Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first step in determining my needs and assessing a project?

Complete an Initial Project Assessment Data form (IPAD). You can download them here.

How do I get a project estimate?

A project estimate is created after a client has completed an Initial Project Assessment Data form, or IPAD, for short. Once the data is analyzed clients are presented with a full schedule of possible solutions to choose from with associated costs.

How do I build my custom service packet?

A custom service packet is created based upon a client's choice of available solutions. This occurs after a client has fully considered the findings of the IPAD.

How do you bill and what are your rates ?

We bill for time, labor and materials by the hour in 1/4 hour increments. Our current hourly rate is $45/hr for print graphic design projects, $65/hr for web development and $100/hr for business process consulting. Of course, most projects entail tasks at varying billing rates, so use this table as a general reference.

Can I receive a demo off site?

Yes, you can. Just call us to arrange the details.

Do you provide A/V equipment?

We do not provide or maintain portable A/V equipment. This includes projectors and screens. Peripheral and support devices are provided offsite by client.

Why should I hire a professional web developer?

It is relatively simple for anyone to create a functional web site. We all know someone who designs web sites as a sideline using DIY web design software. This also explains why there are so many badly designed web sites - just because someone has a paintbrush, it doesn't make them an artist.

A typical scenario goes like this: You're convinced that anyone can design a website so you hire your son (he has a copy of FrontPage he'd like to try out).

The Result: Your website does not have the professional look that is evident in your other marketing pieces so the first impression might not be a positive one.

The Real Problem: From their first impression, website visitors do not take your business seriously and they take their business to your competitor.

Web design is a unique medium and requires extensive knowledge in designing graphics specifically for the Internet. Optimization of each page for the search engines is ongoing since search engines change their algorithms and indexing methods constantly, requiring a great deal of continuous education. Properly marketing a site online continues long after the launch of the site and, again, online promotion requires a lot of time, which many clients have very little to spare.

What is a fair price for web design?

The average web designer quotes an estimate based on $60 - $125 per hour. We currently quote $65 per for hour for contract or project-for-hire web development. The proposal you receive will be a "questimate" at best and you will more than likely end up paying more at the end of your design project than originally proposed.

At Lucid Element, we quote all of our projects based on an hourly rate specified with the plan outline so you know in advance approximately what your project will cost you. All future maintenance is billed at an agreed upon hourly rate, which will be market competitive for professional and award-winning web design services.

What is included in the price for web design services?

It includes the page layout, image and file management, transfer of your pages to your web host server and submission to the search engines and directories using the META tags the web designer formatted. Depending on the type of site and server technology of the project, additional tasks may be required. In reality, it should cover your web site project beyond Internet launch.

What is Search Engine Optimization, or SEO?

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization and all of our web sites are designed with search engine placement in mind. This speaks directly to your sites placement within search engine listings as Google, MSN and Yahoo by virtue of keywords.

Search engines change their algorithms and indexing methods constantly, requiring a great deal of continuous education and product updating. We participate in conferences, forums and discussion boards so we can continue to provide content rich websites for today's Internet.

Who Submits My Web Site to the Search Engines?

Some web designers do not submit a site once it is finished and online, or they might charge an extra fee to provide this service just once. Your web site does not have to be manually submitted to the search engines, but should, nonetheless. Lucid Element factors submission into the develoment process.

What does a search engine optimization campaign involve?

There are 3 essential components of a search engine campaign:

• Text component. A web site must contain the words that your target audience is typing into search queries.
• Link component. Placing keywords on a web page is useless if the search engines do not have a means to index that text. Therefore, your site design must be "spider friendly."
• Popularity component. All of the major search engines measure popularity. Therefore, before beginning a search engine campaign, we often have a corresponding directory submission and link development campaign as well to assist with popularity.

A successful, long-term SEO campaign is not possible unless all 3 of these components are addressed.

What is the difference between search engine optimization and search engine positioning?

Search engine positioning, abbreviated SEP, is a buzz word that is supposed to have the same meaning as search engine optimization. The emphasis is on positioning rather than optimization.

Do not fall for this new marketing hype. No one can guarantee a search engine position because the search engines ultimately determine which sites rank, not the online marketing firms.

Why don't you offer any guarantees?

We do not guarantee placement unless you are participating in a pay-for-placement search engine program, in which case, we do not offer.

Despite what other online marketing companies claim, no one can guarantee top search engine placement because there is a 3rd party who has all of the control: the search engines. What we can guarantee is that we will help you with keyword selection, meta-tag and other web copywriting, submission, and optimal site design architectures for the search engines.

Do you create doorway pages?

Yes, we can create doorway or "splash" pages. However, we do not recommend them for the creation of Information Pages, which are designed and written primarily to benefit your target audience who find your site via the search engines and directories.

What is the difference between a doorway page and an information page?

Doorway pages are web pages created specifically for search engine positions. They are not created to benefit end users.

Information Pages, on the other hand, are specifically created to benefit your end users because they provide information that your target audience is interested in. Because Information Pages are a part of your web site, they can help your site gain more popularity in the search engines AND the directories.

Many people do not understand how doorway page companies work. They create thousands of pages for a single keyword or keyword phrase. All of these pages are fed to the search engines, polluting their indices with unnecessary information. They are not pretty, and they often contain so much gibberish they must be cloaked. End users would not continue visiting a web site if they viewed these pages.

How much does a search engine marketing campaign cost?

The cost of a search engine marketing campaign depends on the size and type of web site you have, the number of keywords your site uses, and popularity. If your web site already has a search-engine friendly design, the costs are far less.

Most search engine marketing campaigns begin at about $5,000 per year. Search engine consulting costs around $150 - $200/hour with a minimum commitment to begin. Our philosophy is to reduce these costs by the nature of our business model, however, keep in mind that our rates should remain somewhat market competitive.

Which search engines do you submit to?

We submit to the search engines that deliver the most qualified traffic, including but not limited to:

• AltaVista
• AOL Search
• FAST Search
• Yahoo
• Google
• Inktomi-based search services such as HotBot / Lycos, MSN Search, iWon, and more

Do you offer search engine optimization training?

We do offer training in search engine marketing. If you have a large site that has a wide variety of services and products, then it might be more cost effective to receive training.

If you are interested in receiving more information on our training syllabus, please indicate so on your IPAD form along with the number of people you would like trained.

Do you provide hosting services in addition to designing web sites?

No, we do not offer hosting services because we believe that every web site has different hosting requirements. We recommend various web hosts based on the type of web site you need.

Will you do domain name registration?

Yes, if you would like domain name registration as a part of your design contract, we will be happy to do that for you.

What is your payment plan for web site design only?

For first-time clients and for jobs with a quote of under $500, payment in full is required. For projects with a quote between $500-$5,000, payment in half is required along with a signed contract for beginning work, with the remaining half due upon completion of the project. For projects over $5,000, an initial payment representing one-third of the estimated total fee is required along with a signed contract. The second one-third is billable upon the halfway point or second phase of the project, with the final third due upon completion of the project. Regular clients are sent monthly invoices notifying payment within 30 days.

What products are included the print content media category?

Lucid Element specializes in providing all types of collateral and stationery designs to present you with a complete company promotional package. Services offered as print content media include:

• Logo design
• Business Cards
• Letterhead
• Envelopes
• Rolodex cards
• Brochures
• Stickers
• Banners/Signs
• Folders and inserts
• Multimedia presentations

What are the basics of the design process?

First, your project has to be analyzed, planned, agreements reached and billing/payment schedule confirmed. Please complete and submit an IPAD to initiate this process. Depending on the complexity of the design or project, we try to provide design samples within 5 days of submission of work order (Rush jobs are billed at 2x agreed hourly rate) Proofs and samples may be sent either via e-mail or via display on a web page, depending on files size.

Revisions are billable at 50% of the agreed hourly design rate. Complete redo’s are considered new work orders and are billable at full rate. We are fairly flexible on alterations.

What are your basic design rates?

Our basic a la cart design service rate is $50.00/hr. Of course, this is not set in stone as it is dependent on each client’s specific needs and situation. Note that our current rates for web development are $65/hr.

All design services are not consistently the same relative to the function of your business. For example, logo design is a much more prominent feature of your business façade than any item created from it. Logo design costs typically range from $299 to $500, depending on the type of logo you want for your organization and what it entails. In exceptional cases, some services may require a flat quote/fee. These decisions are made by each client during the development process.

What is your payment plan for design projects?

As a business, you may or may not decide to subscribe to a full package. Payment terms are agreed upon during the commissioning of the project. Depending on size, scope and nature of the project, Invoices may be generated and mailed at the completion of work order, bi-weekly, or monthly. We accept all forms of payment. If remitting electronically, we will set up those services as well at the outset of your project.

What formats are my print media delivered in?

Print media can be delivered in EPS, AI, TIFF and PDF formats, unless requested in another format by the client. We primarily use the full Adobe suite of products for this type of content development. Clients wishing to have their media created in a specific software application format should check with us first beforehand.

Web versions of print are normally delivered in GIF, JPEG or PNG format, depending on the design specifics. Special formats can be created, but we usually recommend sticking with these formats for general use.

Screen logos (other than the web, such as for a presentation) can be created in GIF, JPEG, PICT, PNG, Windows Bitmap, and many other formats. Again, we strongly recommend letting us know beforehand what the intended use or reuse of the design will be.

What is the difference between a print media and a web media?

Print media require a much higher resolution (i.e., pixels per inch) to create and need to be saved in certain standard print file formats. Some of the most common and universal print formats for print jobs are TIFF, EPS, and Adobe Acrobat PDF. By designing in these file formats, projects can be opened up and printed even without having the original software application that created it. Because print projects can become very large in file size, transporting files can present challenges. Lucid Element has an array of solutions for accessing your files during development exactly when you need them.

Web graphics and designs require a much smaller resolution (since they only need to be displayed on screen), and can be sent directly through email or available for immediate download. Because web graphics and designs are so small in file size, they are not a good choices for printing, as the quality will appear very blurred or jagged on paper.

Can my print projects be integrated into other software, such as Word, Powerpoint, and web pages?

Yes. Each software program has its own specific menu command to best place your project into the program. However, not all software programs will display your project the same way unless it is saved in the file format that works best with that program. It is always a good idea to have your project saved in multiple file formats so you can have a copy readily available for all your needs.

Can my design project be copyrighted?

Yes. Copyright applications are provided by the Federal government along with a standard filing fee for submission. You may choose to complete the copyright application process or, as an additional service, Lucid Element will complete the entire copyright application process on your behalf. While submitting a copyright form is not required, it is highly recommended.

All design project copyrights are transferred to the client upon resolution of full payment of services. To continue to provide competitive rates, we entrust the client's responsibility to verify that both the artwork requested and any original designs given to Lucid Element Designs will not infringe upon any statutory copyright.

What if I decide to cancel a print media project?

If the project is canceled before making an initial selection, no additional payment is required. In the event a project is canceled after commission but before completion, a cancellation fee of 50% of the remainder due will be administered. (The client only receives copyright to any artwork should they decide to make full payment at a later date.)

Lucid Element saves unfinished copies of all projects for an nominal period of time if the client wishes to continue the project at a later date. Added fees may incur from project delays by the client, so it is always best to check with us to keep costs to a minimum.

How soon will I receive my orders?

We begin all work-orders immediately after commissioning. If your project requires printed collateral (e.g. flyers or handout promotional material), it must be created in-house, then sent to a printing facility and shipped either to us or to on-site representative. Print orders take 5-7 days to turn around after submission of project to printer. Depending on the vendor/manufacturer, it may take up to 14 working days. Some manufacturers will do a rush order for an extra fee. We will be sure to keep you abreast of your project’s shipping progress.

What is your shipping policy / costs?

Shipping will vary depending on the product quantity, weight, and destination. We will provide you with an estimate and then you will be charged actual shipping cost, no more.

How do I see my design work as it is in progress?

You will be given a URL (web page address) where you may view both the draft and revised stages of your project. For print jobs, we may also send you the project in the software file format of your choice, or as a PDF file that can be opened up on any computer.

All of our works-in-progress are protected by copyright laws and we digitally watermark graphic images to monitor any unauthorized use.

What kind of graphic design services do you provide?

Our graphic design services are varied and comprehensive. We provide logo design, brochure design, illustrations, graphics for web sites, direct mail design, marketing, stationery – including business card, letterhead, envelope, mailing label, and presentation folder design, and any other printing your business may require.

What is the client's involvement in the design process?

We thoroughly discuss the project at hand with our client from the beginning. Along with completion of the IPAD form we encourage each client to bring in any samples, color combinations/swatches, and ideas they may have. During the design process, the client is asked to approve certain milestones before work continues. At the conclusion of a project, the client will receive artwork in various formats.

I need something designed yesterday. Can you help me?

We can usually accommodate your rush job depending on how full our production schedule is. To be fair to other clients, if a job already in production is interrupted by a rush job, we reserve the right to add an additional 50% – 100% on top of the hourly rate specified in your agreement.

I own a business related to gambling. Will you work with me?

Our apologies, but we do not work with companies dealing in harmful, unlawful, adult, or questionable material.

Are photos available for stock or licensed image use?

Yes. Many of the images that you see on the Lucid Element web site are available for licensed photography or stock usage. Contact us and we can look into the licensing terms of the specific work you are inquiring.

Are images available in high-resolution digital formats?

All photographic images are available in a high-resolution format as long as the source files meet pixel standards. Lucid Element works with publishers, advertising agencies, photo researchers, designers and other stock photo companies around the world.

I am a photographer. Can I submit photographs to Lucid Element to put on the Lucid Element web site?

Lucid Element is always looking for new collections, however, it is imperative that copyright must reside with you as the photographer or the photographic archive owner and the quality standards of Lucid Element are met. Although we are always on the look out for new and exciting photographic collections, we reserve the right to reject some photos and/or collections. Please contact us at: sales@lucidelement.com

I have my own photographic archive collection. Does Lucid Element provide scanning or digitization services to preserve and restore my collection?

We can scan the images for your own use or for use specific to your projects.

As a photographic archive owner, how can I submit my collection to Lucid element?

Simply contact us: sales@lucidelement.com and we will be happy to further discuss and assist you.

Does Lucid Element buy photographic archive collections?

Lucid Element does purchase photographic, video and audio collections. We uphold very stringent guidelines regarding copyright and it must be evident that the photographic archive owner has original imagery and copyright is properly established. Please contact info@lucidelement.com for additional information.

What is Streaming Media?

Streaming media is a process in which audio, video, and other multimedia can be delivered live or anytime, anywhere over the Internet or company intranet.

Who can listen and watch an audio and/or video stream?

Anybody connected to the Internet can! Any PC or Macintosh with a media player can enjoy your event. The media player is software that allows your computer to play the media back. Lucid Element supports the Windows Media Player, Real Networks and Quicktime!

What PC and equipment do I need to stream audio and video?

It all depends on your audience. Any PC can be equipped to stream media over the Internet, but it needs to be connected to an ISP that has the capacity to handle the bandwidth-intensive needs of streaming media.

Do I need a high-speed connection to the Internet?

To watch streaming media? No, but it certainly helps. A DSL or Cable modem is preferred, but a dialup will work and in fact works very well for audio-only webcasts. If you wish to directly stream on the Internet from your location, then a lot more than a high-speed connection would be required. You need lots of capacity, or you will choke your Internet connection very quickly.

How much does it cost to have a stream on my web site that anyone can watch or listen to at anytime?

Depends on the length of the video, how many people watch it, and at what bandwidth they are connected to the Internet. An audio-only clip can cost as little as 20¢ per minute. Contact us at sales@licidelement.com to discuss possible options.

Won't Streaming a live event over my local network suck up all my bandwidth?

Yes. Unless your local network or Intranet is multicast enabled. A multicast enabled network will cr0eate single data stream that all the viewers tap into. Unicast is how streaming media works on the Internet, where each viewer has a unique data stream, and uses a lot more bandwidth. Lucid Element can help you to make sure your Intranet can handle a live event.

What are some practical applications for Streaming Media?

The sky's the limit! Here are just a few of the applications we've provided for our clients:

• Marketing Seminars
• Corporate Communications
• Shareholder Meetings
• Sales Presentations
• Trade Shows
• Training
• Product Announcements
• Customer Seminars
• Corporate Results Meetings
• Customer Service
• Managers Meetings
• Continuing Education
• Product Instructions

What is "webcasting"?

A webcast is a live, interactive program delivered on the internet or over your company's intranet. It has video and/or audio and allows the viewer to participate in the event. This is a real-time environment that allows people in multiple, distant locations to attend and participate in the event. It's video with a PowerPoint presentation synchronized to it. You can add a chat room or have live questions and answers to the speaker, and much more. Currently, we do not have offerings in this area but we expect to have a service rollout soon!

Why is interest in webcasting increasing?

It's grown because people need to tell their story with immediacy. People want information faster. The news media wants to interact with business and vice versa. The SEC has required businesses to deliver more information to their investors. Companies want to train their employees and go to market faster than ever. And they want interaction and feedback right away.

Some webcasts look awful, some are beautiful. Why?

Remember that you are compressing the signal extensively and so your production needs to be just right. A low quality original image can really look bad on the web. Cameras, lighting, audio - they all need to be engineered for web delivery. In preparing your information, you want to know what media player your audience has installed on their computer. You need to know or make an educated assumption about what kind of connection to the internet they have. You also should be an experienced streaming media provider to make sure the connections are working well.