Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of services do you provide?
We are graphic designers with experience in designing marketing materials, publications and logos. We provide illustration services and photo imagery creation. These services are normally outlined in our estimates. We have a network of designers and photographers we know well and will include their services with our estimate or suggest possible alternative resources.

We will provide print quotes for projects we have prepared the art for or work with a printer you choose. Because of the variety of capabilities and skills available, we would suggest using our selected printers or allowing us to confer with your printer regarding technical issues and expectations. We normally approve printer’s proofs and attend press checks when appropriate.

We design Web sites and prepare the site architecture, page layout and imagery required. Depending on the size and complexity of the site, we partner with a number of Web providers and hosting companies who can develop and publish your Web site.

What are your prices?
The costs associated with the development of different materials vary greatly depending on the complexity of the piece and the production requirements involved. All of our clients are provided with a price estimate, which includes a break-down of the design time and the printing/production costs. Work will not begin until we receive the green light from you.

I don’t know where to start. Can you help me?
Of course! We can sit down with you to review what typically happens with any project, as well as things you need to think about to get the most for your money.

I have an established brand and don’t want to deviate from it. Can you work within my guidelines?
Yes! We’ve worked with many companies with strict branding policies without issue. We can match your colors, fonts and layouts with ease.

What is the client’s involvement in the design process?
We ask for reasonable return of emails and calls, as we provide to our clients, but also notice if a project is delayed or cancelled.

How do I check on the progress of my job during the design process?
We will provide updates as often as the client requests, and will always let the client know if changes, updates or designs will go over a previous estimate.

How will I receive my design project once it is finished?
Logos will be delivered in electronic formats, including EPS, JPEG, and any others requested. Your web site will go live only after it tests well in most browsers and the client has ok’d it. Print materials will be delivered to you. We always keep an electronic copy in case you’ve lost yours.

I need something designed yesterday. Can you help me?
Depending on our current work schedule, we may be able to fit it in. If it pushes another job already in progress, we will charge rush fees of 50% of the cost in addition to the original price.

What if I already have artwork created and just need a printer?
This is not a problem.  As long as the artwork is setup and ready to go, we can handle any printing you might have.  If there is any additional formatting needed additional charges will apply.

I have old photos that I would like to have in a digital format, is this something you can convert for me?
Yes, we work with a high quality scanner and can provide you with digital files in any format you need.

Do you handle photo restoration?
Yes, since there are varying degrees of damage that is done to the photo over time, pricing is charged at an hourly rate based off of the amount of attention it requires.

Can I use the pictures I have taken on my digital camera or downloaded from the internet?
From a technical point of view, yes, we can use any images that you have shot on your digital camera and try to do something with them. In this case we would have to assess the quality of the images and the purpose we are intending them for. Inadequate images will only end up doing your marketing more harm than good.
The second issue on this is resolution; if the resolution of the images is too low that the images will be ‘jaggy’ and unattractive.
If you have obtained high resolution images off the web and have a copyright license to use them, we can do so by all means. Just copying 72dpi images from other peoples websites onto your hard disk is unacceptable though, not only from a production point of view (they are too low res) but from a legal perspective also.

What types of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, checks & money orders. If you would like to pay via credit card, a 3% charge will be added on to cover processing fees.  This form of payment can be made directly through our paypal account.

How did you arrive at your hourly rates?
Our rates are based upon working in the field for companies, both large and small, and is based upon competitors of a similar size and focus.

How do alongline’s rates compare with those of its competitors?
Our rates are very competitive, and we offer several ways to be able to make contact, if there is a concern or question about your job.

Will you provide me with a firm quote once I submit my request?
Based upon the information provided, we will create a quote for you. If details change, we will modify the quote accordingly and inform the client before that work begins.

Why do you require payment up front?
We do ask for 50% down before starting.  This is standard practice among many designers, and we consider this a good faith deposit so that work can proceed. We request the rest upon delivery so that we can pay our vendors and continue working on projects for our clients.

Do you offer discounts for large projects or steady, repeated work?
Yes! For large projects, we try to be as cost-effective as possible. For more information, please make contact.

What are your turnaround policies?
Generally, we can turn around projects in a few days; printing can take anywhere from a couple days to a week or two, depending on the complexity of the job. More complex jobs, including web sites and large brochures, generally take 30-45 days.

I live in “______”… can you work with me long distance?
Yes. We do it all the time. If we don’t know each other, I’ll ask for a deposit (50%) after we have agreed on an estimate. I love the idea of working with different people from around the world!

How do I place an order for graphic design?
You can call at 512.293.9046, or email us,  for a more complete quote. We will respond to inquiries as soon as we are possible.