Where are you from?
I hail from San Diego, California. I then moved to Rapid City, South Dakota and finally to my current residence in Mankato, Minnesota.

Where do you go to school?
I am attending Minnesota State University, Mankato in pursuit of a BA in Theatre Arts and Graphic Design.

How long have you been involved in design?
About seven years? I started around 1999 and never really stopped. I really began to expand in 2002 with more advanced designs. Before I was generally interested in Web Design and Development.

I looked at your Graphic Art section and noticed most of the stuff is very bloody and grotesque looking-- why?
I realize my artwork is a little dark. I love photomanipulations (taking several photographs together and making something incredible with it) and I love the amount of imagination it takes to make something that's normally beautiful ugly. It has always been a way to express myself and I like playing with the theme of the ugly being beautiful in its own way.

Are you available for hire?
Absolutely. Go to the CONTACT section of this site and contact me with project ideas. I’ll take a look at what you’re looking for and set you up with a quote as soon as possible. Time is always a luxury I do not have, but I can always make time for your project(s). Call me at 605-430-0570 or send me an e-mail at jeff@vitaopus.net.

What exactly can you do for me?
I have mostly concentrated on Graphic and Web Design projects (usually combining both into the same project). However, other areas of concentration would be poster design, print work, logo creation, Macromedia Flash, video editing and animation. If you have a question as to what I am capable of doing, feel free to contact me!

Okay, so you’ve designed something for me…now what?
Be free! Use whatever I have designed for you to the extent of your wildest dreams! The only thing I ask from you (aside from payment) is that I am able to use your design in my personal portfolio and be able to advertise with it.

How do you know what I want?
Once you have contacted me about your project idea, I will make it a point to sit down with you (in person or over the phone, whichever you prefer) and make sure we are both on the same page.

Alright, seriously, how much?
Being a starving college student in the Midwest, I don’t ask for much. But since time for me is like gold, there must be some sort of compensation to keep in mind (I have to pay bills!). I will negotiate any price with you, so I won’t rob you blind but I’ll also be able to receive a fair payment for work done. We can set it up in a couple of ways.

1. A fixed salary/price for the project you desire. This is the best bet for any web design project or print project (i.e. posters, brochures, newsletters, business cards, etc.)

2. A negotiated hourly wage. This is ideal for any graphic design project (i.e. logos, digital identity’s, advertisements, banners, etc.) This would also be ideal for animation projects or web design projects involving Macromedia Flash. Video editing would also require a set hourly wage. I will keep a written record of hours plus a digital record of hours for both your records and my own.

3. If all else fails—make me an offer and we’ll discuss details! I want to be as flexible as possible, and at the same time remain fair to the both of us.

What kind of process will this be? How do I know you’ll produce the project that I have in mind?
I take advantage of e-mail as much as possible. A lot of business is conducted through e-mail. I will first meet with you to take down any special notes/requests you have for your project. I will then put together some rough ideas and send those to you. I make sure that I am going in the right direction. Once you’ve sent me feedback, I will combine any elements you like from each design. I will send you those proofs and we’ll be set to finalize the project. It’s that easy!

Do you advertise your services?
Not really. If you live in Mankato, you’ve probably seen my stickers around town. Otherwise, it’s all up to word of mouth. So please, spread the word!

Can I use your designs for my project?
No. They are protected by copyright.

Can you answer my design questions?
I’d be glad to tell you which programs I use for what. But I won’t sit down and help you with your site. Do it yourself and you will be enlightened by your artistic journey!

Do you have MySpace or Facebook?
Yes.

Do you have a personal website?
Yes-- iamjeffsmith.com