We don’t know how much your project will cost –
at least not initially

Imagine calling a mechanic and saying:
“hey, I need you to fix my car. How much will it cost?”

At that moment, he has no idea of the make and model of your car or the symptoms that may be plaguing your vehicle. He has not even had an opportunity to look under the hood. Yet you want to know how much it will cost to fix-it without providing any details. Well asking how much creative services may cost is much the same. We require more info!

Sending an obscure inquiry like this does not work:

“hey, I need a new website. How much will it cost?”
or
“I need a logo for my biz”
or
“I need a flier designed for my business”

In all of the above cases (which are all too often the case) there’s no defining info about what you do or your business. No supporting details whatsoever. FYI: fliers can be created in countless sizes – but there’s not even that provided. How vague is that?

Requesting design services:

what to include in your initial inquiry:

So let’s get down to how you should request services – and professionalism matters!
There is a human on the other end of your inquiry, so please do introduce yourself.

Designers may each have their own set of initial questions – but most will require that you clearly define your project (no ambiguity.) At a minimum, include the following info:

• Name of your business or organization
• Where you are located (City, State)
• What you do/your industry
• Type of project you’re considering: brochure, banner ad, flier etc.
• Your url/website address (if you have a website)

(Notice the difference? This person gave a good overview of their project/business, and reflected professionalism. Most designers would be motivated to respond and likely want to work with them. First impressions are huge!