions to better focus on the goals you have for your site and the style and tone you prefer. I may ask you to give me details of any sites you have seen that you liked for a particular reason.

You will then provide me with content that you want included words plus any predesigned graphics, e.g., logo, and photos, audio or video files or links, and I will begin.

As your site develops, you will be able to preview it, make comments or suggestions, and eventually give me final approval. Your involvement in this way throughout the process ensures you get what you want.

I work fast, and do not limit my working time to 'business hours', so you will get results quickly, and we can communicate at whatever time suits you.

If you need a domain name (www.yourname.com) and/or a place to 'hold' your site (web host), I can handle that for you. Currently you can get a xxx.com name for $ 10 to $15 a year and web hosting for a simple site (such as this one) can be had for around $60/year. Therefore, in addition to the cost of your website creation, you can have a web presence for as little as $75 a year.

Costs

After our first meeting or set of discussions, which are free, the time working on your site is charged on an hourly basis. I do not charge for any time spent communicating with you electronically or for my own research should you want something I need to learn more about -- web technology is continually advancing and this is all part of my own education. I can generally give you an estimate of total cost, but be aware that significant design changes on your part after work has begun will run up your bill!

I will bill you for half of the estimated cost when the 'first pass' at your site is completed and you have seen it. The remainder will be payable when it is ready for posting on your server. In the event of large, longterm projects, or site maintenance, monthly billing for time spent will be instituted. In the case of long projects - well, some clients take 'a while' to get all their material together - I will invoice you monthly for work actually performed. Minimum charge for site maintenance is for a half hour's work. I accept US dollars, British pounds or Euros.

My background

During many years as a training and development consultant mostly based in London, I developed a 'side business' that would employ both my artistic and 'techie' sides. Over the years I evolved from producing paper-based graphic services to publishing on the web. After moving back to San Francisco, it became my principal business for quite a while. While now I try to be a full-time artist, I continue to design websites on a project by project basis. My experience working with many types of businesses and organizations, in many parts of the world, and my knowledge of marketing serve to add value to the technical skills I have developed, so that I can understand your content, make appropriate suggestions and work in partnership with you to give you the best result.