You don't need a 3D file, a drawing or any design skills to get something custom made. You need a clear idea of what it's for. The better the brief, the closer the first draft will be to what you imagine. Here's what to include.
1. What is it for?
"A name sign for my daughter's bedroom door" tells a designer far more than "a sign". Purpose decides size, material, finish and how it's mounted.
2. How big, and where will it go?
Give rough measurements, or compare it to something: "about the size of a dinner plate". If it has to fit something, send the measurements of that thing.
3. Colours and finish
Name the colours you want, or send a photo of the room or brand. Mention finish too: matte, glossy, metallic silk or glow-in-the-dark. If we don't stock your colour, other colours are available on request.
4. Show us what you like
Reference images are gold. Send two or three pictures of things you like, and tell us what you like about each: the shape, the colour, the style. Sketches on paper, even rough ones, are great.
5. Deadline and budget
Tell us when you need it and roughly what you'd like to spend. We'll tell you honestly if a simpler version would do the job for less.
An example of a good brief
"I'd like a desk sign for my husband's workshop that says 'Dave's Garage', about 30 cm wide, black letters with a teal outline, with a small wrench on the left. It'll sit on a shelf and I'd like it by 15 December. Budget around $60."
How design fees work
- Personalising one of our existing designs (names, wording, colours) is free.
- If we have to create or modify a design, a design fee may apply, from $60/hr or a fixed price.
- We always quote the design cost first and you approve it before any work starts.
- You see a preview before we make anything, and small tweaks are included. You keep the final files.
Start your idea
Send what you have, however rough, to our quote form (choose "Just an idea"). We'll reply within 24 hours with questions, ideas and a price.
