PROCESS

ALL YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Do we have to meet in person to work together?

Not at all! I work remotely with most of my clients, and stay in touch via e-mail or phone. We will kick-off the project with a preliminary consultation, either on the phone or online.

 

How do we start the process of working together?

We’ll start with a preliminary consultation, either on the phone or online. During this meeting, I will learn more about your design needs, personality and exactly what your business is all about. We will also review any visual or content inspirations you may have: photos, websites, swatches, sketches and so on.

Within a few days of your consultation, I will send you a custom proposal including my recommendations for the project scope: budget, timeline, design phases and final delivery date, if not otherwise specified. After you provide feedback or make any needed changes, we’ll sign an agreement. At this time, a non-refundable 25% deposit is due. The balance of the deposit will be due upon the completion of the project.

How much do your services cost?

I offer two basic packages: Branding Design or Website Design. Pricing for these packages can vary slightly based on your needs, but typically starts at $500 for a branding project. For a full logo/brand design and website development package, pricing starts at $2,000. Individual marketing pieces start at $125 per piece, and go up from there based on the complexity of the project.

Do you offer payment plans?

Absolutely!  Typically, with a signed agreement, a non-refundable 25% deposit is due. The balance of the deposit will be due upon the completion of the project. However, I’m always happy to work with you to create a payment plan that suites your budget.

How long does a project take?

Branding projects typically last for 5-7 weeks, depending on what collateral items you need. For projects that include both branding and a website, things usually take 10-12 weeks.

How many rounds of changes do you include?

Typically, an initial contract includes up to 3 rounds of edits. Additions rounds may be included at request, for an additional fee.

Do you offer ongoing website maintenance or support?

I typically do not offer ongoing maintenance services for clients — because I train you to do it yourself! Once your website launches, I hand over the reins and give you full control of your brand new, custom website.

What happens if my site breaks or I need updates?

I do offer emergency maintenance or update services on an as-needed basis. Pricing starts at $85 per hour.

Margaret is professional, has a creative eye and pays attention to detail. Mostly, I was impressed by the way she made the process stress-free and seamless. Her suggestions were thoughtful and wise. She knows both the technical and imaginative aspects of creating a website. I highly recommend Margaret McCarthy for your web design or graphics project.

Sheri Annis

Fourth Estate Strategies

Margaret is extremely talented, reliable and produces incredible work. When I was starting my personal training business as a side project, I wanted to have a website that reflected my brand and personality. With very little direction or guidance, Margaret produced a site that blew me away and far exceeded my expectations. Not only did she put together a great design, but she contributed much of the site content which was definitely going above and beyond her scope of work. I HIGHLY recommend using Margaret on your next design related project. I have used her for items ranging in scope and creativity (i.e. wedding and shower invitations, commercial real estate brochures, website development, etc.) and she has nailed every project.

Rachel Waymire Devries

WayFit

We ask a lot of Margaret– from turnaround time to creative ideas –and she delivers exceptional work without fail. She’s always professional and pleasant to work with, and is extremely talented. We have added to the scope of projects she does for us, and will continue to do so, given her skills and professionalism.

Courtney Tomlin

Lakeview Capital Partners

Margaret is a true pro! From our logo, templates, business cards, to overall branding Margaret’s eye for detail, innovation, and strategy was greatly appreciated. Her process and diligence was greatly valued as we continue to work with her and recommend her highly to everyone looking to differentiate themselves from their competitors. As a Chicago startup firm, we knew the moment prospects saw our webpage, received my business card, or experienced of of our templates, that process would be a homerun, through Margaret’s beautiful work.

Ulises Ruelas

Performatics Group