Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I know you can work virtually, but where in the world are you, really?
Q. Can you provide references?
Q. What are your policies?
Q. How is virtual work done? How do you work on projects this way?
Q. Do you take credit cards?
Q. Can I afford to work with Business Design Studio?
Q. Can you work with SOHO businesses outside the US?
Q. Are you only willing to work virtually? Do you take on local clients?
Q. What is the story behind your logo?

Q. I know you can work virtually, but where in the world are you, really?

Business Design Studio is located in downtown Albany, NY. Albany is the capitol of New York State, and is about 3-4 hours distance from Boston, New York City and Montreal. The area of the country where Business Design Studio is based is also rapidly becoming known as "Tech Valley" because of the number of high tech businesses and educational opportunities in this region.

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Q. Can you provide references?

Absolutely! We have had many clients over the years and would be glad to provide professional references. Just let us know what you need. You can also read some of the testimonials written by our happy clients and we invite you to contact any one you see there, directly.

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Q. What are your policies?

Please read our policies here. If something you need to know is not answered here, just ask!

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Q. How is virtual work done? How do you work on projects this way?

There are many different ways that virtual work can be done - and everyone involved in Business Design Studio has extensive experience working remotely.

Communication can be by email, fax, file transfer, diskette, CD, web conferencing, instant messaging, remote access, courier, or regular mail mail. Depending on the project, any combination of these methods can be used to get work from you and transmit it back. Beyond the technology, communication, commitment and trust are critical factors.

Let's talk about your specific projects, and how best to handle them, when you have your free consultation!

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Q. Do you take credit cards?

We sure do - Business Design Studio can take payment by Visa or Mastercard, as well as Pay Pal. This allows for our clients to invest in their business, and even get discounts when they pay in full with contracts over a certain amount. Plus, it allows us to do a lot more rush assignments when waiting for a check to arrive would be a hindrance.

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Q. Can I afford to work with Business Design Studio?

It really depends on your needs, your budget and your flexibility!

Business Design Studio provides very high quality services similar to what you would find at a large marketing agency, at prices that are not an unreasonable investment for a serious, committed business owner.

As a professional with nearly 20 years design experience, you won't find Eileen doing $25 logos or $200 web sites - and we'll assume you are looking for a professional service provider that you can rely on with your most important asset, your business or if you are also a business owner, your clients. We will always work with you to figure out what you CAN do within your budget, prioritize phases and timelines, and give you good advice about the investment you will make. If your budget is strained, you might not be able to get everything you want at first but what you do get will be top notch, with space for more as your business grows. This is why we have so many long term, ongoing client relationships!

We can give you a very general idea of what kinds of budget range you can expect. Please remember that we will still custom fit every project based on your individual budget and needs.

• Logo design can range from $300-$500 for text logos to as much as $1,500-$4,000 for a full scale branding campaign. Cost also depends on many concepts are involved. Naming and tag line development obviously will add to that cost.
• Pricing web sites is a lot like pricing cars! We have designed web sites ranging from $750-$10,000 (and more) depending on size, scope, feature, functionality, and custom design and programming. Give us a call!
• Custom web site template design of just a home page and sub page is usually between $350-$900.
• Basic bulk photo editing can cost as little as $6-10 per photo for basic editing like correcting color and resizing.
• Advanced photo editing can cost anywhere from $35-$150 per photo.
• Custom photo collages and digital art pieces typically range from $250-$1,000.
• Postcard, flyer and brochure design is priced based on the elements of design, the size, whether we do any copy writing or custom illustration, whether photos are needed, and so on. The cost is typically $250-$1,000, not including printing, which we can also advise you on.
• Business card design range from $150-$400 depending on variables in the design; again, not including printing. We can arrange to have 500 cards printed for you professionally for less than $100.
• Trifold brochure designs generally range from $200-$1,000 depending on the complexity, artwork and whether copywriting is needed. This also doesn't include printing, which can be done in short runs to keep costs down.
• Business card/letterhead/envelope packages usually range from $250-$500, without printing.
• Book cover design is usually between $400 and $1,000 depending on the artwork.
• Manuscript and report design is usually priced by the page, plus design costs based on artwork, charts, illustrations and so on.

We also offer incentives and discounts for larger jobs which are paid on a credit card - and take Visa and Mastercard so you can make these important investments in your business. Let us know if you would like to discuss your particular project!

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Q. Can you work with businesses outside the US?

Sure! As long as it is a project that fits what we do, the technology is available, you speak English (because we do!) and payment can be arranged, we can be virtually anywhere you are.

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Q. Are you only willing to work virtually? Do you take on local clients?

We love to work virtually but also have local clients. That said, even with local clients, our face-to-face meetings are very infrequent and most of the work and communication is done by phone and email. But we do have a number of clients who we've met in real life! We are willing to travel when necessary, but obviously the costs are higher.

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Q. What is the story behind your logo?

The Business Design Studio logo began the same way all client's logos begin - with a series of questions and lots of brainstorming. The image that continued coming to me was an egg. The egg symbolizes creation, which is what I do: conceive, incubate, hatch and nurture small businesses. I started playing with lines, with the idea of the intersection between creativity, information and technology - and the two curved lines fell into place. But then I realized it looked a bit like a person standing up, arms raised. I'm a folk dancer, and it reminded me of a person dancing with joy - so I put a ball on top to represent a head. The shape under the feet is intended to be either a pedestal or stage - or a spotlight shining down. Business Design Studio helps business owners succeed and grow through our creative services, and of course, I want them all to be following their passions, empowered and wildly successful. Dancing with joy.

And so a brand identity that accurately represented my business was born.