kind words

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FAQ

Money Questions
Time-Involved Questions
Services Questions
Customer Service Questions

Money Questions

Why do you charge a flat quote per page?
I use to write estimates that took me a minimum of two hours, and then never heard from the potential client again. I'd rather spend my time designing websites. I am aware that some pages of a website take longer than others, but even though I charge a flat quote, it all balances out in the end.

When do I pay you to design my website?
Delivering payment prior to the project lets me know that you are serious. Don't worry whether I will follow through or not to produce your site; as a small business, I can't afford to let you down. Upon delivering payment and all assets (content, logo and any art you would like me to use), I will schedule the production of your site for the soonest availability.

What do you charge to make changes after the site goes live?
This is referred to as "Maintenance" and is billed hourly at the competitive rate of $50 per hour and invoiced monthly or per project. For new clients, I may require an agreed upon credit which then I deduct as time has been spent. Please deliver changes by sending an email. Most changes, especially if it's text content, do not take long.

I have limited funds, but I need a website now, what can you do for me?
You can add pages as you have the funds. Though, please communicate all the pages you would like for your site in the future so I can design the site to be able to add pages easily.

Does it matter that I can get a better quote from another Web designer?
You should not hire a designer solely based on the quote they provide. The quote is one aspect of a big picture. Call the designer's clients to find how the designer worked with them, and what their satisfaction level was and still is (this is a potential long-term business relationship). What is the designer's system for producing a website, deadlines and approval process? Check the designer's portfolio - do the websites "look" like they are designed professionally? If these aspects are not reviewed by you prior to your website being produced, chances are, you may be disappointed with your Designer.

Time-Involved Questions

Can you build my website this week?
Please contact me to book in advance. Once I receive all assets and payment, I will schedule your site for the next opening.

How long will it take to get my website designed?
It depends on your requirements, how many pages, and how organized you are. Before even looking for a Web designer, you should have your content ready and logo designed. Thousands of businesses are waiting for you to do these specialized services, and it's one of the first starting points of launching a business. Once you supply all these "assets" including payment, Kristine will schedule the production of your site for the next available opening. Web presence websites with up to 10 pages can take as little as 10 days depending on if you are checking your email often for approvals.

Is getting my website designed a long and arduous process? I've been avoiding it for a long time.
I have a documented and manageable step-by-step "Website Design Process" so you know what to expect. Click here to review the Process.

Services Questions

What types of websites do you design?
I design small business websites for service-oriented companies such as interior design, home inspection, music promoters etc. Additionally, I have the insight and understanding to create marketing media that reflect many cultures and types of businesses very different from my own. I also develop database-driven websites. I work with several companies that specialize in this functionality. Database-driven websites are applicable for sites that offer many pages of content and for those who don't know HTML and want to maintain their own site content.

Can I make changes to my own website after you finish?
Yes, you will either need to purchase a program such as Adobe GoLive, Dreamweaver or FrontPage, or learn basic HTML.

How do you build your websites?
My sites are hand-coded in HTML/XHTML/CSS and validated for fast downloading, tested in all major browsers, tested on both PC and Mac platforms for wide user accessibility. Additionally, I stay current on HTML / CSS coding standards.

Can you write the content for my website, take photographs and design my logo?
These types of services are meant for those professionals who specialize in those services. There is enough involved just designing and producing a website. However, since I feel that what a website says is more important than anything else, I set aside time to critique content as it flows with interface I design around it.

Do you include Flash animation in your websites? I don't think a website is cool unless it looks interactive.
Yes. However, I recommend that Flash animation is embedded in websites rather than websites built with Flash. Sits designed in all Flash do not rank high in search engines.

Is Web and Print Graphic Design pretty much the same thing that one designer can do?
The software, process and capabilities are very different. Many Web developers are not print designers and vice-versa. Even within these two different careers, the methods can be different from one designer to the next. For example, a print designer may use Adobe PageMaker and another may use the QuarkXPress page layout program. However, there is one universal program that just about every Web and print designer uses - and that is Adobe Photoshop for graphics creation. I started off my career in print design and years later I switched gears to Web design. I prefer Web design, though I do enjoy producing colorful (4-color) art for print design.

In most cases, HR Manager's expectations of Webmasters go way beyond reality. I often see job postings for Web designers that are required to know from graphics creation and Flash design, work in multiple programs such as Dreamweaver, know HTML and CSS --- to being a programmer and write languages such as JavaScript, PHP, C++ and run databases. Sometimes they even think you know how to fix your computer! For large sites, there can be many different contributors such as, content writers, information architects, visual designers, programmers and website managers. Since I am a Web designer that encompasses graphics creation, HTML and CSS, I contract out for programming that is needed for a website.

Even the language communications are different. Print designers will talk of pre-and post press production, blue lines, half-tones, dot gain, bleeds and crop marks, and Web designers will talk about domains, servers, user interface, HTML, CSS, URLs, JavaScript, content architecture and bandwidth.

Can you convert print design to Web design and vice-versa?
Converting layouts to print design can be done, but the print designer needs to be flexible with the conversion. Print design layouts are static, whereas Web pages move, expand, and can enlarge and shrink. Even different browsers such as Netscape, Internet Explorer, Opera and Mozilla can interpret the same Web page differently. Because of this, a print design layout may not match the Web page exactly. Also, some print design elements may not be possible or recommended for the Internet. If you are a print designer, consult a Web designer to make sure your layout is achievable and for input on designs specifically for the Web.

Web graphics design is created in low resolution (72 DPI standard), and print design is in high resolution (300 DPI standard). A designer may have to start all over again converting Web graphics to print graphics. Converting print graphics for the Web is quite possible and easily achieved as the design will go from high to low resolution, but low to high results in graphics with a blurred, pixilated and/or grainy appearance.

I notice that you mainly do websites - do you do print projects?
I will do print projects if it's an intriguing business or topic and requires full-color and my talent for Photoshop original art. I do these types of projects because I consider them a fun hobby - not to make money. I do not do black and white or spot color projects - no full color - no fun. My rate is $50 per hour or quote per project.

Customer Service Questions

How long does it take for you to respond to my emails?
Within 24 hours except for the rare occasion I take a vacation.

Will you meet me at my office, for lunch or coffee before I get my site designed?
Sure we can meet — however, having an in-person meeting is not necessary to develop a website. The process is broken down into steps that are manageable for anyone. If you are wondering if I'm a match for developing your site, please read through my About, Process and FAQ pages, call my clients as references, and check out my online portfolio.

I live on the other side of the country; can you still build a website for me?
Yes, I have not met many of my clients in-person.