FAQ

How does KEYLAY’s logo design process work?

First we discuss your needs, target market and uses for your logo. Then it helps for us to have samples of existing logos that you like or dislike so we can get an idea of your taste. Whether you have a design concept in mind or have no idea what you want, we’ll make sure to collect enough information to allow us to succeed in bringing your logo to life.

What is the difference between a logo, graphic and an icon?

A logo is a combination of characters, images and/or graphics creating a single design used to identify an individual, business, company, organization, team or school. The logo is typically a visual image used as a company trademark or instead of the company name. When consisting solely of stylized textual elements, such symbols are referred to as logotypes or word marks. A graphic is a design element, illustration or created image that, in advertising, supports a targeted message. An icon can be the identifying graphic in a logo or act on it’s own as a symbol or representation of an idea, person, place, thing, or service.

What is graphic design?

In general terms, graphic design is the process and art of combining text and graphics and communicating an effective message in the design of logos, graphics, brochures, newsletters, posters, signs, and any other type of visual communication. Today’s graphic designers often use desktop publishing software and techniques to achieve their goals.

What does a graphic designer actually do?

A designer is a communicator of your idea, your product and your solution to the world. With training or experience as a visual communicator and problem solver, a designer will combine your content with elements, color, typography, line, space, shape and balance to create a finished communications piece for your business or organization. He/she will work with you to explore different options or design directions to solve your particular communications challenge. A designer will also prepare the ‘mechanical requirements’ of your finished piece and prepare it to the specifications of a printer, magazine, Web host, video studio or any other output medium, to ensure trouble-free output of a final finished product (such as a printed flyer or a Web site).

Can I submit my project and work with my designer completely over the Internet?

Yes! There are no geographic obstacles to working together, thanks to the Internet, e-mail and webinar communications. Your requirements can be submitted by email or phone. Once we have agreed on your needs, the provided information is used to create your designs. Intermediate design concepts and revisions are emailed to you for your review, comments and approval. Once your design is completed, final files are either posted for your download, uploaded to you or your printer or sent to you via Dropbox.

What type of services do you offer?

KEYLAY provides a variety of services to fit all your design needs, including logo design, brochure design, illustrations, graphics for web sites, direct mail design, marketing, stationery – including business card, letterhead, envelope, mailing label, and presentation folder design, and any other designs your business may require. Click Here to see a full list of our most commonly offered services.

What kind of design software do you use?

KEYLAY uses and supports the latest versions of industry-standard graphic design and productivity software applications such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, inDesign and WordPress. We also can provide integration for Adobe acrobat, PowerPoint, and Keynote. Just ask us if you have a specific program that you need us to design in to see if we can accommodate.

Can a small company like mine afford your services?

The upside of KEYLAY is our flexibility. We like to say that we can be as big or as small as you need us to be considering the amount of resources we have, so yes small businesses can and do afford our services, as you can see on our testimonial page.

Do you handle smaller projects?

Yes! We can be as big or as small as you need us to be, whether it’s altering a logo or making minor edits to a website or doing an entire rebranding. We are happy to work with you.

What is the client’s involvement throughout the design process?

You may have as much involvement in the process as you see fit, but at the least we’ll ask the following of you. After initial discussions and the project starts, we’ll ask you to approve certain milestones so that everything stays on the right track. We’ll submit a final proof to you for approval before submitting anything to print or programming for web. And after the project is finished, you may have it in a variety of formats to fit your needs.

How do I check on the overall progress of my project during the design process?

At KEYLAY, we keep you abreast of the progress of your project throughout the process. There are certain milestones throughout the process at which we will present the project to you for approval via e-mail so that everything stays on the right track. This helps keep you involved and prevents any breakdowns in communication. But if you’d like an update in-between these milestones, feel free to call or email us for an update.

How will I receive my finished design project?

We’ll send you your finished project as soon as final payment is received, and we can send it by email, Dropbox or however you prefer. We also keep a copy of your project on file for later updates or if you should lose anything from your copy.

Who owns the rights to the design work KEYLAY has done for me?

Complete ownership is yours upon receipt of final payment. We do, however, ask to reserve the right to use any work for portfolio purposes.

I need something designed yesterday! Can you help me?

We can usually accommodate your rush job depending on how full our production schedule is. Give us a call to see how we can accommodate your project turnaround needs.

What are your turnaround times?

Most standard design projects can be turned around within 48 to 72 hrs. Logos and brand identity require 1 to 2 weeks, package design requires 1 to 2 weeks and standard websites require 2 to 6 months. If time is an issue, feel free to give us a call and we can discuss our rush programs.

I don’t even know where to start with my design project. Can you help me?

Sure, just give us a call! We’ll listen to your needs and tell you what your options are. A job may seem overwhelming until you have the right experts helping you out. We can put things in perspective and offer solutions that you may not have even considered.

What happens if I change my mind in the middle of a job?

No problem! Changes happen. We are happy to incorporate your comments and revisions whether they happen at the beginning or middle of your project. If these changes affect the final price of your project, a change order will be sent to you for your approval prior to any changes being made.

What kind of design software do you use?

KEYLAY uses and supports the latest versions of industry-standard graphic design and productivity software applications such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, inDesign and WordPress. We also can provide integration for Adobe acrobat, PowerPoint, and Keynote. Just ask us if you have a specific program that you need us to design in to see if we can accommodate.

How exactly will I see my designs?

We are flexible and can send you your intermediate design concepts in a few ways: via email as attached files (png, jpg, PDF) or via Dropbox.

What is a bitmap/raster file?

Bitmap or raster files are most commonly used on the web, and can be used in every type of program from desktop publishing applications to word processing applications and page or web layout programs. Bitmap/raster files are made up of a fixed number of bits (or pixels) and have a specific resolution at a specific size. If the image is resized/enlarged, the image may show a distortion. As such, bitmap files are typically used in lower resolution print uses or on the Web. Common bitmap file formats include GIF, JPEG, TIFF and BMP.

Do I get a vector file for my logo once it’s designed?

Yes, you get EPS (vector), jpeg, and a png all zipped up in one easy to access, organized file. Our logo designs can be used to complete stationery and brand marketing – including business card, letterhead, envelopes, brochure design, websites, graphics for web sites, direct mail design, email marketing, mailing labels, presentation folders, and any other designs your business may require. All of our vector logo files are 100% pro-print ready and can be sent to your local printer or one of KEYLAY’s preferred vendors.

Do you handle printing?

Yes we offer Design + Print services. If you design a project with us we can get a print estimate for you and manage the fulfillment process. If you would like to request a print quote, please let us know during the design estimate process.

What’s the difference between static websites and dynamic websites?

Static (or HTML) websites are generally hard-coded by a web designer or web developer and have “stationary” pages that don’t change every time they are visited. Most content (unless third party script is included) remains “static” until it is manually updated by a web designer or coder. Static websites tend to be cheaper to design and develop, but more costly to update as owners who do not know HTML code will need to hire a web designer every time they need to make changes. Static websites often become dormant if their owners cannot afford to pay for updates.

Dynamic websites are compiled of various components, scripting languages (such as PHP, ASP, JSP) and a database, and can be modified by the end user (you) on your own computer. Dynamic websites usually have a lot more functionality than a static website and are interactive. Therefore, dynamic websites are more costly to develop, especially for proprietary content management systems, but after the initial development fees, they are usually cheaper to update.

What is responsive web development?

Responsive web design is a method of designing websites that enables optimal viewing in multiple devices and at various screen resolutions, from desktop computers to the smallest smart phones. RWD uses flexible images and a fluid layout with percentages or proportional grids which adapt to the device on which the responsive website is viewed. Media queries are used to define different style rules in the CSS (cascading style sheet).

A responsive website takes longer and costs more to develop than a fixed width website, especially those with complex layouts and design elements, but with today’s ever increasing use of mobile devices, a responsive website will be available to a much wider audience and is well worth the initial investment.

What is a content management system (CMS?)

CMS is the abbreviation for content management system and is software that has been developed to enable website owners to easily and quickly update their content without having to know HTML code or needing to contact their website designer to do it for them. CMSs are used to run dynamic websites. Common open source CMS applications are WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, OpenCart, osCommerce and ZenCart.

Third party developers also offer a variety of Open Source CMS add-ons and plug-ins that we can easily upload and install to your current CMS package to enhance the functionally of your site.

I have an idea that I would like to protect. Does KEYLAY sign non-disclosure agreements?

We appreciate your desire to protect your intellectual property and are glad to sign any non-disclosure agreements. If you do not already have an agreement, we can make a two-way non-disclosure agreement available.

What are your fees for your graphic design services?

A great question but not a simple one. Design services are unique in that the requirements vary from project to project. Most design jobs are done on an hourly rate which can range from $75 to $100 depending on the project. However if you have quick updates to a project that only take a few minutes, we will not charge for that. That’s something that separates KEYLAY from our competitors.

As always, price quotes are free at KEYLAY, and we can widen or narrow the scope of our services to work within any budget constraints you may have, so give us a call and we’ll be glad to discuss your needs.

How much does it cost to design a website?

A website’s price depends on the extent of the features it has, how it’s designed and how it’s built. It’s difficult to give a generic price because we design each website to individual requirements, so the amount of work involved in each project will differ. To get the best idea of the cost give us a call and 15 minutes to go over your website details. We guarantee that you will recieve the best website design in Atlanta. KEYLAY has the years of experience and industry knowledge to give you the most bang for your buck.

What forms of payment do you accept and what are your payment terms?

We accept business checks, personal checks, VISA, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, cash, and Paypal. First we send you an estimate for approval, if you agree then you complete the authorization form and place a credit card on file. We charge a 25% deposit on the card but we can also collect the deposit via check if you prefer. Once the project is completed, we send a final invoice out, with final payment due within 30 days.