The one question we’re asked the most is, “Why Fifth Letter?”.
We get asked that question frequently, usually after people let us know they like the name.
Fifth Letter gets it’s name from a collection of the letter E peppered throughout the office. It’s a way of having a monogram without actually having one, so that employees, interns, and clients whose names probably won’t begin with E will feel just as at home. Don’t worry — we use all twenty-six letters without any sort of favoritism in our daily work.
Some additional questions, organized by their basic answer…
Yes.
1. Does Fifth Letter provide consultation outside of graphic design?
You bet! We pride ourselves on our strategic thinking as well as our partnerships with others who can augment our services. In fact, we often sit down with clients to create general strategic brainstorming opportunities.
2. I haven’t worked with a graphic design studio before. Can you walk me through the process?
Sure! In fact, we have an entire page devoted to our methodology.
3. Does Fifth Letter have a minimum project budget they will need before initiating a client meeting?
Yes. Our minimum budget for design services, not including printing and other outside costs, is $2,000.00. For general strategic brainstorming sessions, an hourly rate is charged and we will create a customized proposal based upon the anticipated time involved.
Please call us if your budget falls below our minimum amount and you still wish to work with us. Depending upon the project, we may be flexible.
4. Does Fifth Letter partner with other businesses?
Yup. We pride ourselves on forming partnerships with others who can augment our services and vice versa. We are open to working on projects that don’t create a potential conflict of interest for either ourselves or our clients. Plus, we always enjoy a good creative opportunity.
No.
1. Does Fifth Letter provide verbal project quotes?
Sorry, but no. We like to take time to make sure we are offering the proper solution for each project opportunity a client presents to us. This analysis takes longer than a single phone call or quick face-to-face conversation because we provide a written document to explain our pricing for each step in the creative process.
2. Does Fifth Letter provide any initial visuals when submitting a proposal?
Afraid not. This practice, commonly referred to as speculative (or “spec”) work is harmful, as we are asked to provide creativity — the core product we are paid for — at no charge. We do provide verbal direction as part of the proposal review so that a potential client can understand our strategic thought process, and may bring along props to augment an idea that cannot be adequately explained verbally.
If visuals are required as a part of the submission process, we will provide an initial estimated cost in writing for the number of hours we anticipate this concept work taking. If Fifth Letter is chosen for the project, our time will be folded into the overall project fee. Otherwise, we will provide an invoice for our consultation time and any out-of-pocket expenses incurred.
3. When a project is finished, will I own the files?
No. We get asked this question a fair amount. Unless an arrangement has been made in advance or is otherwise stipulated in writing, Fifth Letter maintains ownership of all original work regardless of medium. We suggest asking about any ownership options at the beginning when sitting down to discuss your project so that we can factor it into our proposal.
An exception to the rule is logo development. Clients automatically own all final artwork to use as they see fit for as long as they want.
Maybe.
1. Does Fifth Letter provide design services to nonprofit organizations for free?
Not often. One of our cornerstones is client education with regard to marketing and the design process. This includes understanding the real-world costs of projects you wish to undertake and budgeting accordingly. If you’re curious about the approximate cost of a project as you put your marketing budget together, consider us a resource to help you plan. We’re more than happy to have the conversation with you to begin a relationship.
If you are interested in pro bono work, you can download a copy of our nonprofit grant form.
2. Does Fifth Letter accept work outside of the four predetermined client categories?
Occasionally. Sometimes a creative opportunity is presented that’s just too good to pass up. If you feel your project is something special and we are the best fit, feel free to give us a call.