Anyone a web designer???

[pixierara]

Am in process of setting up my own business - at the stage where I am briefing design agencies for web/logo/literature design and they all want thousands.....so any MN'ers who want to have a go at my brief and not charge a lot see what they come up with?!!!

Might be better mentioning this in the Freelance section...

I suppose one word of warning for people is to be sure that any logo or whatever becomes yours at the end of such a process and payment has been made.

A client decided to produce a book (results of some consultancy work which was saleable). At the same time they had a different firm produce a new logo for the business.

I wasn't involved in their discussions but it seems their designer locked them into doing the book through him (because he had done the logo) and they were stuck with him charging what he wanted for the book covers, rather than them having freedom to get several quotes).

I'm not suggesting anyone on MN might do that, but it's the sort of trap some new business may fall into. Similarly for domain registrations, I've seen lots of instances where the domain registrant is named as the design firm, not the end user. It could mean that in any dispute, "ownership" would appear to be that of the design firm, even though morally the end user is the obvious registrant. For .uk domains there's a 30 quid fee for changes to be made, which should not be needed if the designer was more honest (some claim it is guarantee for them being paid).

also, consider www.freelancer.com (though I've never used it so far)

I just go to look now and then to find out what the "going price" is for some projects, deciding whether I'd want to either do some of the work, or pay someone else for things I need done!

It's whether I think it would be better to learn how for myself, or pay someone for a working solution... so far I've preferred to learn how to, and do it myself!

A mumsnetter designed my website layout for me. Not seen her around recently, will send her an e-mail to see if she may come on this thread and give you some help.

Hello everyone, and thanks for the heads up Nick!

I do websites for small/home businesses, in particular because I know that it can cost a fortune to get started, and I think it's a bit unfair to be charged high rates for simple websites. Sites touting flash and high-end designs are one thing, but simple websites (some with moderate flash) should not break the bank.

I also agree that there are several designers that have unfair contracts where not only do you not own the URL (domain name), but they retain the rights to your design if you don't use their services for updating the site, etc. I have a client that had this problem with her original designer, and it is in her contract, so there isn't much she can do but start fresh. And that, in my eyes, is unfair (but since it's in the terms and conditions, unavoidable once you decide to use their services).

So, in short, I wouldn't do that... BUT should someone else do your site, be sure that you understand the terms and conditions fully, so that you are not caught out in the end.

If you want to see some of my designs, have a look here, and you can email me at hello (at) lynnoverend (dot) com.

Hi there
I'm also a freelance web designer if you want to get in touch. I set up sites for people and am very happy to handover everything to them on completion. I feel that my part in the service is the creation of the site and I expect no ownership of it thereafter. If you do wish updates at a later date, I charge a very reasonable price.
I offer very reasonable rates and would be happy to hear from you and show you some samples of my work, like www.mopstars.co.uk.
Email me at ginafinch (at) hotmail (dot) com