Designer, Professor and Dad.

I'm Jeff Fuqua, owner of Fuqua Design in Franklin, Tennessee.

I've been blessed to be able to do something I love, and make a living doing it, for a long time. My career journey has taken me along the path of working for advertising agencies and public relation firms to owning my own business the last 20 years. In the mix is 13 years of teaching graphic design at the college level, 20 years of marriage and being the father of two. My passion for what I do is as strong as its ever been.

If you want to boil down who I am as a designer, I'm a big believer in the following:

It's about the idea.

This industry has been, and forever will be, about smart ideas. Ideas that solve problems, get noticed and are memorable. The power of a great idea is the engine that transforms the way we live and think. That is the kind of power I feel needs to be the core of every project I do.

Keep it simple.

Removing the unnecessary and focusing on the essence is key to effective communication in a world of visual overload. "Simple" doesn't mean "simplistic" but clear and focused in message and design. To quote Charles Mingus, "Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity".

Build trust.

Make the client a hero. Remember they hired your creativity to grow their business. Solve their problems with positive, and measurable, results. Be professional in all you do.

Add it all up and I think I have a formula that hopefully appeals to anyone looking for a designer.

Here are some of the typical questions I receive the most:

What kind of services do you provide?

I create all forms of print and web including:

Logo design
Business cards/stationary
Brochures/direct mail
Print advertising
Newsletters/catalogs/annual reports/menus
Posters
Packaging (CD/DVD/etc.)
Content Management System (CMS) websites
PHP-based message boards
Online advertising
Social media implementation
Hosting services

…and more.

Who are your clients?

I work with a variety of clients from large corporations to the small, start-up business. My approach is the same for all. I am very budget-minded and efficient. I provide excellent customer service, quality and value. My goal is to build lasting relationships that turn clients into friends.

Some of my past and current clients can be seen on the side column.

How much do you charge?

It totally depends on the variables and complexity of the project. I charge a flat amount for a project and an hourly rate if any additional work is needed.

What is important to remember is that I can work within most budgets and my 25 years of experience has given me insight on ways to save my clients time and money. This makes my rates very competitive for the level of service I provide.

I always create a detailed estimate which must be approved before work begins. For jobs with a quote of under $500, an initial payment representing one-half of the total fee is required upon signing an estimate. The remaining fee is due upon completion of the job. For projects with a quote of over $500, an initial payment representing one-third of the estimated total fee is required. The second one-third is billable upon the halfway point or second phase of the project, with the final third due upon completion of the project.

How long will it take to complete my project?

The timescale of a project is generally dictated by the client. I feel it is important to produce a production schedule which is agreed upon before a project begins.

What does the design process involve?

I begin with a free consultation. Together, I work with the client to outline the goals, target audience and other details of the project. I encourage my clients to provide any examples, color schemes, and ideas they have which helps me understand their vision. Client interaction is important throughout the process but essential in the beginning.

I then present a full proposal which verbalizes the creative direction for the project. This will include a full estimate and production schedule.

How do I check on the progress of my job during the design process?

The client is kept current of the progress of their job through an approval process. The client will see the project at certain stages, or milestones, and make approval before work continues. This process keeps the client involved and prevents any breakdowns in communication. In between these milestones, the client is free to contact me to get an update.

If I need a writer or photographer, can you help me?

Many of my clients provide their own written content, photos and want to use their own printers. If not, I work with an number of independent writers, programmers, photographers and illustrators to meet those needs.

How will I receive my project once finished?

All industry-standard formats are followed when delivering final files. For print design, files are provided on disc in high-res PDF format along with native files by request. For logos, I create a variety of formats for every possible use. For web, I upload files to your server.