CUSTOM BLOG DESIGN INFORMATION
I want to order a blog design. How do I do that?
Great! To order a blog design, visit my "Ordering" page and click on "Order a Custom Blog Layout". The order form has lots of fun questions to get your mind jogging regarding design ideas. Please answer each question thoughtfully.
How does the design process work?
It's really quite simple. When you place your order, I look it over and if I have all the information I need, I prepare an invoice and email it to you (this usually happens within 2 or 3 days of receiving your order). When I receive payment, your order is entered into my design queue and I will typically start on your design in three weeks (depending on how busy I am, etc.). When I have completed your design I will send you a link to a "test blog" where you can proof it. If you have changes I will make them and resend a proof. If not, I will create any other items you have ordered (footer, sidebar titles, etc.) and then install the snazzy new design on your blog!
How long does it take you to complete a custom blog design?
I try my hardest to get your design done as quickly as possible- believe me...I don't like things hanging over my head! The typical wait time is anywhere between 6 to 8 weeks from receipt of payment. Sometimes I might surprise you and have a proof to you in two weeks! Please keep in mind that I create each design myself, and with a toddler at home it doesn't always happen as quickly as I would like. They do say that patience is a virtue, right?
I need my blog design/project finished tomorrow! Can you do that?
Sorry, but as much as I would love to, it wouldn't be fair to the other clients who have waited patiently....plus I don't like making promises I'm not sure I can keep. If you need your blog or project finished faster than the usual wait period, just let me know and I will do my best to work with your schedule.
I'm not exactly sure about what kind of custom design I want for my new blog. I do like pink and brown though and I am a very witty person! Can you just surprise me?
Nope...sorry. I need you to take time to think about what you really want and at least give me a general idea of a direction to run. Read my policies here for an explanation. If I receive an order form with this information, I will have to send you my "Please expand on..." email, and then it just slows everything down drastically.
Can you draw an awesome illustration of me, my husband and my dog in front of our house to use in my blog header?
Unfortunately, I am not a professional vector illustrator (in my dreams!). If you are looking for any kind of custom illustration to use in your header, I purchase all of my images from iStockphoto.com. It is an amazing site with so many talented illustrators that sell their images. You can find just about anything on this site... Just type in a search term (ex. wife, family, woman cooking, retro kitchen, etc.) in the field on the home page and make sure only "illustration" is checked. Keep trying different terms until you find the image you are looking for! I have the ability to really manipulate these images also- so if you find a picture of a woman with light skin and straight blonde hair but you have dark skin and dark, curly hair, I can usually change it for you! Keep in mind that these images cost anywhere from $17 to $25 to use, which will be an additional charge on your invoice should you choose to go this route. I have found with the right image, it is well worth the money- there are some really great ones out there and they are a great way to personalize your header.
I am new to blogging. Posting...what's that? Can you teach me the ropes?
Sorry, as much as I would love to help, my time is very limited- and I am not the best teacher anyways! There are tons of resources on the internet to help you learn the ropes of blogging, and I have found Blogger to be the easiest blogging platform to use! Just try Google searching any question you have and chances are you will find an answer. Blogger has a great "Help Resource" that you can read by clicking here. They also have an awesome "Getting Started Guide" that can be accessed by clicking here.
I really don't feel like learning how to use my blog and I can't figure out how to add a picture to my sidebar, can you login really quick and do it for me?
Sure, no problem. I understand that sometimes it is easier to just pay someone to do something for you! I charge $15 to login to your blog and "fix" something. This fee is also good for 15 minutes of my time...so just let me know what you want done and I will do it all as quickly as I can while I'm in there. {This does not apply to me designing anything- this is simply to add/remove, tweak things in your layout}
PRE-DESIGNED BLOG LAYOUT INFORMATION
I am interested in a pre-designed blog layout. Can you tell me all about them?
Of course! You can read everything you need to know about the pre-designed layouts by clicking here.
I want LOTS of changes made to the layout. Will the $20 fee cover them all?
This depends. Usually I am fairly generous when it comes to working with you on things like this, but if the amount of changes or the difficulty of the changes are steep, then an additional fee may be incurred. We can discuss your ideas via email and come up with a plan that works for both of us. What I don't want to happen is for a "pre-designed" layout to turn into a full on custom piece (because the custom layouts do cost more for a reason).
I see a layout I like but I would rather have the font in the header from a different layout. This seems like a small change, so do I still have to pay the customization fee?
Nope- not usually! If you see an element from a different layout such as a font that you really like and want to switch it out in the layout you are purchasing, just let me know in the order form. I usually have no problem since the header part of your layout is customized for you anyways! The only time I will put my foot down on things like this is when requests start becoming out of control and it starts taking up too much time. I want to keep low prices for everyone!
When you install my new layout, will it change or delete all of my sidebar widgets or posts?
No! When I install your layout the only thing that will change is the design of your blog. Everything else will stay the same!
PAYMENT & PRICING
How does payment work? Can I send you cash or a check?
All payment transactions are done through Paypal, no exceptions. It is an awesome service and is free for you to use- plus you don't have to sign up for an account to use it. Once I receive your order and we have talked about any additional details for your project, I will prepare an invoice and send it via email to you. From there you can pay however you would like through Paypal (check, credit card, etc.).
I have seen another blog designer who charges less but I want one of your designs. Can you match prices?
As much as I would love to beautify the blog world for less, I have to make a living. I feel that my designs are very reasonably priced for what you get. I spend HOURS (just ask my husband and baby!) on each design and I hope that you see that each of my designs are very unique and polished....almost like "mini websites" in a way. I really try to go the extra mile with each client to make sure I create something they will love and something that I am proud of. Believe me...none of my clients have regretted making the investment!
