Design & Consultation Fee

Protecting professional time while keeping the process fair

Some projects require substantial work before an accurate quotation or production decision can be made.

This can include reviewing artwork, identifying file problems, researching materials, providing technical advice, creating concepts and producing initial mock-ups.

For these larger bespoke projects, Wild Islay Studio charges a £30 consultation and design fee.

When does the fee apply?

The fee may apply when a project requires:

  • Original design work
  • Detailed artwork assessment
  • Repairing or recreating supplied artwork
  • Researching materials or production methods
  • Technical advice
  • Initial concepts or mock-ups
  • Test layouts
  • Several possible formats or components
  • Time establishing whether the project is viable
  • Preparation before an accurate quotation can be given

I will tell you if the fee applies before chargeable consultation or design work begins.

When does it not apply?

The fee does not normally apply to:

  • Straightforward personalised keyrings
  • Standard photo gifts
  • Mugs using an existing layout
  • Basic personalised cards
  • Products using an established Wild Islay Studio template
  • Standard print orders supplied with suitable print-ready artwork

These orders are usually paid for in full before production.

What happens if I proceed?

If you approve the project and proceed with the full order, the £30 consultation fee is deducted from your final invoice.

For example:

  • Consultation fee paid: £30
  • Final approved project total: £150
  • Remaining balance: £120

What happens if I do not proceed?

If you decide not to continue, the consultation fee remains payable and is not refunded.

The fee covers professional time and work already completed during assessment, planning or design.

What if Wild Islay Studio declines the project?

The consultation fee covers assessment and professional work undertaken. It does not guarantee that a project will be accepted for production.

A project may be declined if:

  • The supplied files are unsuitable
  • The requested result cannot be produced reliably
  • The timescale is unrealistic
  • The required materials or process are unavailable
  • The work falls outside the studio’s services
  • I do not believe the finished result would meet an acceptable standard

Where no chargeable assessment or design work has begun, no consultation fee will be charged.

Ownership of concepts and mock-ups

Concepts, layouts and mock-ups produced by Wild Islay Studio remain the intellectual property of Wild Islay Studio until the full project has been paid for, unless agreed otherwise in writing.

Mock-ups must not be copied, recreated, supplied to another business or used for production without written permission.

Payment of a consultation fee does not automatically transfer ownership of editable files, concepts or production artwork.

Respectful communication

Questions and constructive feedback are always welcome.

Abusive, threatening or derogatory communication will not be accepted. Wild Islay Studio may end communication and decline further work where a customer behaves abusively.