I don't think you'll find too much help in here. What you are asking for is considered spec work...something a lot of designers frown upon.

That's kind of what I was thinking -- of course, one would expect the same of graphic designers, but sites like designoutpost.com are quite busy with this kind of work going on -- and generally with reasonably good quality as well.

James, a lot of graphic designers (and all major design associations) do frown on spec work. It devalues the work, invites amateurism, and opens the artist to all kinds of intellectual-property vulnerabilities. Design contests are often tolerated when run by nonprofit organizations, but that's about it.

Good design involves more than just coming up with a neat idea. It requires research, investigation, and getting to know the client. If you want good design, hire professionals and pay them for their time and work.

"I'd much rather have something designed by typographers than just graphic designers."


I think what your looking for is a 'good graphic designer'. A 'good designer' would be one well versed IN typography. I think you will find many talented 'typographers' who could set a beautiful page for you, but would be clueless when it came to trying to develop and impliment an identity. If this makes sense.

Ohh, and no, you will NOT find a 'good designer'
who will do spec work. (period)
Maybe if you were a fortune 100 company.

Spec work is for the art school kids.

HIldebrant.

"designoutpost.com are quite busy with this kind of work going on -- and generally with reasonably good quality as well."

Hmm...never been to that site. Just went and had a look-see. I think your definition of 'reasonably good' differs than mine. ;o)

But hey, if that's what you want, there's no crime in it...

Well, I'm a small business owner, so "reasonably good" means "as good as you're going to get on a miniscule budget."

It's not great, it's not going to be printed in any design magazines, and it's not going to win any awards, but for the amount a small business is able to pay -- it's reasonable.

This makes me realize, of course, that I might be better asking the question in a different way -- how can I get typographical work done on a shoestring budget?

By sacrificing quality? The usual method...

hhp

There aren't many alternatives to that, unfortunately.

Well, it depends what "miniscule budget" means. You could certainly check out a bunch of designers, approach the smaller shops whose work you respect, and say, "Here's what I can afford -- can you do anything for me?" Can't hurt to ask.

There's also bartering.

hhp

Ahhh, bartering's not a bad idea. I would think that more talented amateurs would probably already have websites (I operate a web development firm), but it might be worth a shot...

Well, there are a few things to consider.

Do you not have a marketing budget? If you're running a business, you should have one.

The bartering idea is a good one. Do you offer web hosting? That might be a useful swap. Otherwise, just find and hire a good freelancer. You'll probably pay more than $100, but you might be surprised what you can get if you work with the designer.

I do indeed offer webhosting. Where would be a good place to make such an offer and see if anyone's interested? Would it be inappropriate to post some kind of "will barter for typography?" post on this site?

(To answer your question, we do have a marketing budget, but it's currently only in the hundreds of dollars.)

Something I often suggest to potential clients with limited budgets is to approach local design schools with their project proposals. Some schools will take on business projects as class efforts, give design students school credit for taking on such work, or suggest student designers who might be able to work within the client's budget limitations.

On the topic of "spec" work the following article offers some good information:

http://www.creativelatitude.com/articles/articles_cb_spec.html

Jeff Fisher
Engineer of Creative Identity

Jeff Fisher LogoMotives
http://www.jfisherlogomotives.com