Frequently asked questions

I like to keep things simple. Here are answers to some of the questions I get asked most often.

Still have a question? Get in touch.

What graphic design services does Design Perth offer?

Design Perth offers a complete range of graphic design services for businesses of all sizes, from startups needing their first logo through to established companies looking for ongoing design support.

I can help with everything from logo design and branding to capability statements, brochures, annual reports, corporate documents, presentations, signage and marketing materials. I also design and develop websites, helping businesses maintain a consistent, professional image across both print and digital platforms.

With years of experience working across a wide range of industries, I understand that every business has different requirements. Whether you have a clear brief ready to go or just a rough idea of what you need, I'm happy to help you work through the options and find a practical solution.

Why choose a freelance graphic designer over a design agency?

With years of experience in the design industry, I offer the same level of creativity, expertise and attention to detail you'd expect from a design agency, but with a more personal approach and without the expensive overheads.

The biggest difference? You deal directly with me from start to finish. No account managers, no messages getting lost in translation and no unnecessary meetings. Just straightforward communication, reliable service and quality design at a sensible price.

I enjoy building long-term relationships with my clients, and many have been working with me for years. Whether it's a small design update or a complete brand refresh, you'll always know who you're dealing with.

How much do your design services cost?

Every project is a little different, so I prefer to price each job based on what's actually involved rather than take a one-size-fits-all approach.

Some clients come to me with an established brand, all their content ready and a clear idea of what they need. Others might be starting from scratch and need a little more creative direction. Naturally, these projects require different amounts of time.

For smaller graphic design jobs, I generally charge an hourly rate. Larger projects are usually quoted upfront, so you know what to expect. For projects where the scope is harder to define, I can provide an estimated time allowance and keep you informed as the work progresses.

My aim is always to find the most practical and cost-effective way to get the job done. And if there's a simpler way to achieve what you're after, I'll happily tell you.

Do you design and develop business websites?

Yes. I design and develop professional, custom websites that not only look great but are built around the needs of your business and the people visiting your website.

Whether you need a simple website to establish your online presence or a more comprehensive website to showcase your services, products and projects, I can take care of the design and development from start to finish.

Every website starts with a considered design, rather than relying on generic templates. I use modern development tools, including AI where it adds value, to create engaging, responsive websites that are easy to navigate and designed to encourage enquiries.

I can also help with website hosting, ongoing maintenance and search engine optimisation (SEO), so you have someone to turn to long after your website goes live.

Can you work with my existing branding and marketing materials?

Of course. You don't always need to start from scratch.

If you already have an established logo, brand colours or style guide, I can work within your existing branding to create new marketing materials that look consistent and professional.

And if your branding is starting to feel a little dated, sometimes a few thoughtful improvements to the typography, colours, layouts or imagery can make a big difference without the expense of a complete rebrand.

I'll always look at what you've already got before recommending something new. There's no point replacing things that are working perfectly well.

Do you work with businesses outside Perth?

Absolutely. Although I'm based in Perth, Western Australia, I work with businesses across Australia and can just as easily collaborate with clients overseas.

Most projects can be managed through email, phone calls and online meetings, making the process straightforward regardless of where you're located.

And if you're in Perth or nearby, I'm always happy to catch up for a coffee or meet at your office to discuss your project.

Who do you work with?

Over the years, I've worked with businesses across just about every industry, from small startups and family businesses through to large corporations and government organisations.

Being based in Perth, I work regularly with businesses in construction, engineering, manufacturing, mining and industrial services. But my portfolio also includes clients in healthcare, professional services, retail, finance, education and not-for-profit organisations.

My design style tends to lean towards clean, professional corporate design rather than overly artistic concepts. I enjoy taking complex information and presenting it in a way that's clear, engaging and easy to understand.

Do you offer professional printing services?

Absolutely. As well as designing your marketing materials, I can organise professional printing, saving you the hassle of dealing with printers and worrying about file specifications, paper stocks or print finishes.

From business cards and brochures to capability statements, presentation folders, signage and large-format printing, I can help you choose the most suitable and cost-effective option for your project.

Having worked with commercial printers for many years, I understand how to prepare artwork correctly for print and can manage the process from design through to the finished product.

I don't need a complete rebrand. Can you refresh my existing branding?

Of course. A complete rebrand isn't always necessary, particularly if your business already has an established identity that customers recognise.

Sometimes refreshing the typography, colours, imagery or overall design style can make a significant difference without changing your logo or losing existing brand recognition.

I can also help bring consistency to marketing materials that have been developed over time by different designers or suppliers.

I'll always look at what's worth keeping before recommending what needs changing.

Can you help with urgent design projects or tight deadlines?

Absolutely. I understand that sometimes design projects come up unexpectedly, whether it's a last-minute presentation, an urgent brochure update or marketing materials needed for an upcoming event.

Being a freelance designer means I can often be more flexible than a larger agency. If I have availability, I can usually turn smaller projects around quite quickly.

Just let me know what you need and when you need it. I'll give you a realistic timeframe and let you know what's achievable.

What do I need to provide before we get started?

That depends on the project, but don't worry if you haven't got everything perfectly organised.

Some clients come to me with a detailed brief, brand guidelines, approved content and all their images ready to go. Others have a rough idea, a few notes and some examples of what they like.

I'm happy to work with either. We'll discuss what you're trying to achieve, what you've already got and anything else that might be needed.

The more information you can provide, the better, but you certainly don't need to have everything figured out before getting in touch.

Can you take care of all my ongoing graphic design needs?

Absolutely. In fact, that's how I work with many of my clients.

Rather than engaging different designers for every project, businesses often use me as their go-to designer for everything from brochures and capability statements to presentations, signage, website updates and marketing materials.

Over time, I get to know your business, branding and preferences, which makes the whole process quicker and more efficient.

It's a bit like having your own graphic designer on call, without needing to employ someone full-time.

How much of my time will a design project require?

Hopefully, not too much! I know most of my clients are busy running their businesses and don't want to spend hours in meetings or managing a design project.

Once I understand what you're trying to achieve, I'm generally happy to take the lead and get on with the work.

There will naturally be times when I need your input, particularly when reviewing designs or approving content, but I try to keep the process straightforward and minimise unnecessary back-and-forth.

My aim is to make your life easier, not give you another job to manage.

What are your payment terms?

I try to keep payment arrangements straightforward and fair.

For new clients, I generally request a 50% deposit on the first project, with the balance payable on completion. Once we've established a working relationship, my standard payment terms are seven days.

I understand that some businesses have different payment processes, particularly larger organisations that operate on 30-day terms. I'm happy to discuss alternative arrangements where needed.

Website projects are usually split into three payments: 40% to get started, 30% once the design is approved and the remaining 30% on completion.

Everything is outlined in your quote or proposal before we begin, so you know exactly what to expect.

How can a professionally designed website benefit my business?

Your website is often the first place potential customers go to learn about your business, so making a good first impression is important.

A professionally designed website helps build trust, communicate your services clearly and give visitors confidence in what you offer. It can also make it easier for potential customers to find you through search engines and encourage them to get in touch.

Beyond looking good, I focus on creating websites that are easy to navigate, work across different devices and present your products or services in a clear, engaging way.

A good website should do more than simply look impressive. It should work hard for your business.

How much does a professionally designed website cost?

As a guide, my custom-designed business websites start from around $3,000 + GST, although the final cost depends on the size, complexity and features you need.

Some businesses only need a few pages to establish a professional online presence, while others require more comprehensive websites with multiple services, product information, animations or custom functionality.

I provide a detailed proposal outlining the scope of work, costs and expected timeframe before we get started, so you know exactly what's included.

Having worked in the design industry for many years, I can offer the experience and quality you'd expect from a design agency, without the expensive overheads. I'll always look for practical ways to achieve what you need without adding unnecessary costs.

How long does it take to design and build a website?

Most website projects take around two to three months from start to finish, although this depends on the size of the website, the complexity of the design and how quickly content and feedback are provided.

I've completed websites in as little as three weeks when everything has come together smoothly, so shorter timeframes are certainly possible.

Before starting, I'll provide an estimated project timeline so you know what to expect. If you have a particular launch date in mind, let me know early and I'll do my best to work towards it.

Do you offer website hosting and ongoing maintenance?

Absolutely. I offer reliable website hosting and ongoing maintenance, so you don't need to worry about managing everything yourself.

My hosting is based locally in Perth, with experienced server support available around the clock if technical issues arise.

I can also look after regular software updates, backups, security monitoring and general website maintenance to help keep your website running smoothly.

Many of my clients have been hosting their websites with me for years. It's a convenient way to have one person looking after your website, rather than dealing with different providers whenever something needs attention.

Are your websites custom designed or built using AI?

Every website I create is custom designed, with the creative direction, layouts and overall user experience carefully considered for your business.

I don't believe in handing everything over to AI and accepting whatever it produces. That's how websites can end up looking generic and very similar to one another.

Instead, I use AI as another tool in the development process. It can help me create custom functionality, animations and interactive elements that previously would have taken considerably longer to build.

The technology behind websites is changing quickly, and I'm embracing those opportunities. But the design decisions, visual direction and attention to detail still come from me.

The result is a website that feels unique to your business, rather than something that looks like everyone else's.

Can you redesign my existing website?

Absolutely. You don't always need to start from scratch to make a big improvement.

If your existing website is looking dated, difficult to navigate or no longer reflects your business, I can review what's working, what isn't and recommend the best way forward.

Sometimes that means refreshing the design and improving the content or layout. Other times, a complete rebuild makes more sense, particularly if the existing website has technical limitations or has become difficult to maintain.

I'll always consider your existing content, branding and search engine visibility before recommending an approach. There's no point replacing something that's already working well.

Will I be able to update my own website?

Yes, in most cases. I understand that businesses often want the flexibility to update their own content without having to contact a designer every time something changes.

Depending on how your website is developed, I can provide a content management system that allows you to update text, images, services and other information yourself.

For more complex design changes or new pages, I'm always happy to help. Many of my clients prefer to leave the ongoing updates to me so they can focus on running their business.

We can discuss the best approach before development begins, ensuring your website is built around how you'd like to manage it in the future.

What if I don't like the initial website design?

That's okay. Getting the design right is important, and I want you to feel confident about the direction before we move into development.

I generally prepare the initial website design for your review and approval before building the site. This gives us an opportunity to discuss the layout, colours, typography and overall visual direction.

Having worked on websites for many years, I find that the initial designs usually hit the mark, but if something isn't quite right, we'll talk through your feedback and make the necessary refinements.

I prefer to get things right at the design stage rather than make major changes once the website has been developed. It saves time, avoids unnecessary costs and makes the whole process smoother.

Will my website be optimised for Google and SEO?

Yes. Search engine optimisation (SEO) is an important consideration when I design and develop websites.

I pay attention to the foundations that help search engines understand your website, including page structure, headings, mobile responsiveness, page speed, image optimisation and relevant page titles and descriptions.

I can also help organise your website content around the services and search terms that matter to your business, making it easier for potential customers to find the information they're looking for.

While no designer can guarantee first-page Google rankings, I aim to give every website a solid technical and structural foundation for ongoing SEO.

For businesses wanting to improve their visibility further, we can also discuss additional SEO improvements after launch.

Can you help with website content, images and copywriting?

Of course. Ideally, you'll have your main website content and images ready before we begin, but I understand that's not always the case.

Some clients provide professionally written content, while others have rough notes, existing brochures or information scattered across different documents. I'm happy to work with what you've got and help organise, refine and improve the content so it fits the website design.

I can also help source suitable imagery and use AI-assisted tools where appropriate to improve the presentation and clarity of supplied text.

For projects requiring extensive specialist copywriting, we can discuss the options separately. My aim is to make the process as straightforward as possible, without creating unnecessary work or expense for you.

Do I need all my website text and images ready before we start?

Not necessarily. Having your content ready certainly helps keep things moving, but I understand that isn't always possible.

Some clients provide everything upfront, while others have existing website content, brochures, rough notes or images that need organising.

I can often begin the design process using the information you already have, then refine and incorporate the remaining content as the project progresses.

The main thing is having a clear understanding of your business, services and what you want the website to achieve.

What do I need to provide before my website project begins?

Usually, I'll need some background about your business, the services you offer, your target audience and what you'd like your website to achieve.

Existing branding, photographs, written content and examples of websites you like are all helpful, but don't worry if you haven't got everything ready.

I'll guide you through what's needed and help identify anything missing before we get too far into the project.

The goal is to make sure we're heading in the right direction from the beginning.

Can you take over and maintain an existing website?

Yes, in many cases. You don't necessarily need to have your website designed by me to use my hosting and maintenance services.

If you're unhappy with your current hosting provider, struggling to keep your website updated or simply want someone reliable to look after it, I'm happy to take a look.

I'll first review how the website has been built, its current hosting arrangements and any technical issues that might need attention.

If everything looks suitable, I can discuss options for taking over the hosting, maintenance or ongoing updates.

Will I own my website once it's completed?

Yes. Once your website is completed and paid for, the agreed website design and content deliverables belong to you, subject to any third-party software, fonts, images or other licensing arrangements.

I don't believe in making clients feel locked into using my services.

If you choose to host your website with me, that's great, but you're not obliged to stay forever. If you decide to move to another provider, I'll help make the transition as straightforward as possible.

The exact handover arrangements can depend on the technology used to build your website, and we'll discuss those before the project begins.

What happens after my website goes live?

Launching your website isn't necessarily the end of our working relationship.

I can continue looking after your hosting, software updates, backups and general maintenance, so you have someone to contact if you need help.

I can also assist with adding new pages, updating content, improving functionality or making design changes as your business grows.

Some clients prefer to manage their own website, while others are happy to leave everything to me. Either approach is fine.

How do you keep websites secure?

Website security is something I take seriously, and I'm proud to say that in over 11 years of business, none of the client websites I've managed have been compromised.

I believe prevention is always better than dealing with problems after they happen. That's why I offer ongoing website maintenance, including regular software updates, security monitoring and backups to help keep everything running safely and smoothly.

I also work with experienced hosting professionals who provide additional technical support when needed.

While no website can ever be guaranteed 100% secure, keeping everything properly maintained and up to date goes a long way towards reducing potential risks.

Will my website work on mobiles and tablets?

Absolutely. With so many people browsing websites on their phones, mobile responsiveness is an essential part of modern website design.

I design websites to adapt to different screen sizes, including desktop computers, tablets and mobile phones.

This isn't simply about shrinking the desktop layout. I consider how navigation, images, text and other elements should behave on smaller screens to create a comfortable, easy-to-use experience.

What is a capability statement, and why does my business need one?

A capability statement is a professional document that showcases your business, what you do and why potential clients should choose to work with you.

Think of it as a combination of a company profile and a sales tool. It brings together your services, experience, expertise, key projects and credentials in one clear, professionally presented document.

Here in Western Australia, many larger organisations, particularly in the mining, resources and construction sectors, require suppliers and contractors to submit a capability statement as part of their tender or quotation process. Having one professionally prepared and ready to go means you're not scrambling to put something together when an opportunity comes along.

I've designed capability statements for businesses across a wide range of industries, particularly construction, engineering, mining and industrial services. My focus is always on presenting your business in a way that builds credibility, communicates your strengths and makes a great first impression.

How much does capability statement design cost?

Every capability statement is a little different, so I prefer to provide a custom quote based on what's actually involved rather than offer fixed-price packages.

The cost depends on factors such as the number of pages, the complexity of the design, your existing branding and how much content preparation is required.

Some clients come to me with a complete style guide, professionally written content and a library of quality photographs. Others have a collection of existing documents, rough notes and images that need a little more attention.

I'm happy to work with either. I'll review what you've already got and recommend the most practical and cost-effective approach.

You'll receive a clear quote before we get started, so you know what's included and what to expect.

How long does it take to design a capability statement?

That depends on the size of the document, how much content is available and the complexity of the design.

A relatively straightforward capability statement with approved content and existing branding can usually be completed much more quickly than a larger document that requires content development, image sourcing or a new visual direction.

Once I've reviewed your requirements, I'll provide an estimated timeframe so you know what to expect.

If you're working towards a tender submission or an important meeting, let me know upfront. I understand these documents are often needed for a specific deadline, and I'll always do my best to accommodate it.

What information should I include in my capability statement?

There's no one-size-fits-all formula. The content should reflect your business, your industry and the type of clients you're trying to attract.

Most capability statements include a company overview, key services and capabilities, relevant experience, major projects, qualifications, certifications and contact details.

Depending on your industry, it might also be worth including information about your equipment, facilities, workforce, safety standards, accreditations or specialist expertise.

I'll help you work out what's important and how best to organise it. The aim isn't to squeeze in everything about your business, but to present the right information clearly and professionally.

How many pages should my capability statement be?

There's no set number of pages a capability statement needs to have. It really depends on your business, the information you want to communicate and how the document will be used.

Some businesses only need a short, four-page introduction, while others benefit from a more comprehensive document showcasing their services, projects, equipment and experience.

I generally recommend keeping things as concise as possible without leaving out important information. A well-designed capability statement should be easy to navigate and engaging to read, rather than overwhelming potential clients with pages of unnecessary content.

I'll help you determine the most suitable format and page count based on your requirements.

Can you help write and organise the content?

Absolutely. You don't need to have everything professionally written and perfectly organised before getting in touch.

Many clients provide existing brochures, website content, company information or even rough notes. I'm happy to work with what you've got, helping to structure the information, improve the wording and present everything in a clear, professional way.

I also use AI-assisted tools where appropriate to help refine and develop content using the information you provide. Everything is reviewed and tailored to suit your business rather than simply accepting generic AI-generated text.

For more extensive copywriting requirements, we can discuss the best approach before starting.

My aim is to take as much of the work off your hands as possible, so you can focus on running your business.

Do I need to provide professional photographs?

Not necessarily, although good-quality photography can make a big difference to the overall presentation of your capability statement.

If you already have photographs of your projects, equipment, facilities or team, I can review them and select the most suitable images for the design.

They don't always need to be professionally photographed. I've worked with plenty of client-supplied images and can often improve their appearance through careful cropping, colour adjustments and image enhancement.

If you don't have suitable photography, we can look at alternatives, including stock imagery, graphics, illustrations or a more typography-focused design.

I'll always try to make the most of what you've already got before suggesting additional expenses.

Can you design and print my capability statement?

Yes. I can take care of the complete process, from the initial design through to professional printing.

Capability statements are commonly supplied as digital PDFs for emailing, downloading from your website or including with tender submissions. I can also prepare print-ready artwork and organise commercial printing if you'd like physical copies.

If printing is something you're considering, it's worth discussing early in the project. Page size, orientation, page count, paper stock and binding can all influence how the document should be designed.

I'll help you choose a suitable format and can organise printing through my commercial print suppliers, saving you the hassle of managing the process yourself.

Can I update my capability statement in the future?

Of course. Your business will continue to evolve, and your capability statement should be able to evolve with it.

Whether you're adding new projects, updating services, changing staff details or introducing new equipment, I can make updates to your existing document without needing to redesign everything from scratch.

For clients who need to make regular changes themselves, we can also discuss editable options, depending on the complexity of the design and how you plan to use the document.

I generally recommend keeping the original design files available for future updates. It's a simple way to maintain consistency and avoid unnecessary costs as your business grows.

What's the difference between a capability statement and a company brochure?

They're similar in some ways, but they generally serve different purposes.

A company brochure is often more promotional, focusing on your products, services and the benefits you offer customers.

A capability statement is usually more focused on demonstrating your business's experience, expertise, resources and ability to deliver specific types of work.

This is particularly important when approaching larger organisations or submitting tenders, where potential clients want evidence that your business has the capabilities, qualifications and experience to meet their requirements.

Of course, there's often some overlap. I can help you determine which approach is most suitable for your audience.

Can you redesign or update my existing capability statement?

Absolutely. You don't necessarily need to start again.

If your existing capability statement is looking dated, has become difficult to navigate or no longer reflects your business, I can review the document and recommend improvements.

Sometimes it's simply a matter of refreshing the layout, updating the photography and reorganising the content. Other times, a more substantial redesign might be worthwhile.

I'll always look at what can be reused before recommending a complete rebuild.

Can you prepare capability statements for tenders and government contracts?

Yes. I've worked with businesses in construction, engineering, mining and industrial services, where capability statements are frequently used to support tenders, supplier applications and business proposals.

I can help organise and professionally present your company's experience, services, project history, qualifications and other relevant information.

If you're preparing a document for a particular tender, it's important to review the submission requirements first. Some organisations have specific content, formatting or documentation requirements that need to be followed.

I can help with the design and presentation, while you provide and verify the business information and any required compliance details.

Can you provide digital and print-ready versions?

Absolutely. Most capability statements are supplied as digital PDFs, making them easy to email, upload to tender portals or make available on your website.

I can also prepare artwork specifically for commercial printing, including the appropriate colour settings, resolution, bleed and other print requirements.

If you're planning to print the document, it's best to discuss this early. The design and layout can be influenced by the intended page size, orientation, binding and number of pages.

Can you create different capability statements for different services or divisions?

Yes, and this can be a very practical approach for businesses offering a wide range of services.

Rather than presenting every service in one large document, we can develop a consistent design that allows different divisions, business units or specialist services to have their own capability statements.

This means you can provide potential clients with information that's relevant to their particular needs while maintaining a consistent visual identity across the business.

It can also make future updates more manageable, particularly when different divisions have their own projects, equipment, services or credentials.

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