PFA Graphics

Q. Why should I use a graphic designer for my logo? Can't I just do it myself with WordArt?

Because it is what we do! We're trained in it and we know how to manipulate type to get it looking like it's professional and the like the logos of multi-national companies. You wouldn't install your own electrics... okay you might but that would be because you will have had some experience in doing so and the same should apply to a piece of graphic design. If you have had experience/training and you know what you're doing and aiming to achieve then go for it but if not, its probably best leaving it to us.

And definitely don't use WordArt for anything other than school posters or local fetes. Why? Because it looks child-like (anyone can use it and get the same outcome) and because everyone has access to it everyone will know you couldn't be bothered to put any effort into your company image.

Q. What should I look for when hiring a graphic designer?

There are three key things to look at:

Their previous work is usually a good starting point - if you like the work they have done previously then it bodes well for what they can produce for you. Graphic design is a visual medium, so trust your eyes and your tastes and if you find a company that can create a style you're looking for then get them at all costs!

Recommendations from previous clients, as in any industry, are a great way of finding out how good a company are to work with. Remember that working with a designer is a collaborative relationship and you want someone who is going to listen to what you truly need and is willing to do what is necessary to make sure you get it. You're looking for quality in a recommendation.

Another thing worth bearing in mind is value for money (not price): how much are you going to get for what you pay? How much time are you going to get out of your designer? How often will they go above and beyond the call of duty to deliver the final result? How open will they be to giving you advice? Will they run at the first sign of a problem or work through it? This is the complete package that you get when you commission someone and you are unlikely to get all the benefits if you are spending next to nothing. If you're getting something dirt cheap it is usually because they see it as a small job and will knock it out with minimal effort possibly leaving you with something you are unhappy with in the long run. There will always be someone willing to offer a lower price - doesn't make them the best value.

Q. What's the difference between web designers and web programmers/developers?

Put simply, web designers deal with the 'front end' (what you see when you look at a website) and web developers build the 'back end' (the code you don't see). A lot of companies offer both services but most truly fall into one category with the other service as an addition. For example we are first and foremost web designers but if you were to require a website to be built we would contract a freelancer and liaise closely with them to make sure our vision could be made a reality.

The danger comes when you get companies who don't contract in specialist skills and try to offer everything themselves as invariably something will suffer. If they are programmers by nature, in our experience, they will probably be unable to offer you the good-looking website to blow away the competition. However they will probably be cheaper. You've got to ask, is it better to pay a bit more for something that will do everything you want or less for something that works but but doesn't show off your company?

Because many people will use the internet to check out a company first, before they use them and you know what they say about first impressions...