Everyone has questions

Here you'll find the usual questions about how I work, what things cost, and whether I can help with your specific project.
Can't find what you're looking for? Get in touch and I'll give you a straight answer.

Why should I hire a freelancer over a studio?

Different tools for different jobs.

Studios are brilliant for large-scale projects that need multiple people working simultaneously – big teams, enterprise systems, global campaigns. But all that infrastructure costs money: account managers, office space, layers of approval. Those overheads get passed to you, even on smaller projects that don’t need that machinery.

Freelancers work differently. You get direct access to the person designing and building your project – no middlemen, no waiting for internal approvals, no paying for someone else’s overhead. Communication is faster, costs are lower, and there’s direct accountability. My portfolio is my business, so every project has to be excellent.

For medium sized projects – a sole trader business rebrand, a new website for a small business, generic marketing materials – a freelancer often delivers better value and more personal service. For massive enterprise work requiring dedicated teams, studios make sense.

How much do you cost?

There’s no price list because every project is different. A simple logo costs less than a full brand identity. A brochure website costs less than a custom e-commerce build with automated backend systems.

Once I understand your brief – what you need, what the deliverables are, and what complexity is involved – I’ll send you a transparent, itemised quote. No hidden costs, no vague estimates, just a clear breakdown of what you’re paying for and why.

If the budget doesn’t work, I’ll tell you. If there’s a way to phase the project or adjust scope to fit your budget without compromising quality, I’ll suggest that too.

How long will the project take?

It depends on the scope. A logo design might take 2-3 weeks, a full website build typically runs 4-8 weeks, and a complete rebrand with web development can stretch to 2-3 months.

Once you get in touch with your brief, I’ll give you a realistic timeline based on the deliverables, complexity, and how quickly you can provide feedback. No vague “we’ll see how it goes” – just honest estimates upfront.

The timeline also depends on you. Projects move faster when feedback is quick and stakeholders are aligned. I’ll keep things on track from my end, but delays usually happen when approvals get stuck internally.

What is involved in the design process?

Every project is different, but here’s the typical flow:

1. Initial contact and discovery – We’ll chat about what you need, what the goals are, and whether it’s a good fit. No pressure, just an honest conversation.

2. Proposal and quote –  I’ll send a detailed proposal breaking down deliverables, timeline, and costs. Everything’s transparent from the start.

3. Deposit and project kickoff – A 25% deposit secures your slot in the schedule. Once that’s paid, work begins.

4. Research and initial concepts – I’ll dive into your industry, competitors, and audience, then develop initial concepts or prototypes for review.

5. Your feedback – You review the work and tell me what’s working, what isn’t, and what needs adjusting. Honest feedback makes better work.

6. Revisions and refinement – I’ll incorporate your feedback and refine the designs until they’re exactly right. This usually takes 1-2 rounds, sometimes more for complex projects.

7. Final payment and delivery – For branding and print work, once you’re happy and the balance is settled, you get all final files. For web projects, the final payment is due once the site is live and you’re happy with how everything works. Then you get all source files (where possible), documentation, and everything you need to maintain the work.

Can you help with printing?

Yes. I work with trusted print partners to handle business cards, flyers, stationery, banners, and most other print needs you might have.

I’ll manage the entire process – from preparing print-ready files to liaising with printers and arranging delivery. You get one point of contact instead of coordinating between a designer and a separate print supplier.

Print costs are separate from design fees, so let me know upfront if you need printing services and I’ll include everything in your quote.

Do you deal with smaller projects?

Absolutely. Whether you need a simple logo refresh or a full brand and website build, every project gets the same attention to detail and quality of work.

Small projects often turn into long-term relationships, and frankly, I’d rather work with someone who values good design at any scale than chase big budgets attached to mediocre briefs.

Can we meet or talk on phone?

Absolutely. I’m based in Edinburgh, Scotland and happy to meet face-to-face if you’re within reasonable distance – nothing beats a good coffee and a proper conversation.

That said, I work with clients across the UK and internationally, so video calls are the norm for me. I use Google Meet for most project discussions – it’s straightforward, you can see designs in real-time, and we can keep things moving without the commute.

What software do you use?

I use industry-standard tools – which means your files won’t be locked in proprietary software that only I can open.

For design, I work primarily in Figma for web projects and Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) for branding and print. For development, I code in Visual Studio Code and build on WordPress, a platform robust enough for complex functionality but simple enough for you to manage day-to-day updates yourself.

The tools matter less than knowing when to use them. Every project gets the right approach for the deliverables, not a one-size-fits-all template.

What are your payment methods?

I accept bank transfer, PayPal, or card payments through Stripe – whatever works best for you.

Larger projects start with a 25% deposit to secure your slot in my schedule, with the remaining balance due on completion. All invoices include clear payment instructions, and you’ll receive confirmation once payment goes through.

Do you provide photography?

I can source high-quality stock photography that fits your budget and brand aesthetic – useful for filling out websites, social content, or marketing materials when a full photoshoot isn’t needed.

If you want custom photography though (and honestly, original images always beat stock), I work with talented freelance photographers across the UK. I’ll connect you directly and can art direct the shoot to ensure it aligns with the design direction.

Ready to start your project?