Let’s Be Partners!
Currently accepting new retainer clients
A retainer fee is like a monthly fee. Its perfect for those who know they will need design services throughout the year and want to reserve a creative professional's time. Since its purpose is to retain the designer, it is paid up front each month before work is ordered. Essentially, you are "pre-ordering" time versus a service. Since I will anticipate a preset number of hours of work from you, I will block out my schedule with the appropriate time each month. This gives me the ability to plan my workload accordingly. Which gives you the certainty of a pre-established amount of work each month without having to worry about what else is "in the queue" ahead of you. Its more efficient for all involved.
Details:
You come first. As a retainer client, your projects receive first priority in scheduling. Retainer clients are always given a higher priority when it comes to projects.
Here’s how it works:
1. Fill out the form at the end of this page. I'll set up a 30-minute Skype consultation so I can hear more about your project and get to know each other. I want to learn all about your business and goals. We’ll review your business needs and upcoming projects. The retainer program is for repeat clients, so if we haven't worked together, lets start by working on something like a branding package, website, or other design materials first.
2. First payment. Once the paperwork is completed and the first retainer fee is paid, I will setup all your projects needed for the month in my client dashboard. Prior to the 2nd month, we will have a conference call or video chat to review the next month's priorities. Payment for the month ahead will be due on the 1st of each month.
3. Repeat. We will repeat the process each month for the remainder of the program you selected.
4. Reevaluate. At the end of your contract, we will review the program to see if you want to adjust the number of hours reserved or amount of work completed each month before signing again!
Discounted Design, Print & Service Rates
Without a retainer, my normal hourly rate starts at $85 for design and $90 for web. No agreements to sign for each individual project and no per-project cost.
What You Get
Graphic Design - logos for new products/services, icons, and typography treatments.
Print Materials - sell sheets, direct mailers, brochures, newsletters, catalogs
Digital Materials - Social Media graphics, Blog Banners, and other digital designs
Photography - Photo editing/retouching, image cut-outs
Web Updates & Maintenance - content, graphics and web maintenance can be provided for select customers. Only for Wordpress and Squarespace websites currently.
Services do not include additional costs like stock photography purchases & printing.
Additional services are available upon request.
How to Pay
Payment for the month ahead will be due on the 1st of each month and will start the hours for that month. An invoice will be sent prior to the next month's work, to be paid upon receipt, for work to continue. All work performed will be itemized after each task is completed to show usage.
What Leftovers?
I do my best to make sure you stay up-to-date on the status of your retainer hours, but ultimately it’s your responsibility to make sure they’re used within the monthly time frame.
3 month minimum commitment. At the end of 3 months, we will re-evalaute the program you are to ensure the number of hours are fitting your business needs. After that, we can move to 6, 9, or 12 month commitments.
Each retainer includes a set number of hours or a set amount of work agreed up on by both parties. Overage in time or additional projects outside of the agreed upon scope will be billed at the standard hourly rate.
If retainer is based on time, unused hours will expire. They do not roll over each month as that would defeat the purpose of allocating retainer time each month for projects. If I am running close on hours hitting their threshold, I will let you know before going over.
Cancellation
You are free to cancel your retainer subscription anytime, with 1 month’s notice.
Other Details
Once purchased these retainers are non-refundable. Retainer invoices are due at the beginning of your monthly billing cycle, additional hours to be discussed and charged at the end of billing cycle month.