Frequently Asked Questions About Web Site and Graphic Design Work

If you are looking for specific information on something we do, we post regularly in our blog. Please check this resource for valuable information about our services, processes, design, our clients and a host of other things web related.

Also, we work online often, and if we are availalbe, you may use the live support link below.

General FAQ:

How do I get started?
Simply contact us, and we'll ask that you submit or fill out a work form to help us understand the scope of your project, your needs, and offer a more accurate recommendation and estimate of work. It's that easy!

What is your design process?
Once you fill out the work form, we'll know better what colors, styles, fonts and arrangements might be best for your project. Our design process is simple: learn, create, refine. We'll learn what your needs are, we'll create some ideas for your review, and then we'll refine the designs until you are 100% satisfied with the results.

How long does it all take?
You can expect to see your project (logo, graphics, website) design samples within a week. Take some time, look them over, and select one to move from. After you've selected an 'idea', we will move from there. We work quickly, and depending on how quickly you respond to our revisions and fine-tuning - we could be finished with a project in as little as 2 weeks. Sometimes, it does take longer - depending on the project, of course - but you won't find better communicators than us!

What is a revision?
A revision is a color, pattern, or font change. If a change request is beyond these three items (color, pattern, font) then it is considered a redesign, and would be subject to fee.

What is your satisfaction policy?
If at any time you are not happy with our service, or the samples you've received, you may stop the process and request a refund, before the first round of revisions. We will be more than happy to refund your account for what you have paid, less a $150 service fee (subject to the terms of service). This fee is a non-refundable portion of your agreement when you contract with us to work on a project. It is basically used to cover our time spent on a project, in the event you decide not to continue working with us.

My printer is asking for vector files. What are vector files?
Logo and print work will require vector files (AI, PDF). We'll send them to you in a zipped folder, or make them available for download if the files are too big. We can also burn them to a disc for you if needed. We'll also send you JPG files too, for you to use in E-mail, and on for other internet based needs (web forums, links, etc).

I can’t open some of these crazy files? What’s the deal?
Don't fret! You won’t be able to open the many of the files we work with unless you have the software (such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator). Send them to your printer, they'll have better luck!

Hey! Who owns all these images and websites once a project is completed?
After you've made payment, and received your files (print work is sent in a zipped folder, websites are uploaded to your server)- YOU have full ownership of the content/images. It's YOURS. Kari and Company will typically add your site to our portfolio - but we are only the designers, not the owners.

What is Joomla!?
Joomla! is a content management system (CMS) that we can build your website around. It is an Open Source project developed under General Public License (GPL). That means, it's free for us to use and configure on certain hosting accounts. This means for you, a login and control panel to your website so that you may manage your content. Joomla!, Mambo, Drupal - all of these are Open Source CMS.

Where should I host and register my domain name?
We can work with almost any hosting company, so you are free to secure your hosting wherever you like. We do recommend certain companies for certain projects if you don't already have a hosting account or domain name, so please contact us for more information!

How do you accept payment?
Right now, we can accept checks and money orders by mail, as well as PayPal online. With PayPal, you can pay us with a major credit card, or a PayPal account. You do not have to have a PayPal account to pay us by credit card via PayPal.

Are ypur websites 'Compliant and Accessible'?
We do create our websites so that they are compliant and accessible (according to W3C Standards) . However, with the addition of scripts and Flash elements, there are always errors in the markup that are very difficult to remove. But - to answer the question, yes - before we get really fancy with websites, they do typically pass W3C Standards. In addition, we do try to ensure that all <alt> tags are carefully created for each image, and titles and ID's are used appropriately; and the CSS for your website is done in such a way, that if a user has scripts and images disabled, or is on a screen-reader (for sight-impaired) they will be able to access your website and navigate it. We're not perfect, but we are constantly learning more about how to make your website accessible and compliant to ever-changing standards in web design - and that's a good thing!

Do you recommend an E-Commerce solution?
There are several E-Commerce solutions you could choose from. We do make recommendations based on your needs. How many products will you sell? What form of payment will you accept? How will you market it? What will your monthly budget be? Do you already have hosting, or are you needing a hosted solution? These are a few of the questions we will ask to better assist you in making an E-Commerce decision.

Do you outsource?
Absolutley! That's what Kari and Company is about: not just me - (Kari), but all the people I know in the industry (and out!) that are talented and skilled in other areas. Our prices for specific projects will include an outsourcing statement and information, and those fees will be worked into the estimate provided to you.

How do you get anything done? You have a toddler!
I'm not sure!! I just try to be efficient, and get things done in a timely manner. After I had my son, I had a bad experience with a web designer. I vowed at that point to go into the business of it all myself - and see to it that people get quality service.