Frequently Asked Questions

Maverick Studios is a Saskatoon-based design and communications studio and offers design services for print products, social media, websites, marketing and advertising, and merchandise design. We also provide full writing/editing services, and branding / logo design services.

You'll notice "we" mentioned a lot, and that's because flexibility offers advantages. 

I am Michelle Houlden, the owner, creative director and at the moment, the only full-time employee of Maverick Studios. I work with an established network of independent designers, printers, marketing and accounting professionals to ensure we can manage workflow, produce exceptional work and meet our deadlines. Sometimes, you’ll be working with me. On bigger projects, you’ll also be working with my extended group. This means I always have the right resources in place while keeping my overhead costs low.

You can see some of my recent work in my portfolio section. But since you asked:

• I've created billboards, brochures, classified and run-of-press (ROP) advertising, flyers, website ads, social media ads and artwork, brand identity and usage guidelines, branding materials (vector and web), door signs, logos, vehicle wraps, annual reports, business cards, corporate greeting cards, information graphics, icons and illustrations, and interstitial video ad artwork. 
• I am a writer, and have provided editing, feature profiles, ghost writing, research, speech writing and sponsored content writing. 
• I've created A/B marketing material, flags, lanyards, postcards, calendars, hoodies, posters, stickers, t-shirts, tote bags, and travel mugs. 
• I've created huge magazines and business newsletters from concept through production. 
• I have also given workshops on print design, visual communication, goal setting and branding. 

• Contact me to schedule a complimentary 30-minute introductory meeting. I can meet you by Zoom, by phone, or in person if you’re in the Saskatoon area. 
• We will discuss your business goals and figure out what services we could provide to help you reach them. If it seems like we’re a good fit, I will send you an onboarding package that contains a quote for services that outlines the products we will create for you, timelines for when we need materials from you and when we will deliver your finished product, and what the anticipated project cost will be (excluding taxes and unexpected items.) 
• Please note that even if you decide to hire us right away, we may need to schedule your projects several months in advance, depending on their complexity and our workload.

• Your final website/social media materials will be sent as RGB PDF/JPEG/PNG files as needed. 
• Printed materials will be sent as CMYK PDF files. 
• Small file sizes are sent by email, larger ones are uploaded to file-sending services such as WeTransfer.
• If you need a project to be printed and don't want to do that yourself, we can get print quotes from printers we recommend and send your files directly to the printer. Unless otherwise noted by written agreement, the client shall pay the printer directly for all print costs and arrange for pick up or delivery of their printed products. Maverick Studios is not responsible for any printing delays or defects in any final printed materials.

• We charge an hourly rate for small projects like small ad designs, single-page flyers, or social media art. Our studio rate is $125/hour, billed in 1/4 hour increments plus GST/PST (where applicable). 
• We use a project pricing system for larger projects (rebranding, multi-page print design, etc. and will set a price for you once we work out what's needed.
• If we need to buy assets such as photography or illustrations to complete your project(s), you will be billed for this cost (including any applicable taxes).
• A deposit of 25% may apply to any project valued at $1,000 or higher and if requested, must be paid before we can get started on your project.  
• A rush fee of 25% may apply to projects that are booked in with less than one business day to complete from receipt of materials or require weekend/evening work to meet a deadline.
• No surprises: You’ll always get a heads-up before any extra fees are triggered! 
• Terms: All fees are due and payable within 30 days of receiving your invoice. Payment can be made by e-transfer, cheque or cash. Late payments will incur a penalty.

Book your newsletter, blog content, ad campaigns or other recurring design and communications needs for 12 months and become part of the Maverick Studio Herd. Set your marketing needs on cruise control and get special perks such as priority scheduling, flexible payment options and no rush fees for last-minute projects. You'll also be the first to know about promotions and special offers. Contact us for more details.