Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Need to Know Before Getting Started
Building a website, creating a brand, or improving your online presence can feel overwhelming. You may have questions about where to begin, what services you need, and what the process looks like.
At Vibrant Pixel Creative, I believe the best projects start with clear communication, realistic expectations, and a plan that fits your business goals.
Explore some of the most common questions below or feel free to reach out if you have something specific in mind.
Services
What services does Vibrant Pixel Creative offer?
We offer two main categories of creative services: -Website Design: Custom websites for business, professionals, and personal projects, including hobby sites, portfolios, and passion projects. -Print & Promotional Marketing: Postcards, flyers, brochures, pamphlets, business cards, and other materials designed for print or digital distribution. If you have something in mind that doesn't fit neatly into one of those buckets, reach out and let's discuss.
What kind of websites do you build?
We can build websites that are small or large that are clean, professional, and easy to navigate. Common projects include: -Business websites for service providers (therapists, contractors, consultants, etc.) -Personal portfolio or bio sites -Hobby or community interest sites -Simple e-commerce or booking-enabled sites
What kinds of print materials do you design?
We design a wide range of print and promotional materials including postcards, flyers, brochures, pamphlets, business cards, door hangers, and event materials. We can also prepare files for USPS EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail) campaigns if you're looking to reach a local audience. Final files are delivered print-ready for your vendor of choice.
Do you handle printing or just the design?
We handle the design. Once your files are approved and final payment is received, we deliver print-ready files that you can send to any printer you choose. We're happy to make vendor recommendations based on your project and budget.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
What is SEO and why does my business need it?
SEO helps improve your website's visibility in search engines like Google. A well-designed website is important, but people need to be able to find it. SEO helps your business appear when potential customers search for services you provide. SEO strategies may include: -Keyword research -Website structure improvements -Content recommendations -Search-friendly formatting
Do you include SEO with website design?
Yes, websites are designed with SEO principles in mind from the beginning. SEO considerations include: -Page structure -Keyword placement -Meta titles and descriptions -Search-friendly content organization -User experience recommendations Additional ongoing SEO support is available through maintenance services.
Do I need ongoing SEO maintenance?
While a website can launch successfully without ongoing SEO support, continued optimization can help your website stay competitive and relevant. Search engines consider factors like updated content, website performance, and ongoing improvements. SEO maintenance is helpful for businesses that want continued support without managing everything themselves.
Blogs
Does my business need a blog?
A blog can do two very important things for your business. First, it can establish you as an expert or authority in your field by providing valuable content to your audience. Second, it helps strengthen your search engine optimization (SEO), which means more people will reach your website.
Do you only create new blogs or can you edit existing content?
I can do either of those things. I can create new SEO-focused blog content or edit and improve existing content. When I work with existing content, I focus on: -Updating outdated information -Improving readability -Adding SEO strategies -Restructuring content -Strengthening messaging
Payment
How does payment work?
All projects follow a simple 50/50 payment structure: -50% deposit is due before any work begins -50% final payment is due upon project completion, before final files or website launch. For smaller print design projects under $200, full payment upfront is required.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept payment via Cash App and Apple Pay. Credit and debit cards are also accepted, as well as cash or check.
Is the deposit refundable?
No, the deposit is non-refundable under all circumstances. It secures your spot and compensates for the time we've set aside for your project. If you need to pause a project, please let us know and we can work something out.
What happens if I cancel mid-project?
If you cancel after work has begun, the deposit is non-refundable. If the project is more than 50% complete at the time of cancellation, the full project amount is owed. We'll always be transparent about where we will be in the process.
Revisions
How many revisions are included?
Every project includes up to two rounds of revisions at no additional cost. A revision round means one consolidated batch of feedback submitted at one time. It is not back-and-forth tweaks spread across multiple emails.
What counts as a revision versus a new request?
A revision is a refinement of what we've already designed. This includes adjusting colors, tweaking copy, and moving elements around. A new request is a significant change in direction, additional pages or features, or something outside of the original project scope. New requests are treated as add-ons and priced accordingly.
What if I need more than two rounds of revisions?
We're happy to do additional revisions if you change your mind about something or for any other reason. Additional revisions beyond the included two are available at $75 per round. To keep things moving efficiently, we recommend gathering all of your feedback before submitting each round rather than sending changes one at a time.
Process & Timeline
What does the process look like from start to finish?
Generally, this is how our process flows: 1. Inquiry: You reach out and tell us about your project. 2. Proposal: We send a project proposal outlining the scope, timeline, and cost. 3. Agreement & Deposit: You sign the client agreement and pay the 50% deposit to kick things off. 4. Design: We get to work. You'll receive drafts for review and feedback. 5. Revisions: Up to two rounds of revisions are included. 6. Final Payment: Once you've approved the final design, the remaining balance is due. 7. Delivery: Final files or website launch happen after payment is received.
How long does a typical project take?
Timelines vary by project size and complexity. As a general guide: -Print design (single piece): 3 to 7 days -Small website (1-3 pages): 1 to 2 weeks -Average website (4-7 pages): 2 to 4 weeks -Larger websites (8+ pages): Most likely between 1 to 2 months Please keep in mind that timelines are also affected by how quickly you provide content and feedback. The faster you respond, the faster we move.
What if I need something done quickly?
Rush projects with a turnaround under 5 business days are available and subject to a 25% rush fee. Reach out as early as possible as availability for rush work is limited.
What do I need to get started?
To get started, we'll need: -Any existing logos, brand colors (hex codes are helpful), and fonts you use. -Written content (text, bios, service descriptions, etc.) or let us know if you need help with copy. - Photos or images you'd like to use. If you don't have any, no worries. We can discuss options. -Examples of styles or sites you like for reference. Don't worry if you don't have everything perfectly organized, we'll walk you through it.
What happens if I go quiet and stop responding?
Life happens, we get it. However, if a project sits without client response for 14 or more days, it may be rescheduled to accommodate other clients. If there's no response for 30 days or more, we reserve the right to close the project while retaining the deposit as compensation for time already invested. We'll always attempt to reach out before taking that step.
Files & Ownership
Who owns the final design?
You do, once the final payment is received in full, full ownership of all final deliverables transfers to you. They're yours to use however you'd like.
Will I receive the original source files?
Source files (such as original Canva files, layered PSDs, or design working files) are not included by default. You'll receive final export files in the formats you need, such as JPG, PNG, PDF, etc.
Can Vibrant Pixel Creative use my project in their portfolio?
Yes, we may showcase completed work in our portfolio, on social media, or in marketing materials. If you'd prefer your project remain private, just let us know in writing and we'll honor that.
What about stock images or fonts used in my design?
Any third-party assets, such as stock photos, icon sets, or fonts, used in your project remain subject to their original licenses. We'll always use properly licensed assets and let you know if anything requires a separate license on your end for ongoing use (which is rare).
Why Not Just Use AI?
Can't I use an AI tool to build my website or design my flyer?
You can, and for some people, that's totally fine. However, there's a real difference between something that exists and something that works. AI tools have some utility in designing websites and marketing materials but they lack the human touch. Websites that are made entirely or mostly by AI do not rank highly in Google search results. Also, most people can spot when something is AI-generated, and depending on your audience, that may not be a good thing. AI is not great at understanding your specific audience, your voice, your goals, or the subtle things that make a brand feel trustworthy and human. Most AI-generated websites and marketing materials look similar because they're pulling from the same patterns. When your clients are comparing you to your competitors, "looks like everyone else" is not a compliment.
What does a real designer give me that AI can't?
Unlike AI, I will give you what actually matters: -Context: I ask questions about your business, your clients, and your goals before touching a single design element. AI can't understand these things in depth. -Judgment: Knowing what to leave out is just as important as knowing what to include. Good design is editing. -Consistency: Your website, your postcard, and your social graphics should feel like all the same brand. AI tools don't naturally connect those dots. -A real human to talk to: When something isn't working, you can tell me in plain language and I'll fix it. No prompts, no regenerates, no hoping AI understands what you meant.
I've seen AI make really impressive designs. Why should I pay for something I might be able to do myself?
If you have the time, the eye, and the patience to learn the tools, then perhaps you should do it yourself. I did because that's what worked best for me. However, it takes a lot of time and trial and error when you go it on your own. The learning curve is steeper than it looks once you're actually trying to produce something professional and print-ready. Hiring a designer isn't just about the end product. It's about getting there without the frustration, the wasted hours, and the "good enough" result you settle for because you ran out of steam. Your time has value too.
Do you use AI in your own design process?
Sometimes, as a research tool or as a way to generate ideas, much like a designer might use a template as a jumping-off point or a spell-checker to catch mistakes. Every finished product is thoughtfully designed, reviewed, and adjusted by a real person who cares about what is being put out into the world. You're not getting a prompt output; you're getting a design.
Working Together
How do we communicate during a project?
Most communication takes place via email, which keeps everything documented and easy to reference. I like to video chat (Zoom, FaceTime, Google Meet) when it's appropriate at the start or at some point during the project; sometimes it can be easier than email to discuss ideas. We ask that all feedback be submitted in writing so nothing gets lost.
I don't have a logo or existing brand. Can you still help me?
Absolutely. We can work with whatever you have, even if that's just a business name and a general sense of what you like. We'll ask you questions about your style preferences and audience to guide the design direction. If you need a full logo designed, we can discuss that as part of your project scope.
What if I want to make changes to my website after it launches?
Post-launch updates are available on a per-project basis. Unless you have an SEO Maintenance subscription, which provides regular website updates. Either way, we're happy to stay involved as your business grows and your needs change. Just reach out and we'll put together a quote.