I am based in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne. I mainly work with clients who are also in Melbourne but I also have clients all over Australia and even work with people overseas.

The answer to this question depends on the type of project, but as a general rule a brand strategy project takes around 6 to 8 weeks to complete. Please click here for more information information about the brand design process.

I quote on a project basis, not an hourly rate, which gives you clarity about the amount you’ll be paying. If there is likely to be extra work beyond the scope of the initial quote I will always make you aware of this before carrying out anything extra which could cause additional cost. I require a 30% deposit before starting a project, for projects that continue for longer than one month a 35% progress payment will be required after 30 days. The final balance will be due before handover of final files or print ready artwork.

Yes, this is one of the things I do best. Click here to find out more about my brand strategy services and process.

After a brand strategy and logo design project you will receive vector and raster versions of all logo versions. This means you’ll have everything you need to use your brand on screen or in print. For print projects you will receive print ready artwork with outlined text. If you require native, editable files (Adobe Illustrator or Adobe Indesign files) a release fee will apply. For more information about vector and raster files please click here. For more information about the file types that are provided view this PDF.

Under Australian Law the IP and native or source files (i.e. the program that the file was originally built in, and is editable) of all design work belongs to the designer or creative agency that created that work. So I own the copyright of the designs I create. However, upon receipt of payment in full for our Services, I (Blade Creative) grant you a non-exclusive, irrevocable licence to use and reproduce the final print files I supply, in accordance with the style guide, in the context of logos. I may reproduce anything I design, for my own marketing purposes without limitation, but will not license its use for any other purpose.

Transfer of copyright ownership of logo files can be arranged via individual agreement and additional fees will apply. I will continue to assert moral rights as the original creator of the design and reserve the right to showcase the design for marketing purposes.

No, Blade Creative is not a printing business and no print is included in the services I provide. However, I have worked with many printers over the years and can introduce you to those I know and trust. I don’t have any commercial relationships with printers. I’m also very happy to have conversations with your selected printer to work out technical details and requirements.

No, but I can work with your web designer to make sure that your brand is articulated effectively and beautifully online. I can also design some of the branded elements that your web designer/developer can include on your site, such as banners, icons and other graphics. And I can introduce you to web designers I know and trust.

Yes, I can help you choose your business name if you come to me with a shortlist of ideas. I will be considering the words in your business name from a visual brand design perspective, but will expect you to have carried out your own due diligence with regards to your proposed name(s)’ availability (ASIC, domain name, social media handles etc). You may also like to carry out a trade mark search to find out whether you’re likely to be able to trade mark your chosen business name now or in the future. Here is some more information about trade marks.

Yes, I frequently work with clients who have an established business and brand or have had their logo designed elsewhere. To be able to work with your brand I will need vector files for your logo (here’s some information about why you need a vector file for your logo) and I will need to see your style guide or logo specification if you have one.

Yes, this conversation is really important. It usually takes about 15 minutes and is an opportunity for us to find out more about each other and our businesses. It will help us understand whether we’re a good fit for each other. I will learn a little about you and your business and you will find out about me and the way that I work. A discovery call is free of charge and once we have decided that we would like to work together the next step is likely to be a strategy session which is chargeable.

I (Clare Blackstock, founder of Blade Creative) will be your point of contact for absolutely everything.