Custom graphics, how does it work?

I am not looking for graphics help in this thread or to hire anyone.

I am trying to figure out the process of how to obtain custom graphics for a vB site from a designer. What is the normal process?

Questions for people that do design work:
What information is normally given to you when someone approaches you for a new look for their site? What do you expect them to give you?

1. Link to their site and what they currently do and do not like about it?
2. Links to other websites that may be relevant and what they currently do and do not like about them?
3. Other information?

What is the process once that information is received?

• Do you mock up sites in a program like photo shop and show them ideas that way?
• Do you communicate everything via email or does phone also work for you?
• Do you have a copy of the software like vB and set up a test site?

What do people normally do?

 

Basically, what I do [not for vB] I'd lhave some 'portfolios' of some designes that are well done, look specifying their capability, if they have live previews, AWESOME. After, I would get in contact with them asking them how much would they pay for custom work at 'suchplace' with 'these specifications' and such. When they respond back I'd send them colors palettes, my ideas, create a small mock-up. Keep them posted overall.

 

How would the mock up be made? Screen shot of existing site and edited in a photo editing program?



Pretend you are explaining things to someone who knows nothing about these things (me).

 

1. I have a pricing and TOS page that any potential client must read first.
2. If interested, I have a questionnaire that the potential client must fill out when requesting custom work. This gives me a good idea of what they want.
3. I suggest that he/she looks through my portfolio to see the work I've done previously. This way, they get a good idea of the kind of designing I do.
4. IF they want to move forward, I get a 50% deposit.
5. I always start the forum design with designing the header image. I will submit 2 rough drafts to client. They tell me if they want changes, I make the changes, and away we go.
6. The style is usually designed on my developement forum, and they are given the url so that they can see the WIP, and requested any changed.
7. Once the design is complete, and approved by the client, they pay the balance, and I zip it up and send to them, or install it for them (this is included in the price).

My designs usually take about a week (5 days) from start to finish.
I am available to them by telephone, email, yahoo IM, and their private thread on my forum.

 

If it's a software I knew I would mock it up as I see 'creative'. No need for a screenshot. The customer would have the freedom to actually choose what they like, fixed or fluid, and if they don't know I'd better make both and or explain.

 

1. Contact your designer-of-choice with a detailed request.
2. Once you all get connected, link to related sites with related graphics so the designer can get a feel.
3. Ask for a mock-up so you can then decide whether or not you want to move on with the designer.
4. Settle on a price.
5. Have the work done and voila, obtain your graphics.

That may differ with some designers. Some designers require an installment before working. Like Jacquii Designs has if you order is over 100 bucks, you per her half that amount or something.

 

I like to look through iStockPhoto and find illustrators with a style I like, then contact them with a rough description of what I'm looking for and ask if they're taking on custom work. I then go along with their process... some do the art first and then I pay them, others require a deposit.

 

I have not forgotten about this thread!

At some point in the future I'd like to take my site to the next level regarding graphics and that would be with vB 4.0+, which is not out yet.

It appears everyone does things a little differently.

 

I see no harm in getting started on the custom graphics, it would be good to have them ready when 4.0 comes out. Plus, the vB designers will probably be overloaded trying to update their own templates.

 

Normally I would agree with you, but in this particular situation what the forum will look like will be determined in some things out of my control at the moment. It may be a few months before that will be determined.

 

I understand. Well, I hope everything will come together at the right time