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“Just amazing”
Over the past few months, I have worked predominantly for the Cordant Group, across a range of the ever expanding brands. From corporate literature, to interactive web reports, to infographics and exhibition stands, I have worked alongside Tamara to get the job done.
Here's what Tamara Holland, the Group Marketing Manager, has to say about working together:
I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Elizabeth. Her ability to interpret our often last-minute projects into creative design in short timescales is just amazing. Her creativity has been of great value during a very hectic time in our businesses. I would certainly recommend her but really want to keep her all to ourselves!
I thoroughly enjoy the projects that are sent my way and the range of brands expands on a monthly basis - it's never a dull moment working with the Cordant Group!infographic design
Are you into infographics as much as me?
Over the past few months I have designed quite a few infographics, close to treble figures, across a multitude of the Cordant Group brands and recruitment sectors, and I have loved doing it! I have selected a few to sit within my portfolio right here on my website, however, if you want to browse through a few more of my designs, I have added them to an album called "Little Miss Infographics" within my business Facebook page. Have a look and see what you think... Now, infographics are a great tool to help build your company followers and traffic to your site. They are great for SEO purposes, plus customers love to digest information visibly rather than having to read every word. For me, infographics combine my love of design plus my slightly geekish statistical tendencies, so if you have any facts or stats you want jazzing up send them my way!hashtag social media
Getting all my ducks in a row was one of the first things I did.
Over the past few weeks I have been engaging socially with the world out there in the space of social media. What I find truly awesome about this world, is that I have conversed with people from the USA, Southern England and Asia without leaving my own front door, finding common interests despite often being thousands of miles apart. But how much reliance is there on social media in the workplace? I have found LinkedIn to be extremely useful for making contacts and having interaction with others, sometimes helping out if I know the answer to a query, creating group discussions, or simply learning from others experiences. LinkedIn too was strongly linked to my working with most of my current clients. Twitter too has led me to make contacts and keep on top of trends. Facebook has not proven quite so handy on this front, but I see it as a shop window more than anything else, for clients or potential clients to get to see the real me a bit more, and showcase my personality and share thoughts and news... Getting likes for the sake of getting likes has never, and will never be my target. I want somebody to engage with me because they want to and not for any other reason than that. One thing I did do though, across all my social sites is get my ducks in a row, and create my www.offthewallcreative.co.uk brand. If you find me on the social sites, you'll know you've come to the right place when you land on my homepage, continuity is key! I know that I have it a lot easier than some companies as there is only me to handle it all, but giving a consistent message I feel gives the impression of competence and a feeling of an eye for the details. So here's the question - are your ducks in a row socially? Are your messages consistent? Is your brand consistent? I've helped out a few clients now getting their social sites up and running with banner designs and what not on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and Google+. There's a whole load of them out there, so I'd suggest you impress your customers by having them designed up in a brand identifiable way.Create the right impression without the need for a power suit or phone call.
People, clients and customers are quite judgemental people and if you have mis-messages and non-consistency, what does that say about you and your brand?freelance designer for hire
Well it's been quite a while since I last wrote something profound on my blog, and I'm sorry to say today isn't the day for profound statements either!
Since we last spoke, I have been off gallivanting in the Southern Hemisphere for a few months seeing the sights, but still maintaining contact with my UK clients and picking up a few new ones along the way. Since returning home I have taken the plunge into becoming a real life freelance designer (a very scary thought) and have actually started to both fear and get excited about the future. I've sorted out my website to a level I'm happy with promoting (it's always going to be a work in progress!!) so here goes - wish me luck!So what exactly have I been doing on the freelance design front I hear you cry?
Well, I've done lots and lots of infographics for Cordant Group and it's sister companies, a great many web reports and user documents, and a few logos and business cards for start up companies too. Check out my portfolio for examples and testimonials if you don't believe me! With that said, do you know someone whose design is in need of a little TLC? Are you in a design related crisis? If so, I could be the one to swoop in and help save the day... I quote on a case by case basis, so get in touch to see what I can do for you.copyright
When it comes to copyright, as the creator of that artwork, I am the first legal owner, unless a signed contract is in place discussing the copyright and particular uses of that artwork.
GRAPHIC DESIGN & ILLUSTRATION COMMISSIONS
As a freelance artist, commissioned by you to do graphic design or illustration work, I as the creator of that work, am the first legal owner of that artwork and so retain the copyright. As the owner of that copyright, I have the right to decide how to licence and any uses of my work.
If you would like to discuss particular uses of the work that you have commissioned I am happy to discuss it, with the outcome documented in writing with signatures from both parties.
All artwork is of my own creation, with stock images and icons taken from official sources. If needs be, I can prove the date of creation of all my documents and illustrations.
For more information about Copyright and licensing please visit www.gov.uk.
ROYALTIES
As the creator and copyright owner of the artwork, if it is decided to use my imagery on saleable items such as for example clothing or stationery, along with the initial design fee, I will charge a percentage royalty of each sale. This will be discussed with my client, with signed documentation from both parties confirming the outcome, before any artwork is produced.
I promise to always work to the best of my ability and try to accommodate your needs where possible. If you are unhappy at any time with the service I provide, I am only an e-mail away, so please drop me a line and we can sort out a positive conclusion.
busy bee
What a busy few weeks it's been!
Last week I took on a brand new client (which is always exciting!) producing infographic content for their site. Since getting onboard with them, I have already produced 11 designs, with several more in the pipeline - so it's keeping me busy and turning me into a bit of an infographic specialist! I do love a good infographic as they combine two (somewhat bizarre) loves of mine - statistics and graphic design. Yes, I openly admit that I could look at Google Analytics for hours as I am an avid statistic fan, which means that I simply LOVE infographics. Point me at pinfographics.org and that's my afternoon gone... Once all the infographics are live on their site I will do some sharing and what not, but until then I shall do a shameless plug and ask "is your business in need of an infographic?" If so, get in touch and I'll see what I can do!terms and conditions
As with everything, there are a few terms and conditions to follow, that by working with me you are deemed in agreement of.
GRAPHIC DESIGN PROCESS
1. You will provide all the necessary, fully approved documentation that I will require before I begin any graphic design work.
2. Amendments can be made, dependent on my availability, and will be charged accordingly, unless otherwise stated beforehand. Major changes to original documents may require an updated quote.
3. When it comes to printing, I am happy to help.
If printing is required I will acquire quotes from a range of reliable printers I have worked with in the past and forward these on to you for a final decision as to who to work with.
Final approval for all artwork must be received via e-mail and total payments for design work and printing must be received before any artwork is sent to the printer. I do not accept liability should the printer not meet your deadline due to none receipt of the above.
4. When graphic design work is requested, I will give you an estimated date of delivery. I try to accommodate urgent deadlines where possible, however, this is subject to my availability.
5. I do not accept liability for any artwork or content errors that have been approved and sent to print or used on websites. Should an unseen error be spotted, I am happy to update the artwork if required.
6. Should I receive an e-mail from you, I will always respond as soon as possible. Occasionally there may be a delay due to work loads and meetings.
7. Stock images and icons may be used and the cost added to your invoice where necessary. This makes design turn around times a lot quicker.
FEES & INVOICING
8. When you initially contact me regarding graphic design work, I will provide a quote based on the details you have provided and based on my own experience.
9. When working with new clients, a deposit of 50% of the quoted fee will be charged and must be received through bank transfer, before any graphic design work is carried out. If you have another payment preference, please contact me to discuss how best to carry this out.
10. If weekend work is required due to urgency, an additional fee may be charged. This will be agreed to via e-mail before any weekend work is carried out.
11. Once work is completed, an invoice will be sent and must be paid within 7 days of receipt, unless otherwise notified.
12. There is a minimum charge of £25 on any job.
ACCREDITATION
13. A small credit to www.offthewallcreative.co.uk may be included on some design pieces where appropriate.
14. If you are unhappy with my using your artwork, logo or company name on my own publicity material, be this through my website, social channels or advertisements, please provide me with a written notification via e-mail.
In return for your agreement of these terms, I promise to always work to the best of my ability and try to accommodate your needs where possible. If you are unhappy at any time with the service I provide, I am only an e-mail away, so please drop me a line and we can sort out a positive conclusion.
update to follow up of “picking up the pace”
Pipped at the post!
After hundreds of votes were cast, my design to advertise a budget airline came in at a respectable second! Really quite pleased with myself! See the top ten runners and riders here at The Drum. Having never entered a design competition before, I have now officially got the competition bug... Thanks to all those that voted for me, and well done to the other entries.Eureka!
Mark Sands-Foy of M Sands Photography is one of my newest clients. Here is what Mark has to say about the design process he experienced:
I contacted Elizabeth as I needed a logo and business card designing. From the outset she made the process easy and hassle free. Elizabeth initially gave me pointers of what she needed to make the first draft logos, from there I simply said which bits I like and didn't like, at which point she went away and refined the logo until "Eureka" that's the one! It was a similar experience with the business cards too! She listened to what I said throughout the process, and threw in a few other ideas of her own.
If you are looking for design, I don't think you could go far wrong using Off The Wall Creative and Elizabeth. I'll be recommending them and using them again myself.
Specialising in sports photography, Mark has an extensive photographic portfolio which can be viewed at www.msands.photography or follow him on Twitter at @msandsphoto It's always good to help small businesses establish their brand identity and I'm glad I could be of service!