Frequently Asked Questions

The following points act as a summary of information that can be found elsewhere on this website.
Most of which is more detailed within my terms and conditions.

In what format will you sent your creative submissions?

Ad 'concepts', requiring a rough visual, will be sketched and generally be faxed, but may be explained via phone or email.
'Copy' submissions can be delivered by phone, fax or email (with an attached Word or PDF document where possible).

Are you prepared to travel?

No problem! I enjoy traveling and can easily drive or fly wherever you need me.
I am based in Wellngton, New Zealand but often travel to London, Uk.

You may prefer me work within your premises/team, or want to consider the benefits of having me to see the product or your client, attend a trade show, or be there for an important meeting.
With exceptional presentation skills I can 'present' to your clients with confidence, charisma, focused creativity and professionalism.
The nearest airport is only 15 minutes drive. I just need enough notice to plan it into my schedule and rearrange my workload with other clients. I can make my own travel arrangements or you can do it for me.

Note: Travel decisions will depend on the length of time away from home. I have very young children to consider.
For clients within NZ, where traveling home regularly would not be such an issue, the period of a contact can be as long as required. With clients overseas, I prefer to discuss it on a case-by-case basis.

Do you have minimum contract length?

No.

Can you do longer term contracts?

Yes.

How do I get a quote from you?

When you initiate contact with a proposed project, you need to provide me with the parameters necessary for me to gauge how much time I'll need to invest in the job. I want to know what type of project is it (print, radio, etc), what is being advertised (product, service, place, etc), who the target audience is (consumers, retailers, dealers, etc), how much material or educational background I'll be able to get, and what deadline you have in mind. With that information, I can estimate the time it would take me to complete it.
This document must be signed and approved before any work will start.
Without adequate information up front, all work will be done on a per-hour basis until a realistic estimate can be created and approved. Steve Kelly ensures that final invoices will be within 10% of the original estimate unless the project specifications change.

How do you handle billing?

An initial deposit of 25% of the estimated contract fee is required before commencement of my services. Generally, I can be pretty flexible to adapt to your standard procedures or accepted practices. If a project is likely to take more than month from start to finish, I prefer to work on a progress billing system. Depending on the total estimate, I can break it into thirds or halves that are due at major points in the timeline. The balance plus any end-of-job expenses is due upon final completion of the my services within the project. Like my estimates, my invoices can be in electronic (PDF) format, faxed or mailed.

How do I pay your fees?

Payments are made direct to my account. I will supply exact details as required.
You will be liable for any fees your bank may charge for this service. The fees my bank charges me are my responsibility.

What are your fees/rates?

With an infinite range of products and services each with infinite possibilities, it is impossible to give a quote until after the first briefing. A quote (estimate of expected billing) will be provided once we have established the nature and extent of service required.

My rates are very reasonably pitched alongside peers of similar talent.
With the cost of living in NZ, my rates are indeed very favourable for the international clients.

Though I have an hourly rate, clients may prefer to establish an upfront estimation of the full project.
Quotes will reflect the time required based on the level of finished presentation. A ‘one-off’ submission of rough concepts to get ‘the ball rolling’ will obviously take far less time than detailed body copy or highly polished 'print-ready' work.

What about other expenses?

Each job's actual expenses for phone, fax, couriers, copies, travel, etc) plus an overall 15% markup for administration will be billed in the final invoice. Detailed receipts will be submitted with the invoice.

Do you have a stall/kill policy?

Yes, as this is a necessary protection for the viability of my business. The client is obligated to pay for all work completed to date should the job be terminated, canceled, rejected or not used. In the event of cancellation, or any delay of more than one month (30 days), I will invoice for the greater of either: 1) work
completed up to the date of written notification, including expenses; or 2) the amount of any advance deposit or progress payments already received. No refunds of progress payments will be made unless under exceptional circumstances at my discretion. All work completed will remain property of Steven Kelly, but will be available if the project is resumed later. In most cases, I will submit a new estimate to re-start a stalled job.

How do we get started?

After a project has been estimated and approved, I must have a deposit of 25% of the quoted fees.
I ask you supply full details and background of the brief and your client. The goal is to ascertain not only scheduling, budget and job specifications, but also your preferences, target audience and objectives. Obviously, it's imperative that I learn the features and benefits of the specific product or service. It's best to provide me with extensive information and direct contact with marketing managers, product engineers, or others directly responsible for the product's marketing and sales success. While this process can seem time-consuming at the start, it's a critical step in achieving creative excellence through on-target strategy. And in the end, this will save you money by eliminating any "wasted" time spent on the job, as well as leveraging the education gained on future projects.

How long will you take?

Obviously that depends on the nature of the brief and level of my finished presentation. I will also be determined by the speed and 'forward momentum' of your decisions. Any deviation from the initial brief or agreed-upon schedule may well result in a delayed final delivery. Please consider the consequences of delays when allotting appropriate time for each stage in the process and making 'work-in-progress' decisions.

Though I hope to hit the nail on the head first time, the most satisfactory solution may come after several rounds of submissions. I may also need to consider other work commitments and schedule workflow in an efficient businesslike fashion. Naturally, rush jobs and deadline pressures are a part of the advertising industry and I will always attempt to deliver creative work within these parameters. Ideally we will work together to develop realistic schedules and delivery dates for each project.

Whats the most effective way we can work together?

By appointing one account/project manager, or creative director, we all stay focused on the task at hand and are not distracted by too many personal opinions and agendas. This person should be of suitable seniority in order to make binding decisions. Presentation of the work should be done to this person throughout. Changes in who I present to can lead to new and differing opinions.This can often be the case when appointing others during short term absence.
I suggest putting comments and input in writing where possible to ensure proper weight is given to all statements. When general feedback is given over the phone, I will verify what was said in a written document to safeguard against misunderstandings.

After reviewing the requested revisions, I can determine a reasonable return of the project for the next round of review. For the final approval, work should be submitted to necessary legal and product safety counsel. At this stage, the review should be limited to fact and detail checking only, reserving stylistic and subjective decisions to the primary project manager.

I will keep the project's point person informed of progress throughout the entire process. The goal is to keep your project moving forward quickly, smoothly and cost-effectively, ensuring results exceed expectations for your complete satisfaction.

Can you present to my client?

With exceptional presentation skills I can 'present' to your clients with confidence, charisma, focused creativity and professionalism.

How many rounds of submissions are included in your estimate?

Submissions are not limited if employed on a 'specific period' basis (ie hourly, daily,etc).

If not then, in general, copywriting projects include the following steps for revisions (otherwise known as 'author's alterations').
1) Rough initial outline or copy
2) New/revised draft (if necessary)
3) Final draft (with majority of client revisions)
4) Minor editing corrections (for the purpose of proofing/tweaking)

What if we need to do a major rewrite of the brief?

When a project reaches the point that a rewrite is requested or required because the project parameters, positioning or plans changed, I will revise my original estimate for approval before work can continue.
Upon receiving and reviewing the requested client corrections, I will notify the project's point person if it appears the project has reached a major rewrite/redo point.

Will you return any materials sent?

Yes, client materials (documents, literature, CDs, DVDs, etc.) will be returned upon receipt of final payment of my services within the project.

Who owns what?

Upon completion and payment in full for creative work, ownership transfers to the client, except in the case of illustration/photography, or where otherwise indicated.

Note: All preparatory materials (sketches/concepts/copy etc not utilized ) remain the legal property of Steven Kelly.

What about proofreading and errors that get produced?

I'll do my best to provide error-free copy and agree to proofread the project throughout the
process, it is the sole responsibility of the client to review all material prior to production and to attest for its accuracy. I will not be liable for production charges or legal cases related to any error in copy, edited or not. The client has final approval and responsibility for accuracy.

What about on-line ads?

The internet has begun to revolutionize way we buy and sell. More than just business-to-business sales tool, it now holds an audience with literally every person on a computer. The audience potential is phenomenal.

Not only does this new medium have huge potential for those selling but also for advertisers. Quality and imagination can better the standards, and push the barriers. Today ad agencies need consider this to sell themselves to the on-line marketeer and consumer.
Banner ads, pop-ups, flash animations…the possibilities are becoming ever more inventive.

With a medium of such importance it would be a mistake not include 'on-line ads' into my services.

Do you have graphic design skills?

When not on an advertising briefs I am a graphic designer. I have many years of experience producing 'print-ready' materials like brochures and signage, as well as the most conceptual development of logos and branding solutions .Together with my preferred web developers we can fulfill all 'online requirements' from ads to full sites.

I use CorelDraw, Photoshop, Fireworks and DreamweaverMX and work on PC.

What about logos and other branding collateral?

With my experience in marketing, and as a graphic designer, it is possible for me to extend myself past my origins of just being an 'ad creative'. I have many satisfied clients who will bear witness to my abilities. Please contact me for examples and contactable references. I pride myself on my foresight and understanding of the importance of solid branding, and of what is required to establish and maintain it.

Any more questions or issues?

If you have any further questions please feel free to contact me