FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. I have just started my business. I have a small budget. What can I do to "get the word out" without spending a huge amount of cash?
2. Once my work is completed, who prints it? Do you?
3. How do your rates compare with others in the region?
4. How do you charge? By the job? Retainer?
5. Can you provide my company with the various disks, CD's, and other media which we may require?
6. I don't understand all the technical jargon associated with graphic design. And I'm busy. How can you communicate efficiently and in plain English so I can make good decisions?
7. How long will it take? (We are in a big hurry to get this out the door...)
8. Just where in Middlebury are you located?
9. What is involved in designing a logo? How can we reproduce it once it is ready?
10. Can you help me with my advance planning and budget in marketing for the coming year?
11. We have this idea. We just want someone to produce it. Can you?
12. Do you do signage?
13. When do we start?

Most people starting a small business are surprised at how much can be done for a few hundred dollars. It is a great mistake to assume that you do not need a professional marketing specialist at startup. If you cannot afford to have your advertising materials prepared by a professional, you should spend at least a few hours in consultation.

Pearl Design is not affiliated with a specific printing vendor; however, our awareness of the available vendors, along with our knowledge of printing production, one of the most rapidly advancing technologies, is an important factor in determining the best economies for you. Every successful project requires us to begin with the end in mind. Pearl Design, unlike many other resources, charges only for our design services. We do not mark up your printing bills.

You'll find others who charge less and many who charge more. Our talent level is high and our overhead is low, so we can offer you optimum value for your marketing investment.

We charge on a project-by-project basis. We have set fees for specific kinds of work, such as logo developments, stationery packages, and press releases. Many projects, however, are custom-quoted, since they require a group of services with varying rates.

We can provide files in a wide variety of formats and media. All of our work is backed up daily, sometimes hourly. Our attitude toward information architecture is progressive. We will explore new horizons with you.

We try very hard to keep the jargon out of our communications with you. We understand that our job is to serve you efficiently and make the best possible use of your valuable time. Jargon creates confusion and delays.

Many projects can be completed in 10 to 15 working days. We have been known to create a brochure overnight when the occasion demanded it.

We are 30 minutes east of downtown South Bend, Indiana, and 2 hours from Chicago. But we're worth the trip. Most of the time, we can come to you. And because of the Internet, you're closer than you think.

Your logo is your main identity in the marketplace. Allow time for reflection. Plan at least 6 weeks. To create a good logo, we must interview you to know of your goals and dreams, your targeted market, and your breadth of products and services. Then we work to create a memorable symbol which you will carry with you for the life of your business. It's a big job and we love it. Once your logo has been developed, we can furnish it to you on digital media or reproduction-quality art work, or both. We can also e-mail your logo wherever you want it sent.

We strongly recommend that you work with a plan, and we know how to help you construct it.

Of course. We understand that our clients often want to take the lead in the creative direction. Our art is created in a business environment, so we understand that we must be flexible in offering as much or as little creativity as you desire.

Yes. We have a number of sign-making capabilities. We cut your images, letters and numbers from pressure-sensitive vinyl in many colors and mount it to a number of surfaces. We also create designs for signmakers.

NOW! E-mail us now for a quote or give us a call at 219.825.2267.