Getting back to the original point, which is that people gripe about the cost of paying for professional design services, I have shown you that there is value in graphic design. I have told you the process I go through to create this valuable design. Now let’s talk numbers. This is why I am worth what I charge. When you hire me, you are hiring my expertise. And one would think that you are only paying for my time and knowledge (which are valuable on their own). However, since I am a 1-person business, you are also paying for my business expenses. I cannot do my job without some particular items. Regardless of much experience, knowledge or time I have, I will need a computer and software.

Computer: this will include my computer, mouse, pen tablet, printer, external hard drives and thumb drives. This is any/all hardware that is required to get the job done. Without a computer, I can’t work. Because my computer is something I use everyday and is the heart and soul of my livelihood (i.e.., if my computer breaks, I cannot work), I try to replace it at a minimum of every 3-4 years. Many freelancers will also combine a desktop/large monitor with a laptop or a tablet. The advantage here is that they can have a nice monitor to work on at home, and have a tablet to take in the field for presentations to clients, or a laptop so you can do work on the road. A bare-bones-minimum-set-up will cost a designer $1000 (saying that they only get a laptop with no extras). Costs go up from there, depending on what kind of computer they get. I prefer to get the upgraded RAM; I constantly have several applications open at one time (and switch back and forth) and the faster my computer is running, the more efficiently I can work for my clients. External hard-drives are essential in backing up work, and are an easy way to provide large files to clients (they start at $100 and go up. I’ve had 2 fail on me, so I tend to get the more dependable/expensive ones at $200).

Total Cost: $1,000 – $4,000
Best Guess on Average: $2,750
Annual Expense: $916.67 

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In my last post I addressed my perception that there is a lack of awareness of the value in good design. So today, I will explain to you what value there is in design, starting with the design process (in case you thought it was just drawing until there is a pretty picture on the page).

Every graphic designer has their own methodology. In general, we all follow roughly the same structure: Research, Sketches, Research, Concepts, Trials and Critical Review, Presented Concepts, Client Feedback, Revisions, Final Product. This means that for every output I create, I have gone through a process that involves:

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I had an epiphany recently. There is a lack of awareness of the value in good design. This was so profound to me, I’ll restate it differently: there seems to be a growing belief that design is not worth much/anything.

If you’re a graphic designer, particularly a freelancer, you’ve probably seen the ads. “Looking for a rockstar designer to create a new cutting edge website!” Then you read further, “This is an unpaid gig, but will be a great piece for your portfolio. We will even let you take credit and use images for personal use!” At least they are quasi-respecting your work there by acknowledging that you should have *some* form of compensation. Sometimes it’s even worse: “Looking for someone to design a kickass logo and collateral. I’m happy to barter services or pay you in chocolate chip cookies.” Or even worse than that are the demeaning design contests: “Submit your entries for the design of our new logo! The winner will maybe get $10, but the real prize is that your logo will be *real*.”

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