Alan Pirie Design / Samurai Guinea Pig

[ FAQ`s ]

Most Popular Questions

Graphic Design

How much does a design cost?

There is no standard price as every project has their own details that dictate the final time. Just get in touch with me with your basic project information and I'll be able to give you an estimate.

How long will the project take?

Again, this all depends on what you want. A simple flyer may take a couple of hours whereas a 24-page brochure can take a week or more. To get a more accurate quote, just get in touch with your project and I can let you know!

I don't have a good example at what I want, can you help with that?

YES! Even if you only have a rough idea, we can work together to bring your project to life. Even if you only have a very rough sketch, it's something to work from.

Do you supply print-ready files?

Yes, of course! Just let me know what the finished item will be (size, medium to be printed, and any special colour requirements such as RGB/CMYK/Greyscale) and you will have a print-ready file sent at the end of the project.

Can you have items printed for me?

Yes, I work closely with many suppliers and I can have practically anything printed from a Business Card to a brochure to an L.E.D. Sign.  I can also arrange certified installation of Signage and have your vehicle professionally wrapped.

Logo Design

What is a vector logo and why do I need that?

Vector logos are, in short, logos that are able to be scaled up without the loss of quality unlike a raster (photographic) image that pixelates when it's size is increased.

Vector logos also have the ability to be used for cutting vinyl, printing clothing and embroidery far easier than a raster image.

What is the difference between vector and raster?

Unlike raster graphics, which are comprised of colored pixels arranged to display an image, vector graphics are made up of paths, each with a mathematical formula (vector) that tells the path how it is shaped and what color it is bordered with or filled by.

Since mathematical formulas dictate how the image is rendered, vector images retain their appearance regardless of size. They can be scaled infinitely.

I only have a small version of my logo, can you fix it for me?

YES! Even if you only have a small picture i can convert that manually from a small image to a fully vectorized logo. Some will take much longer than others depending on complexity but it's almost always possible?

I saw a logo online, can you copy that?

In short, no... unless it is a Stock image we cannot copy other designers work. But we can take inspiration from it and give you something original.

Website/ WordPress Design

What is WordPress?

WordPress powers nearly a third of the world’s websites. With tools for everyone from personal bloggers to large corporations, this powerful site builder and content management system (cms) aims to make it possible for anyone to create an online presence in minutes.

The WordPress platform is flexible, scalable and always free to use..

What is the benefits of WordPress?

As its creators intended, WordPress can be used by anyone, from a complete beginner to a seasoned developer. For new users with no design or development experience, a WordPress website can be set up as a “one-click install” on a hosting platform, using one of the hundreds of free-to-use WordPress themes. These themes allow users to customize a variety of features such as the site header and colors, right from the dashboard, with no need to know any code at all. 

For users with experience in website design or development, WordPress allows access to all parts of the software including its theme and plugin systems, application framework, and scripts, so that it can be customized to suit the needs of any site. Because WordPress can be modified in a variety of different ways, it can be adapted and changed to grow and change to meet the evolving needs of an expanding business.

Can the website be branded like my business?

YES! WordPress is extremely customizable and can be tailored to suit your existing identity from colours, to font choice to general design. It can also be linked to social accounts via Google Analytics and can share media from them.

How Much does a WordPress website cost?

It varies depending on what you have already. I can arrange website hosting for you if you have no existing site and help you purchase a domain name if required.

If the site requires SSL, store, or specific elements it greatly affects time and therefore final cost. Just get in touch with what you need and I can sort an estimate.

Signwriting/ Traditional Art

What is Signwriting?

Way before signs were printed/cut by computers, signs, and windows were painted by hand and carried out by Signwriters. Although it takes much longer, the end product has much more character and charm and if done correctly should last a long time.

Are you a signwriter?

As it happens, I was in the first class in the UK to be trained in Signwriting and was in that first group to gain an H.N.C. (Higher National Certificate) in Sign Design and Sign Painting. I was also trained by an old master and over the years have painted many signs. After some years focussing on digital work, I have started offering Signwriting again due to demand for the classic look.

Can you paint my signs?

Most of the time yes, but there can be some planning required such as:

- Can the signs be removed
- Is scaffolding required if they are fixed
- Is the area in a high traffic zone (people or vehicles)
- Temperature can affect paint consistency (too hot is as bad as too cold)

Getting in touch with me with basic info then a visit to where you are located will give answers to these points quickly.

Can you do Gold Leaf?

Unfortunately not, i have such little experience with that I unable to offer that service.

Do you do Airbrushing

Absolutely, although it requires some planning also. In the past i have airbrushed:

- Guitars (Skjalg Raaen, Åge / Shgrath, Dimmu Borgir).
- Helmets
- Clothing (Russefrakk)
- Skateboards

Get in touch to answer any of these questions

Then we can get the project you wanted to start up and running!.