Marketing, Design & Promotion for You or Your Company

Tips from the tip jar...

2010-05-24T09:01:00.000-07:00

So you want business cards, postcards, etc... for your new or existing business. You want to design them yourself, so you go into Microsoft Word (ugh) and make something up and send it away to your printer. They say no bleed, wrong resolution, the file needs to be CMYK not RGB, and basically it a no go!

All that time spent working on your masterpiece...not only are you aggravated but you just spent time and still have no idea what you need to do to fix it...CMwhat? Bleed? 96dpi looks great on my screen and prints out fine on my inkjet at home...

Well for all your do-it-yourselfers we have templates available of most major items right on our site. And if you need a template you don't see, just ask... Also if your ordering with us, send us your files we try and correct any errors, such as bleeds, RBG-CMYK, etc...FREE of CHARGE.

Most places will charge you for design services on top of your printing costs to fix your files, but we will try to assist you FREE of charge, because we want you to be comfortable using us as your total design, promotions and media specialists.

Of course if your not the DIY designer we offer that service with our skilled designers waiting to help you make your ideas a reality.

www.longhorndesign.com

Nothing in life is FREE, well except for this software

2010-04-13T08:17:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the best software for you to use is FREE. Open source coded software, freeware and "light" versions of software is the "FREE" of the design world...sometimes even better than their commercial counterparts.

INKSCAPE

An Open Source vector graphics editor, with capabilities similar to Illustrator, CorelDraw, or Xara X, using the W3C standard Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) file format.

Inkscape supports many advanced SVG features (markers, clones, alpha blending, etc.) and great care is taken in designing a streamlined interface. It is very easy to edit nodes, perform complex path operations, trace bitmaps and much more.

Price $FREE
Available at www.inkscape.org

ART OF ILLUSION

Art of Illusion is a free, open source 3D modelling and rendering studio. Many of its capabilities rival those found in commercial programs. Highlights include subdivision surface based modelling tools, skeleton based animation, and a graphical language for designing procedural textures and materials.

Price $FREE
Available at www.artofillusion.org

SCRIBUS

Scribus is an Open Source program that brings award-winning professional page layout to Linux/UNIX, Mac OS X, OS/2 Warp 4/eComStation and Windows desktops with a combination of "press-ready" output and new approaches to page layout. Underneath the modern and user friendly interface, Scribus supports professional publishing features, such as CMYK color, separations, Spot Colors, ICC color management and versatile PDF creation.

PRICE $FREE
Available at www..scribus.net

FREE SERIF SOFTWARE

PhotoPlus

PhotoPlus SE is the perfect choice for editing and enhancing your digital images and photos for print, email and the web.

PagePlus

PagePlus SE is a great way to get into desktop publishing and easily design professional-looking documents for every occasion.

WebPlus

WebPlus SE lets you quickly design and publish stunning websites - no HTML or previous web design experience required!

DrawPlus

DrawPlus SE has all the power and tools you need to create attention-grabbing logos, striking text and artistic masterpieces.

Scrapbook Artist

Digital Scrapbook Artist Compact allows you to quickly and easily create beautiful scrapbooks using your photos and keepsakes.

All of these are "lite" versions of Serif Commercial Software.

Price $FREE
Available at www.freeserifsoftware.com

You can also check out http://www.osalt.com for tons of open source alternatives to commercial software...and not just PC software. MAC & Linux too.

Helvetica is not Heletica

2010-02-02T06:32:00.000-08:00

ALL FONTS ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL...

You may think that since you, and every other Windows Based PC, have the font ARIAL on your system that you don't need to send your font with your file. Not true! There are TONS of versions of fonts, some not made by their original "type foundry" and yet still named the same name, or close to it (aka Helvetica, Heletica). Where as these fronts may be "close" to the orginal they may have different "kerning pairs", "letter spacing", or even "ligatures" which may cause text to be reflowed and mess up your wonderful layout. Then theres also the whole fact that we might not have the font "wigglyjigglyweirdocaps".

Solution: Whenever possible convert fonts to paths or outlines in your application, if this isnt possible embed all fonts in your document or include when sending. Or better yet use a PDF file and be done with the whole process.

Save yourself the hassle and headaches of font's little nightmares.

Why Type Are You?

2010-01-19T17:30:00.000-08:00

Graphic file type that is!!!

So you have a design that was created or you created it, and you need to send it off to your favorite place for some business cards, postcards, etc. (Longhorn Design of Course!!!)

So you get a person on the phone and they say "Well, is that a vector or raster file?"

UMMM??????

Here is a list of vector and raster graphic file types by extension, we may have missed a couple (but this is MOST major formats or formats your software will EXPORT to).

Vector File Extensions
Extension File Application

.86v TI-86 vector file
.ai Adobe Illustrator graphics
.ait Adobe Illustrator template
.art Adobe Illustrator graphics
.cdl SignLab vector graphic file
.cdr CorelDRAW vector image
.cdrw Corel Draw file
.cdt CorelDRAW Template
.cgm Computer graphics metafile
.cht Harvard Graphics vector file
.cit SeeYou vector maps
.csh Adobe Photoshop shape
.csl Corel symbol library
.ctn Cadterns Sloper File
.ddoc Apple MacDraw vector graphic file
.dfx AutoCAD drawing exchange format
.dlg Digital Line Graph vector image
.do Digital Line Graph optional vector data
.drw Draw file
.dvg GraphicsWorks vector drawing
.dxb AutoCAD drawing exchange format
.dxf AutoCAD drawing exchange format
.emb Orchida Embroidery System embroidery pattern
.fh image file
.fh10 Adobe FreeHand 10 drawing file
.gcd Generic CADD Drawing format (vector)
.gem Ventura Publisher GEM vector picture
.gl2 HP Graphics Language plotter file
.hpg Vector image (HP Graphics Language plotter file)
.hpgl Hewlett Packard Graphics Language plot file
.ima EGO – Chart – Autumn Mirage vector graphics
.md Mayura Draw vector drawing file
.mvg ImageMagick proprietary vector graphics format
.odg OpenOffice Draw graphic file
.pct Apple Macintosh QuickDraw/PICT bitmap graphics format
.pif Vector image GDF format
.pix Image Systems vector
.pix Inset Systems raster & vector format
.plo HP Graphics Language plotter file
.plot Vector graphics
.plt Autodesk AutoCAD HPGL vector graphic plotter file
.ps Adobe PostScript file
.sdw Amidraw vector image
.sdw WordPro drawing
.sp SignPlot output format
.svf Simple Vector Format
.svg Scalable Vector Graphic
.sxd StarOffice draw file
.tdr Top Draw vector graphic file
.vec Daylon Vectre vector graphic
.wmf Windows metafile
.xar Corel Xara drawing
.xar Xara X vector drawing

Raster File Extensions
Extension File Application
.psd Adobe Photoshop
.jpg Joint Photographic Experts Group
.gif Graphics Interchange Format
.PNG Portable Network Graphic Transparent File Format
.tif Tagged Image File
.bmp Windows Bitmap
.pcx Personal Computer eXchange
.tif (also .tiff) Tagged Image File Format

Both Vector/Raster File Extensions
(these file type can or do contain both vector & raster image data)
Extension File Application
.pdf Portable Document File

Here at Longhorn Design, we will work with you and your file no matter what your "Type", Mac/PC/Linux...you name it!

Visit us at www.longhorndesign.com or give us a call at 972-804-0140

2010...New Year's RESOLUTION

2010-01-04T18:36:00.000-08:00

Twenty-Ten or is it Two Thousand Ten? Either way we are ready for all your design & promotion needs.

What is your New Year resolution? Ours is about 350dpi (just a little design joke).

But seriously, we are still here to provide you with the highest quality design and promotion services at incredible prices. In fact, we are working up new pricing that will be mind blowing for 2010, great how-tos, helpful hints and tips, and more... We are also going to have a new newsletter that will be available, for those who sign up for our mailings, that will have even more savings, specials and insider info.

Look for all this and more to start rolling out mid to late February.

THE LONGHORN DESIGN TEAM

Tis The Season Again

2009-11-14T08:56:00.000-08:00

Wow, it's already that time of the season. The Holidays are just around the corner and you know what that means...gift tags, cards, family photo, shopping, sales, the big rush rush rush and too much food (and sometimes too much family). We are here to help you with custom holiday cards, photo specials, and anything else to cut down on your holiday stress!!!

Get ready to see what we are rolling out for 2010...

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE

New System

2009-06-14T09:45:00.000-07:00

We have one of our new systems almost ready (its a PC Based system with a QuadCore Processor, 16 GB of ram, Internal 320 GB HD and HD Video Card with 4 GB of Video RAM), and we also have laptop mobile services for photography now available... and we are switching our phone systems over too, so you can email us or txt us directly to our business lines if we are out of the office.

So many ways to connect and at blazing fast speeds...

P.S. Don't forget you can also talk to us directly from our website!!!

To Host or Not To Host

2009-05-10T08:43:00.000-07:00

That is the question...

We have, and we're sure you have, seen when a company website goes down because of using external hosting and the hosting company goes "belly up". It happens all the time, especially in this economy. It happens with the biggest of web hosting corporations.

The question to ponder is, should I host my own site?

The answer...maybe, but probably not!!!

REASONS TO HOST:

Features of your website are integrated with other applications or features that are proprietary or confidential. ( i.e. legal, governmental, medical or anything that involves you to store important client information securely)
You deliver specialized features or services on your site that you have developed yourself and you want to keep track of your intellectual property. (got an app or service that is YOURS and you dont want to have the world see it or have access)
You are using specialized technologies or applications delivered through your website that requires you to host it yourself. (this one is rare, but does happen...if your at this level you probably have a team of programmers)
Hosting your website in-house, you'll always know what is happening to your data. You can fix problems on your time, not according to a host's schedule.
As long as your company's not going anywhere either is your website.

REASONS NOT TO HOST:

Equipment costs (dedicated computers, firewalls, software, etc)
Bandwidth (if you have lots of visitors to your site, you better have at least a T1 connection)
Technology (when it comes to hosting, you need someone who trained - and certified - in web server technology, computer systems...and even knows what a T1 connection is!!!)
Availability (hosting companies usually have staff there 24/7, especially on busy "shopping" holidays)

All in all, your company, your pocketbook and your sanity, is generally better off with using an outside company to host your website.

Is there a chance that your host will do a disappearing act and go "poof". It is a possibility, but for the cost of hosting your own, your company might also.

Remember to keep copies of your website locally, just incase this should happen or even better. You can have your website "live" with one hosting company and keep it on another server (remember to update both when making changes) then if your "live" host goes under, you can simply point your domain name to a different address and bam, your up and running.

Always ask your web designer for copies of your site, at least if anything should happen to your host...or your designer...you wont be starting from complete scratch.

If you have any questions about our hosting options or what we offer our client when it comes to web design, please feel free to contact us.

THE LONGHORN DESIGN TEAM
www.longhorndesign.com

PC vs MAC debate

2009-03-27T17:52:00.000-07:00

Well here we are in 2009 and the PC/MAC debate still wages on...

We here at Longhorn Design are PC people... we do design on pc's, our audio/video editing is done on pc's, web hosting is all on pc's, 3-d and animation...you get the idea. We even have a PC running OS X, just incase we HAVE to use any MAC software (don't ask how we did it, it's our little secret - actually goto http://www.ehow.com/how_2338780_use-mac-os-x-pc.html to see how to run OS X on a PC). Now if you are a MAC'er don't be afraid, we're not going to change you over to the PC darkside, but if your looking for a new computer look at this video before you buy:

http://video.msn.com/?mkt=en-US&playlist=videoByUuids:uuids:0bb6a07c-c829-4562-8375-49e6693810c7&showPlaylist=true&from=msnvideo

Upgrade, Upgrade, Upgrade....

2009-03-05T18:47:00.000-08:00

Well, 1/2 of our systems have been upgraded, and about 1/2 of our webpage...Of course all of you know in the digital world, you must keep on top of your toes and things are so ever-changing. During this time of reinventation, we think it may be time to look at your own company or even yourself. Its a fast paced world we live in and sometimes we need to reflect in order to move forward, right now during our "construction" from March 1st 2009 - April 31 2009 we are giving customers 15% off all design services to help you reinvent yourself or your company. Just say that you want the "new me" discount on your next order and get 15% off any design service.

Upgrading for 2009...

2009-02-08T09:22:00.000-08:00

Whoa we've been busy...but not to forget about our fans here is a little goings-on for Longhorn Design.

1. We are currently upgrading our systems to help serve you better.

2. We are changing the look of our webpage so its got more services available and that WOW factor for 2009.

3. Look for new improved prices and "WEB ONLY" specials that will just keep you coming back for more...

4. New DIY design tips and help as well as an online proofing and editing system that will will just amaze you.

RIGHT NOW DURING THIS TIME OF RENEW WE ARE ALSO LOOKING FOR NEW VENDORS SO IF YOU THINK YOUR COMPANY HAS PRODUCTS/SERVICES WE MAY BE INTERESTED IN PLEASE LET US KNOW!!!

2009!!! LETS GET IT STARTED RIGHT!!!!!

2009-01-02T17:53:00.000-08:00

Were creating all new things that can help you and your company...whether it be design, or marketing or photography, look for super how-tos, new special web only deals, freebies, and so much, much more...2009 is going to be great, look to see all the wonders of the design world come together at our soon to be updated site www.longhorndesign.com

How much is creativity worth?

2008-11-20T18:03:00.001-08:00

So your a creative person. You've spent X amount of dollars on school and books and tool for your trade....but what's it all worth?

HOW DO YOU DETERMINE YOUR RATES?

To choose the income target you want from freelancing, remember that as an independent business person you must pay all your overhead, health benefits, vacation pay, retirement savings and taxes. Also, you must set aside regular time for marketing, accounting, and other nonbillable work. Total cost of living, expenses, and overhead are then divided by billable hours to figure the minimum per-hour rate you need to stay afloat. Billable hour estimates range from 1,000 to 1,500 hours per year. A quick ballpark estimate takes hourly rate X 1,000 hours to project potential annual income i.e., $55/hour X 1,000 hours = annual income of $55,000. (To fulfill this goal, though, you need 1,000 hours of billable work!)

Once you have determined your estimated hourly rate, you can use it to decide if you'll earn more than the average fast-food employee on a particular assignment. You can also use the rate to prepare project rates-a single all-inclusive fee where Project X is delivered for Y amount by Z deadline. Many clients and publishers prefer project rates, since they know the total cost in advance. It's good for the freelancer who works fast, too. If a given assignment pays $500, but takes 40 hours to complete, you've earned $10.50 an hour. But if you do that same assignment in 10 hours, you've earned $50 an hour-and have 30 hours left over to devote to another paying project. Some freelancers add an extra "hassle factor" charge for difficult clients or rush jobs.

The following are some basics rates for different "creative" industries...

ADVERTISING, COPYWRITING & PR

Copywriting $300/half day, $500/full day on-site in agency.

Advertising copywriting $120 high/hour, $33 low/hour, $66 average/hour; $750 high/project, $250 low/project, $525 average/project; $1.50/word.

Book jacket copywriting $100 high/hour, $30 low/hour, $65 average/hour; $500 high/project, $75 low/project, $300 average/project.

Campaign development or product launch $150 high/hour, $60 low/hour, $82 average/hour; $7,500 high/project, $1,500 low/project, $3,740 average/project.

Catalog copywriting $85 high/hour, $30 low/hour, $60 average/hour.

Copyediting for advertising $120 high/hour, $25 low/hour, $60 average/hour; $120/project for 1,000 words.

Direct-mail copywriting $150 high/hour, $35 low/hour, $78 average/hour; $15,000 high/project, $500 low/project, $5,000 average/product.

E-mail ad copywriting $100 high/hour, $35 low/hour, $70 average/hour; $2,500/project.

Event promotions/publicity $100 high/hour, $45 low/hour, $67 average/hour.

Fund-raising campaign brochure $75 high/hour, $23 low/hour, $58 average/hour; $2,000 high/project, $1,000 low/project, $1,500 average/project.

Political campaigns, public relations $75 high/hour, $23 low/hour, $49 average/hour.

Press kits $125 high/hour, $53 low/hour, $85 average/hour; $5,000 high/project, $1,000 low/project, $2,334 average/project.

Press/news release $100 high/hour, $23 low/hour, $62 average/hour; $1,000 high/project, $75 low/project, $305 average/project.

Public relations for businesses $115 high/hour, $25 low/hour, $76 average/hour.

Public relations for government $60 high/hour, $40 low/hour, $49 average/hour.

Public relations for organizations or nonprofits $95 high/hour, $25 low/hour, $56 average/hour.

Public relations for schools or libraries $75 high/hour, $50 low/hour, $65 average/hour.

Speechwriting/editing (general) $100 high/hour, $65 low/hour, $83 average/hour; $6,000 high/30-minute speech, $2,700 low/30-minute speech, $4,064 average/30-minute speech.

Speechwriting for government officials $90 high/hour, $30 low/hour, $52 average/hour.

Speechwriting for political candidates $60/hour.

AUDIOVISUALS & ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS

Copyediting audiovisual $85 high/hour, $40 low/hour, $58 average/hour.

Business film scripts (training and information) $125 high/hour, $40 low/hour, $82 average/hour; $500 high/run minute, $200 low/run minute, $325 average/run minute; $550 day rate (with discount up to 20% for multiple-day project); $3,500 high/project, $1,500 low/project, $2,500 average/project.

Educational/training film scripts $100 high/hour, $30 low/hour, $77 average/hour; $6,000 high/project, $1,500 low/project, $3,500 average/project; $500 high/run minute, $200 low/run minute, $325 average/run minute; $500 high day rate, $300 low day rate, $400 average day rate.

Corporate product film $100 high/hour, $30 low/hour, $70 average/hour; $500 high/run minute, $200 low/run minute, $325 average/run minute.

Movie novelization $10,000 high, $5,000 low, $7,000 average.

Options (feature films) First 180 days, 5% WGA minimum; 10% minimum each 180-day period thereafter.

Radio editorials $70 high/hour, $50 low/hour, $60 average/hour.

Radio interviews $1,500 high, $35 low, $100 average (rates depend on who you are and how badly the radio station wants you); $100 high/run minute (produced pieces over 2 minutes), $65 low/run minute (produced pieces over 2 minutes), $75 average/run minute (produced pieces over 2 minutes).

Radio commercials/PSAs $85 high/hour, $70 low/hour, $72 average/hour.

Script synopsis for business $70/hour; $20/news show.

Screenwriting (original screenplay) $91,495 high, $48,738 low, $70,117 average.

Script synopsis for agent or film producer $2,000 or $500/day.

Scripts for nontheatrical films for education, business, industry $100 high/hour, $55 low/hour, $80 average/hour; $500 high/run minute, $200 low/run minute, $325 average/run minute; $5,000/script (starting point).

TV news story/feature $100 high/hour, $70 low/hour, $90 average/hour.

TV scripts (nontheatrical) $150 high/hour, $70 low/hour, $100 average/hour; $1,000 high/day, $550 low/day, $800 average/day; $250/page; $1,200 (minimum)/project.

TV scripts (teleplay/MOW) $500 high/run minute, $200 low/run minute, $350 average/run minute; $6,567 story only (30 minutes or less); $19,699 (plus teleplay); $11,560 (story only); $28,974 (plus teleplay).

TV commercials/PSAs $85 high/hour, $60 low/hour, $73 average/hour.

BOOK PUBLISHING

Abstracting and abridging $35 high/hour, $30 low/hour, $33 average/hour.

Anthology editing $60 high/hour, $25 low/hour, $39 average/hour.

Book proposal consultation $60 high/hour, $35 low/hour, $48 average/hour; $500/project.

Book proposal writing $60 high/hour, $35 low/hour, $47 average/hour; $5,000 high/project, $500 low/project, $2,300 average/project.

Book query critique $55 high/hour, $45 low/hour, $51 average/hour; $30/page.

Book query writing $500 high/project, $120 low/project, $200 average/project.

Children's book writing Advance against royalties $10,000 high, $200 low, $4,900 average.

Content editing (scholarly) $80 high/hour, $20 low/hour, $40 average/hour; $3-$5/page; $850-$2,000/project.

Content editing (textbook) $65 high/hour, $20 low/hour, $36 average/hour.

Content editing (trade) $75 high/hour, $20 low/hour, $46 average/hour.

Copyediting $75 high/hour, $17 low/hour, $38 average/hour; $3,000 high/project, $1,000 low/project, $1,875 average/project.

Fiction book writing (own) $7,500 advance against royalties.

Ghostwriting, as told to $55 high/hour, $25 low/hour, $40 average/hour; $55,000 (one report)/project.

Ghostwriting, no credit $80 high/hour, $25 low/hour, $55 average/hour; $20,000 (one report)/project.

Indexing $8 high/page, $2.35 low/page, $3.50 average/page.

Manuscript evaluation and critique $65 high/hour, $45 low/hour, $55 average/hour; $1,500 high/project, $350 low/project, $950 average/project.

Movie novelization $7,000.

Nonfiction book writing (own) Advance against royalties $150,000 high, $5,000 low, $25,500 average; (textbook) $60/hour.

Nonfiction books (collaborative) Advance against royalties $30,000 high, $5,000 low, $15,700 average; $65 high/hour, $35 low/hour, $50 average/hour.

Novel synopsis (general) $60 high/hour, $45 low/hour, $51 average/hour.

Proofreading $45 high/hour, $16 low/hour, $26 average/hour; $3 high/page, $1 low/page, $2 average/page.

Research for writers or book publishers $75 high/hour, $30 low/hour, $49 average/hour; $500/day.

Rewriting $75 high/hour, $30 low/hour, $46 average/hour.

Translation (fiction) 12¢ high/target word, 6¢ low/target word, 9¢ average/target word; $10,000 high/book, $7,000 low/book, $8,500 average/book; (nonfiction) 15¢ high/target word, 8¢ low/target word, 10¢ average/target word; (poetry) $15 high/page, $0 low/page, $7.50 average/page.

Work for hire (flat fee, no royalties) $10,000 high, $1,000 low, $2,484 average.

BUSINESS

Annual reports $150 high/hour, $40 low/hour, $65 average/hour; $15,000 high/project, $3,000 low/project, $8,334 average/project.

Associations and organizations (writing for) $100 high/hour, $25 low/hour, $62 average/hour; $20,000 high/project, $2,500 low/project, $7,500 average/project.

Brochures, fliers, booklets for business $150 high/hour, $28 low/hour, $75 average/hour; $100/page; $5,000 high/project, $500 low/project, $3,125 average/project.

Business editing (general) $100 high/hour, $35 low/hour, $57 average/hour.

Business letters $150 high/hour, $30 low/hour, $70 average/hour; $1,200 (minimum) high/project, $200 low/project, $500 average/project.

Business plan $150 high/hour, $35 low/hour, $80 average/hour.

Business writing seminars $200 high/hour, $65 low/hour, $83 average/hour; $3,500 high/project, $1,000 low/project, $2,250 average/project.

Catalogs for businesses $150 high/hour, $30 low/hour, $73 average/hour; $2,500 high/project, $2,000 low/project, $2,250 average/project.

Consultation on communications $150 high/hour, $28 low/hour, $84 average/hour; $500/half day; $1,200 (minimum)/project.

Copyediting for business $100 high/hour, $27 low/hour, $57 average/hour; $4/page.

Corporate histories $115 high/hour, $28 low/hour, $71 average/hour; $200/printed page.

Corporate periodicals, editing $100 high/hour, $27 low/hour, $56 average/hour.

Corporate periodicals, writing $125 high/hour, $40 low/hour, $72 average/hour; $2/word.

Corporate profile $115 high/hour, $80 low/hour, $98 average/hour; $350/project (200 words); $1.40/word.

Ghostwriting for business (usually trade magazine articles for business columns) $115 high/hour, $50 low/hour, $82 average/hour.

Government research $100 high/hour, $30 low/hour, $65 average/hour.

Government writing $100 high/hour, $30 low/hour, $64 average/hour.

Grant proposal writing for nonprofits $100 high/hour, $15 low/hour, $49 average/hour.

Newsletters, desktop publishing/production $100 high/hour, $23 low/hour, $54 average/hour; $3,800 high/project (4 pages), $1,000 low/project (4 pages), $2,520 average/project (4 pages); $750/page.

Newsletters, editing $100 high/hour, $25 low/hour, $53 average/hour.

Newsletters, writing $150 high/hour, $23 low/hour, $63 average/hour; $1 high/word, 30¢ low/word, 69¢ average/word.

Translation (commercial, for government agencies, technical) Rates for translating vary widely, from 12¢ to 20¢/target word, depending on language combination (source and target) and area of specialization. (Example Spanish is inexpensive, Chinese is expensive.) Also may charge by target line ($1.20 line) or $90-$120/1,000 words.

COMPUTER, SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL

Computer-related manual writing $125 high/hour, $40 low/hour, $75 average/hour.

Copyediting scientific journals $18/hour (one report).

E-mail copywriting $150 high/hour, $50 low/hour, $77 average/hour; $1,200/project (minimum).

Medical and science editing $100 high/hour, $16 low/hour, $54 average/hour.

Medical and science proofreading $75 high/hour, $16 low/hour, $35 average/hour.

Medical and science writing $200 high/hour, $40 low/hour, $86 average/hour; $5,000/project.

Online editing $120 high/hour, $28 low/hour, $58 average/hour.

Technical editing $100 high/hour, $25 low/hour, $51 average/hour.

Technical writing $110 high/hour, $40 low/hour, $66 average/hour.

Web page design $75 high/hour, $40 low/hour, $59 average/hour; $4,000 high/project, $500 low/project, $2,000 average/project.

Web page editing $120 high/hour, $35 low/hour, $65 average/hour.

Web page writing $120 high/hour, $25 low/hour, $75 average/hour; $1 high/word, 50¢ low/word, 69¢ average/word; $300 high/page, $50 low/page, $150 average/page.

White Papers $120 high/hour, $45 low/hour, $80 average/hour.

EDITORIAL/DESIGN PACKAGES

(Editor's note For more information about photography rates, please see 2004 Photographer's Market.)

Desktop publishing $150 high/hour, $25 low/hour, $61 average/hour.

Greeting card ideas $60/hour; $125 high/card, $25 low/card, $77 average/card.

Photo brochures $75 high/hour, $65 low/hour, $70 average/hour.

Photo research $75 high/hour, $60 low/hour, $69 average/hour.

Photography $125 high/hour, $60 low/hour, $83 average/hour; $100 high/photo, $10 low/photo, $35 average/photo.

Picture editing $150 high/hour, $40 low/hour, $60 average/hour.

EDUCATIONAL & LITERARY SERVICES

Educational consulting and designing courses for business or adult education $50 high/hour, $30 low/hour, $45 average/hour; $2,500 high/project, $600 low/project, $1,213 average/project.

Educational grant and proposal writing $50 high/hour, $35 low/hour, $43 average/hour; $2,500 high/project, $600 low/project, $1,550 average/project.

Manuscript evaluation for theses/dissertations $95 high/hour, $20 low/hour, $46 average/hour; $1550 high/project, $250 low/project, $700 average/project.

Poetry manuscript critique $200 high/hour, $75 low/hour, $100 average/hour.

Presentations at national conventions by well-known authors $30,000 high/event, $1,000 low/event, $5,000 average/event. (Note Celebrity authors may earn much higher rates. Some presentations are given for travel expenses only or honorarium.)

Presentations at regional writers' conferences $10,000 high/event, $50 low/event (or expenses only), $1,180 average/event.

Presentations to local groups, librarians, or teachers $50/hour; $250 high/event, $35 low/event, $129 average/event.

Presentations to school classes $900/day; $500/half day; $3,400 high/five-day visiting artist program, $2,500 low/five-day visiting artist program, $2,750 average/five-day visiting artist program. (Note Some presentations to local groups and school classes given free or for a very nominal fee.)

Readings by poets, fiction writers $3,000 high/event, $50 low/event, $200 average/event (highest fees for celebrity writers).

Short story manuscript critique $200 high/hour, $53 low/hour, $75 average/hour; $5/page.

Teaching college course/seminar (includes adult education) $4,500 high/course, $500 low/course, $1,827 average/course.

Writer's workshop $1,000 high/event, $100 low/event, $606 average/event.

Writing for scholarly journals 14¢/word (one report); $450/article. (Most scholarly writing is authored free as a "career enhancer.")

MAGAZINES & TRADE JOURNALS

(Editor's note For specific pay rate information for feature articles, columns/departments, fillers, etc., please see individual market listings.)

Article manuscript critique $35 high/hour, $25 low/hour, $30 average/hour.

Arts reviewing $300 high/project, $25 low/project, $125 average/project; $1.25 high/word, 25¢ low/word, 75¢ average/word.

Book reviews $650 high/project, $20 low/project, $150 average/project; $1 high/word, 5¢ low/word, 44¢ average/word.

Consultation on magazine editorial $200 high/hour, $35 low/hour, $95 average/hour.

Content editing $55 high/hour, $35 low/hour, $46 average/hour; $6,500 high/issue, $2,000 low/issue, $4,250 average/issue.

Copyediting $55 high/hour, $18 low/hour, $40 average/hour.

Fact checking $20 high/hour, $15 low/hour, $18 average/hour.

Ghostwriting articles (general) $100 high/hour, $55 low/hour, $77 average/hour; $3,500 high/project, $2,000 low/project, $2,750 average/project; $1.50 high/word, 75¢ low/word, $1.25 average/word.

City magazine, calendar of events column $150 high/column, $50 low/column, $75 average/column.

Consumer magazine column $575 high/project, $200 low/project, $350 average/project.

Consumer magazine feature articles $4 high/word, 30¢ low/word, $1.19 average/word; $3,000 high/project, $100 low/project, $822 average/project.

Magazine research $100 high/hour, $25 low/hour, $52 average/hour; $150 high/topic, $100 low/topic, $125 average/topic.

Proofreading $40 high/hour, $25 low/hour, $32 average/hour; $7/page.

Reprint fees $700 high/project, $20 low/project, $200 average/project.

Rewriting $50 high/hour, $35 low/hour, $45 average/hour.

Trade journal column $1 high/word, 50¢ low/word, 74¢ average/word; $550 high/column, $75 low/column, $219 average/column; $50/hour.

Trade journal feature article $1 high/word, 15¢ low/word, 61¢ average/word; $90 high/hour, $50 low/hour, $70 average/hour.

NEWSPAPERS

Arts reviewing 60¢ high/word, 10¢ low/word, 36¢ average/word; $200 high/review, $20 low/review, $80 average/review.

Book reviews 60¢ high/word, 25¢ low/word, 40¢ average/word; $250 high/review, $50 low/review, $100 average/review.

Column, local $175 high/column, $10 low/column, $100 average/column.

Copyediting $35 high/hour, $17.50 low/hour, $26 average/hour.

Editing/manuscript evaluation $35/hour.

Feature 50¢ high/word, 8¢ low/word, 22¢ average/word; $1,500 high/project, $50 low/project, $276 average/project.

Obituary copy $75 high/story, $35 low/story, $50 average/story.

Proofreading $22 high/hour, $18 low/hour, $20 average/hour.

Stringing $300 high/story, $150 low/story, $225 average/story.

Syndicated column, self-promoted (rate depends on circulation) $35 high/insertion; $4 low/insertion, $8 average/insertion.

You can also log onto http://www.hotgigs.com/general/template.cfm?page=research_rates to see going rates specifically for your field and location.

If you want the best rates for the best quality, check us out at: www.longhorndesign.com

Holidays are comin' r u ready?

2008-11-09T16:33:00.000-08:00

Tis' almost the season.

You know the season of shopping and entertaining and holiday cards and cooking for that entire group of mongrels that we call "family and friends" who act like they haven't had mashed potatoes since the last holiday season.

And if your a business owner, you know what that means...sales and your shoppers out for that one special "gift" and wrapping services and corporate gifts and holiday signs and bonus checks and...is it new year yet?!?!?!?

No matter what, you love the hustle and bustle of the season. The looks on that special someone or someones in your life. The ringing of the bells, or the ringing of the cash register. Bob telling his funny stories at your Holiday party. And, after all we all know it's that special ingredient that makes your mashed potatoes taste just a little bit....better!

So what can you do to make the Holidays even more "special"?

Well first of all you give us a call:

We can setup that holiday card list that you've been dreading to do, we can help set up all the extras that special event for your holiday festivities like invitations, place cards, custom placemats, whatever... for 5 people or 50,000 , photos-everyone loves photos for the holidays- either on your custom holiday cards, or as gifts for your friends and family who wonder what Sara and John look like since they haven't seen them since they were just born...ans now they're getting ready to go off to college, and signs, you need signs...if not for your business then heck your the kind of family that wants a big "Santa Dont Forget To Stop Here!" banner on your house. Maybe you want "custom" wrapping paper with your company logo on it, or with your dog sparky wearing that elf hat you bought him, maybe you want that corporate popcorn tin with your logo embossed on it, cumon your customers will remember you as the company that gave them that cheese popcorn that makes their fingers all orange at least.

The whole point is that the Holidays are a special time for you and if your a business owner for your company and its employees. Longhorn Design can help make that time even more enjoyable. Our design, marketing, promotions and photographers can help you to come with ideas that will make you a SHINING STAR in the eyes of your friends, family, employees, clients and customers.

Right now we are offering special Holiday deals on all design, marketing and promotion services from Thanksgiving, 2008 Until the New Year. Our team of professionals will are here to help you and give you ideas to make your Holiday Season remarkable.

For helpful shopping lists, Holiday card lists, Holiday To-Do lists and more check out our ZIP arachive that can make your season a little less frantic at http://home.comcast.net/~keithmessina/HOLIDAY HELPERS.zip

AND REMEMBER TO GO TO WWW.LONGHORNDESIGN.COM FOR ASSISTANCE WITH ALL YOUR HOLIDAY PROMOTIONS, CARDS AND MORE!!!

Agency-In-A-Box

2008-11-02T17:22:00.000-08:00

A New Service that is Revolutionizing how you get things designed...

Whether you are a small business, organization, or individual, Longhorn Design has your perfect solution — get Agency-In-A-Box!

Agency-In-A-Box Overview

Every business or organization relies on regular marketing activities and graphic design communications to ensure their success, but not everyone will have the time or budget to take on a full-time marketing or design staff.

In today's ultra-competitive marketplace, you cannot afford to lose potential clients because they think that your compeititors appear more professional, more unified or more put together than you are. But it requires an investment of time and effort to keep your graphic design, web and marketing efforts looking their best.

With Agency-In-A-Box you can now afford to have all of your creative materials such as your logo, business stationery, print ads, flyers, brochures, sales material, marketing materials, Website design and much more created or maintained for one flat monthly retainer rate, starting from just $100/day - that's about $2000/month for unlimited design services.

What is a retainer service?

Longhorn Design's Retainer Service (Agency-In-A-Box) is a an all new way to look at your companies advertising, design, marketing & promotions. A cost effective way for small and mid-sized businesses and organizations to access all the services of a talented graphic design professional without the cost of hiring a full-time employee. It offers the perfect way to get an out-sourced graphic designer for businesses that need regular recurring graphic design every month and want to save money on high salaries and expensive benefits.

For a pre-determined monthly fee, Longhorn Design budgets a set amount of priority hours each month specifically toward your projects (flexible to your needs). Unused hours may be carried forward to future months (however must be used prior to the determined expiry date).

The Agency-In-A-Box Retainer Service contract is month to month and paid in advance, with typical terms set for monthy, quarterly, yearly or custom taylored terms (upon approval).

Advantages of having Agency-In-A-Box

Convenience
Gone are the days of wondering if you can afford to have a particular piece of marketing collateral created. Gone are the delays of getting a price quote before work starts. Enjoy the convenience of just sending a request and having work start on your required piece. It's included in your Agency-In-A-Box monthly fee.

Priority Service
By securing a guaranteed amount of prioritized design service time, Agency-In-A-Box retainer clients are always given a higher priority when it comes to their projects (which are sometimes needed "yesterday").

Consistency
Enjoy the creative consistency that comes from using a single firm for all your marketing needs. Relax with the peace of mind that all of your marketing communication pieces will be unified and present your business or organization's image in the best, most professional light.

Cost Effective and Customized
Maybe you just need a graphic or Web designer for a few hours do minor monthly updates. Or you may have a major project coming up and need a designer for a week or two each month! Whatever your individual case may be, we'll work with you to develop a plan that fits your unique needs.

Discounted Design & Service Rates
Along with the benefits and convenience of monthly billing and securing a lower hourly rate, unused hours may be carried forward to future months (however must be used prior to the determined expiry date).

No Added Overhead
With the monthly Agency-In-A-Box retainer service Longhorn Design is a extension of your business and you will have the resources available to get your advertising, marketing and design done right; without making space in your office, paying for equipment or added employee costs and benefits.

Consider the costs (time and money) you'll save compared with hiring and employing an in-house designer:

* Full-Time Salary (current national average is $55,000 according to reports)
* Benefits Package (medical insurance, dental, vision, etc.)
* Overhead and workspace (office, expensive hardware and software, payroll)
* Vacation, sick time and more...

The cost of employing a full-time designer can put an unnecessary strain on your "bottom line". Contact us today to see how we can meet your specific needs more cost effectively!

Direct Contact
In addition to the regular calls to discuss your account, a secured webpage will be set up where you can review or download your requested work. Depending on your preferred method of contact, communication can be facilitated by phone, email, fax, or a custom instant messenger account to allow real-time online contact.

How much does the Agency-In-A-Box service cost?

Longhorn Design continues to provide quality graphic design services on a per-project basis. We can quote and design any individual design item you might need. But we also offer Agency-In-A-Box for the clients that have numerous products or services needed on a quick-turnaround basis, but not quite enough to warrant employing a full-time, in-house graphic designer. So we have created a revolutionary way for clients who need a more complete design service and a way to benefit from more savings.

Rates: An average Agency-In-A-Box client pays only $100/day or $2000/month to ensure a 100 hours per month of dedicated designer services to design an unlimited range of projects as opposed to our standard hourly rate which is from $35 to $105. Now figure 5 hours each day for a 1 month design project at our standard design rate of $50 per hour...thats 5hours x 5days x 4weeks x $50 per hour= Thats $5,000!!! The contract is monthly plan, paid in advance, there are several plans to choose from or even customize...call us for more info.

Who Becomes a Agency-In-A-Box Client?

Some of our Agency-In-A-Box clients are small businesses or organizations who are either just starting up, and require everything to get their business started off on the right foot, while others are already established and have some form of recurring monthly graphic design needs - whether it's a newsletter or monthly email marketing campaign or those just looking to update their Website content.

New Blog

2008-10-22T18:32:00.000-07:00

WELCOME

This is the NEW blog for Longhorn design,
we also have a "lens" over at http://www.squidoo.com/longhorndesign

About Us

We have all the services you need to promote your business or even yourself. We have a staff with over 10 years of the art & mastery of design and can help your business to grow with the times.

We have created various projects with some of the US largest named clients and have also served small to medium local markets in Chicago, San Diego, Orlando with our NEW home office being in Wylie, Texas.

We work with vendors and suppliers both locally and across the world so that we can bring you the services you need at incredible prices...when you need it!

Our Services

What services exactly do we have to offer? The list is always expanding, right now we offer:

3-D Modeling, Advertisements, Animation, Banners, Booklets, Brochures, Business Cards, Business Stationery, CD/DVD Duplication, Commerical Photography, Corporate Branding, Custom Printing, Direct Mail, E-Publishing, Fleet Graphics, Flyers, HTML (graphics) E-mails, Illustration, Invitations, Logo Design, Mailing Lists, Marketing, Menus, Modeling/Portrait Photography, Newsletters, Page Composition, Postcards, Posters, PowerPoint Presentations, Presentation Folders, Promotional Items, Proofreading, Scanning, Wearables, Web Page Design, Webcasting...

We hope to bring you local Texas news about Longhorn Design, special deals, design news, how-to's, free fonts, clipart, open source design software, SEO info and much, much, MUCH MORE..