Graphic Design in Gilroy

Fixed price for a defined deliverable (a logo, a brochure) protects both sides; hourly suits open-ended or ongoing work. Standard structure is a 30-50% deposit with the balance on delivery — never pay 100% up front for creative work you haven't seen.

You should — insist the contract transfers copyright on final payment and that you receive the editable source files (AI, PSD, Figma), not just flattened JPEGs. Font licensing can be separate. Designer-retained source files are the most common lock-in trap: without them, every future edit routes back through the original designer.

Graphic design is highly remote-friendly, so a Gilroy designer isn't essential — but local designers understand your market and can meet face-to-face. Judge on portfolio fit (do their past projects look like what you want?), not postcode, and always review real client work, not just personal concepts.

Two to three revision rounds per deliverable is the industry standard, stated in the brief or contract. 'Unlimited revisions' sounds generous but signals weak process and projects that stall. Consolidate all your feedback into each round rather than drip-feeding, and you'll get a better result faster.

No contract, no source files or copyright transfer, a portfolio of only personal/spec work with no real clients, 'unlimited revisions' with no defined scope, 100% up-front payment, and using stock or AI-generated art passed off as bespoke without disclosure. Recycled or lightly-edited template work sold as custom is another warning sign.

Freelancers typically charge $30-150/hr, with logos commonly $300-2,500 and full brand-identity packages $2,000-10,000+. Marketplace designs run far cheaper but with limited rights, revisions and originality.