Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you’re curious about the creative process or confused by design terms, I’ve done my best to answer your questions below.
Details are important, so if you can’t find the information you’re looking for, please get in touch.
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Working With Me
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It’s important we’re a good fit, so I’d encourage you to view examples of my previous work and read more about my design background. You can also see what previous clients have said about working with me here .
As well as looking at my skills and experience, it’s vital you resonate with my visual aesthetic. Beyond this, I create branding and design that’s built on strategy and industry knowledge, so my approach is best suited to those who want more than just a ‘pretty logo’.
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Projects are collaborative and the best results are achieved when you can dedicate time and energy to the creative process. In other words, as well as the financial investment, you should consider your capacity to work closely with me and ensure I fully understand what makes you and your brand unique.
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Yes, the creative process always begins with a Let’s Connect Session. Although you’re under no obligation to book, it’s really important I get to know you and your brand before working together.
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Please use the contact form here to get in touch. Alternatively, you can reach me via email hello@designbyemilia.co.uk. I look forward to hearing from you!
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I’m usually booked 1–2 months in advance, but I can often accommodate smaller projects within a shorter timescale. If it works best for your business, I’m also happy to schedule projects further ahead too.
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Payments can be made via BACS. You’ll find all the information you need on your invoice.
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Yes, for Brand Identity Design, payments are split into 4 x instalments.
All Editorial & Layout Design projects are unique, so I’ll always provide an individual quote. I’d be happy to discuss a payment plan once we’ve agreed a fee.
For freelance projects, payment is due within 30 days from the date on your invoice.
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For Brand Identity Design, you should allow 4–8 weeks for completion. Otherwise, your individual timeline will depend on the service(s) you select and whether you commission any additional assets. If you have a firm deadline or ideal launch date in mind, I’ll always do my best to accommodate your schedule.
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Possibly! It’s always worth getting in touch to check my availability.
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Absolutely. I love working with clients on an ongoing basis to maintain brand consistency and make their life easier. Please get in touch to discuss your business requirements and establish whether a design retainer is the right option for you.
Brand Identity Design
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This will depend on the package you select and whether you choose to commission additional assets. You can learn more about the options available here.
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The process begins with a 60-minute Let’s Connect Session so we can get to know each other, discuss your project requirements, and consider the goals you have for your business.
Once your booking has been confirmed, you’ll also be asked to complete my Brand Workbook. I’ve designed this to help you untangle any knots and think strategically about things like target audience, competitors, goals and brand values. In turn, the information you provide will enable me to weave these values into your brand’s visual identity.
From here, the creative process is divided into three stages:
Brand Strategy + Creative Direction
Design Development + Refinement
Final Deliverables
You can learn more about each of these steps here. Embarking on a big project like this can be overwhelming, so I’ll be on hand to guide you through the process. You’ll know exactly what to expect at each stage, and you’ll also be given plenty of opportunities to ask questions and provide feedback.
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One neat package containing all your files alongside a detailed file list designed to help you navigate and access your brand’s visual assets. Depending on which service you’ve opted for, your Brand Style Guide or Brand Guidelines and Sampler will also be included.
Your final files will cover absolutely everything needed for both print and digital outputs, including SVG, EPS, PDF, PNG and Jpeg file types.
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My full brand identity package, Tapestry, includes everything you need to create a distinctive brand with longevity. It’s ideal for new and established creatives who want a rich, cohesive visual identity that spans all touchpoints.
Threads is more foundational, providing the essential strands you’ll need to weave together your brand’s individual story. This package is ideal for new brands that want to establish themselves quickly and economically with all the confidence good design can bring. It’s also suitable for businesses who want to build a relationship with a skilled, reliable designer who can support them as they grow. Finally, this package gives you the option to build on the foundation we create by upgrading to Tapestry at a later date.
Both brand identity packages are fully customisable, meaning you can add other assets such as packaging, stationery and large format graphic design. Both can also be used to brand and rebrand a business.
You can learn more about Tapestry and Threads here. If you’re still unsure which package is right for you, I’d be happy to discuss your design requirements in more detail. Please get in touch to arrange a consultation.
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Included with Threads, your Brand Style Guide is a simple, yet essential reference designed to help you maintain a cohesive, consistent visual identity across print and digital media. It defines the core elements of your brand’s visual appearance but does not cover brand application and usage.
Included with Tapestry, my full brand identity package, Brand Guidelines are much more comprehensive and in-depth. As well as all the visual design elements you’ll need, you’ll receive clear instructions to help you use them effectively and ensure they’re applied as intended across different touchpoints. For example, as well as your logo, you’ll receive approved colour combinations and directions for placement, size and spacing. Ultimately, your Brand Guidelines play an indispensable role in maintaining brand integrity and consistency across various platforms, especially if you have an in-house team or regularly work with freelancers.
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Your Brand Sampler is a concise one-page PDF designed to function as a quick-reference 'cheat sheet' for your visual identity. Provided alongside your Brand Guidelines, it’s Intended for day-to-day use and includes the core elements of your brand (logo, colour palette, and typefaces), laid out clearly and accessibly. It’s the kind of document you’ll want to keep on hand for creating content like social media posts, email graphics, or internal documents. Your Brand Sampler is also ideal for sending to collaborators or freelancers who need to apply your brand quickly and consistently without having to read your Brand Guidelines in full.
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Copywriting services
Image licensing
Font licensing
Printing costs
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The options you’ll be given during the design stage of your project will be built around a single concept. After years of experience, I’m confident my brand strategy and research will culminate in an exciting resolution that’s right for you and your brand. This approach also allows me to think deeply about your branding rather than spreading my expertise thinly in order to create multiple concepts.
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If you’re working on exciting changes in your business and need additional assets like brand icons or a brand pattern, I’d love to be involved. You can learn more about commissioning additional assets like this and a range of brand collateral including stationery, packaging and print products here.
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I believe the most successful projects are those where every individual aspect is handled by experts in their respective fields. That’s why I focus exclusively on what I do best – branding and design. While I don’t offer web development services, I can design website layouts and mockups, giving you a clear picture of how your brand can be implemented online. To make the process even more streamlined and collaborative, I’m happy to recommend trusted web developers and act as Creative Director, ensuring brand consistency during the build phase.
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No, you will need to provide this yourself. However, I’d be happy to recommend a trusted copywriter who may be able to assist.
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I don’t, but I’m passionate about all things paper and very happy to recommend suitable printers I have personally used. I’ll jump at any chance to advise on things like paper stock and printing techniques, and I can also source paper samples and liaise directly with printers on your behalf.
Editorial + Layout Design
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Creative direction and sample page design
Three rounds of revisions
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The process begins with a 60-minute Let’s Connect Session so we can get to know each other and discuss your project requirements. Based on this, I’ll put together a custom proposal.
From here, the creative process is divided into three stages:
Creative Direction
Design Development + Refinement
Final Deliverables
You can learn more about each of these steps here.
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Absolutely. You want your content to reach the widest possible audience, so accessible PDFs can be included in all digital publications. This means they’ll be optimised for screen readers and other assistive devices used by people with disabilities. Making content accessible in this way also plays a key role in optimising PDF documents for indexing by Internet search engines.
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When we reach the end of the design process, I’ll provide everything you need to get your book, magazine or report printed or published digitally.
This might consist of print-ready PDFs that conform to the standards required by you (or your printer). Alternatively, you’ll receive interactive PDFs including hyperlinks and embedded navigation. I can also create accessible PDFs optimised for screen readers. If needed, I can supply packaged InDesign files too.
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Copywriting services
Image licensing
Font licensing
Printing costs
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No, you will need to provide this yourself. However, I’d be happy to recommend a trusted copywriter who may be able to assist.
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I don’t, but I’m passionate about all things paper and very happy to recommend suitable printers I have personally used. I’ll jump at any chance to advise on things like paper stock and printing techniques, and I can also source paper samples and liaise directly with printers on your behalf.
Design Days + Freelance Graphic Design
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Yes, my expertise allows me to contribute fresh, unique ideas while also slotting in seamlessly with existing teams or established visual identities.
You can book my freelance services on a daily or weekly basis, or I can be assigned a project to work on within a specific timeframe. For agencies based in London, I am also available to work in-house.
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When I work with an agency, I strive to slot into the existing team and maintain consistency. As such, your project will be delivered to meet your individual design file requirements.
I approach other freelance work with a similar mindset, supplying your design files in a pre-agreed format of your choice.
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Absolutely, I love working with clients on an ongoing basis. Please get in touch to discuss your business requirements and establish whether a design retainer is the right option for you.