Hello Lovely is all about collaboration
Congratulations! You’ve found me and I hope we’ll work together. To get that process started you can…
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Initial consultation
For prospective clients I offer a free discovery call to discuss your needs and whether I am the right person to help. This lasts up to 15 minutes and can take place via phone or Zoom. I don’t attend in-person meetings for the initial consultation due to the travel time and expenses involved. The discovery call isn’t just chance to get to know me but also to explain a bit about why you’ve got in touch. Design isn't the easiest thing to explain on a form and you may want to show examples of what you mean. If you haven’t already completed this contact form, I’ll ask you to do that or pop over a full brief.
This is the only free service I offer.
Proposal and contract
After the outline brief is sent, a bespoke proposal will be submitted to you via Dubsado which is my business management system. This will have a link to a proposal inviting you to select the most suitable packages. Once selected a contract will appear and you’ll be asked to sign and I’ll countersign too. You can read the terms on my website. I’ll also sent over a code of conduct as a reference so you know what to expect from me.
Deposit
New clients will be asked to pay a deposit which will be a percentage of the fee, usually 20 or 50% which kicks off the process and secures time in my diary. The only difference is a VIP day which is a full 100% payment.
Payment
For payment of invoices:
Payment must be made in full within 14 days of the invoice issue date.
Payment can be in stages.
Payment can be via Stripe or BACS.
All invoices are in sterling (GBP) and must be paid in that currency.
Persistent late payment will result in discontinuation of services.
Other useful information
Client locations
I work with clients globally but will invoice in sterling.
Ethics
I am committed to providing services that are kind to our planet, to people and animals. My first Mac was a Classic and my familiarity with Apple’s operating system makes this a good system for me. To mitigate some of Apple’s actions, Hello Lovely’s Macs are obtained from MacFinder and all tech is upgraded as much as possible and maintained. I do not currently offset as I prefer to offer advice at source. You can read more about this on my Tips and Tricks posts and on my code of conduct.
Inspiration
I may have worked in the industry for a while but I’m never complacent. My Twitter and LinkedIn posts are full of advice on design news, competitions and I love sharing relevant events and services. Anything creative that inspires me and maybe you. I attend workshops at St Brides as I believe that analogue design skills are relevant and also get involved in UX, variable fonts and new tech training to keep my skills fresh to empower me and my work. I’m proud to be part of women-led creative groups. I’m also setting up a support group for those going into business after miscarriage, loss or childless and childfree.
Insurance
I have professional indemnity insurance. I can provide a copy of my insurance certificate on request.
Package prices
I offer best prices if you need several services. For example, my client Cary booked me for logo design, fun cover design, social media graphics and website. If you have a project in mind and think I can help but not sure if I offer the services, please ask. I have worked in design for many years and simply don’t have space to list everything I do. I may know someone who can help you.
Remote working
I’m based in Cambridge and usually work from home, as this means I have everything I need to do my job effectively. I can attend meetings within Cambridgeshire and London if required depending on the Covid regulations at the time of travel. I charge for my travel time at £40 per hour and all expenses are re-charged at cost.
Replying to emails
I have my emails open during working hours.. If the email is urgent(e.g. a website issue or job at press), I reply. Otherwise, I will respond to all outstanding emails in twenty-four hours. This means if you send a non-urgent email I will usually reply by the end of the next working day.
Security and data protection
All my machines and backup drives have full disk encryption. I use Last Pass to hold the data securely.
Software
I use Google Docs, Microsoft Word for documents. Adobe Creative Cloud for creative, supported by Canva and Adobe Express for client use, Squarespace and WordPress for websites. Trello and Click up alongside Dubsado for administration and Quickbooks for accounts.
Time off
If I am taking pre-planned time off, I will let you know in advance. I generally take 4-5 weeks off each year, and I can usually give a month’s notice.
Third party services
Often clients will need third party services, such as website hosting and email. I always set these up to be billed to the client directly, as this ensures continuity if I am unavailable.
Unless I advise you otherwise, I do not earn commission on any of the services I recommend.Training, workshop and speaking
I provide training in Squarespace and WordPress when I handover websites. I can run workshops on website design, UX, print design and typography, guest on podcasts (I co-present one) and talk about a range of topics. I’m happy to guest blog for you.
Working with other creatives
I’m happy to work with other designers or creatives.
Working for others
I have clients who I work for regularly and this will be taken into account when we talk about dates. I don’t oversell my time and maintain a healthy work/life balance. I don’t disclose any of my clients work with others beyond details on my website after launch.