05/31/2016
No fuss. No muss.
That's my design motto. I appreciate beautiful letter forms, graphics that tell a story, and most of all, clearly communicated content.
I started designing posters in high school for my theatre department and loved working with standard poster sizes ever since. 11x17 (or tabloid) is my favorite poster size. It has the potential to grab your attention immediately and is a nearly perfect palette for combining bold type with a subtly suggestive graphic.
My objective for every design is to subtly reflect the content of the event while honoring the hierarchy of its textual information to motivate viewers to action. I believe that a good poster design establishes equity in the organization it represents and that a professionally designed poster is necessary to be taken seriously.
FAQ's
Why just poster design, and not other design?
I've worked in the non-profit theatre world for most of my career and time and time again see the need for an outstanding poster design on a budget. Over the years, I've crafted an approach to poster design that allows for a fast turnaround of an impactful design. This allows me to keep rates low for companies/artists on a tight budget while not being distracted by other design projects.
Can the flat rates be negotiated?
No. I believe these flat rates to be a fair price for my time as well as significantly below market rate. I want your event to look good and be successful, and I also need to eat. I do not charge tax and I don't bait and switch you with arbitrary pricing. If you're producing an event, you probably have a lot on your mind, so I want your transaction with me to be simple. If you would like more bang for your buck, check out the Social Media Package and the All Inclusive Package.
What software do you use?
Anything that gets the job done. The primary software I use now is Canva. This software is online, allowing me to work from anywhere in the world and for you to quickly view and proof your design. I also use Photoshop, InDesign, and occasionally my hands. If I'm really inspired, a woodcut provides a completely unique design!
Why should I pay you when Canva has all these templates?
Because I know type, color, and composition. The templates that Canva provides often do not have the dimension or space for all of your information. When folks try to insert all of their information, but don't know how to prioritize the information, the design loses its efficacy. I will make sure that your poster design is clear and impactful. I can also save you money by inserting existing graphics either you or myself may own, rather than purchasing stock photos.
Why can't I make more than three changes to my design?
Since you're not paying me an hourly rate, I'll work on your design for as long as it takes to get it right. However, endless changes and dialogue about the design results in the work being dragged out and eventually, the time I've put in outweighs what I've been paid. I've found that up to three changes allows your design ideas and mine to come together to create the most effective poster. Of course, if fewer changes are needed, all the better!
What is the subscription service?
For a yearly fee (minimum one year commitment), I'll design unlimited posters and accompanying social media graphics for you. Essentially, you'll have me on retainer for all of your design needs. The cost for this service is negotiable based upon your organization's budget.
Where does "Future Perfect Design" come from?
Originally, I saw it on a poster for a Bob Dylan concert in Hollywood, CA. I liked the sound of it. As you probably know, it's also a grammatical tense that refers to an action that will have been finished ("perfected") sometime in the future. To me it also represents forward thinking and endless possibilities.
Could you describe your aesthetic?
I try to find the right aesthetic for the job, whether it's a vintage-looking design or an ultra-modern design. I'm very inspired by 1940's concert posters, mid-century advertising and travel posters, and of course typography. I usually start a design by picking a font with both form and function.
