Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Which monthly plan is right for me?

During our consultation, we will discuss your current creative needs, as well as your expected design volume.

What are the commitment details?

The minimum subscription commitment is three months. This time is essential in helping us learn about your brand and continue to deliver the best results.
At the end of the initial commitment period, you have the option to go month-to-month, and with a 30-day notice, can cancel at any time.
We also offer design work at an hourly rate, although a monthly plan will grant you significant savings. Contact us for details.

What does the onboarding process look like?

All new clients will be contacted via a video meeting for a 30-minute onboarding consultation. During this call, we will discuss your brand and all your current creative needs.

How does billing work?

Monthly plans will be billed on a monthly basis, starting with the date of hire. We offer credit card billing or invoicing.

How long do you store files?

I sometimes store files indefinitely, but do not guarantee their storage once the final gallery is delivered. At the end of the two-week download period, I remove the files from my site. I can provide cloud storage of your files for a monthly fee.

Do the hours roll over if I don’t use them?

You can ‘bank’ rolled-over hours, up to the equivalent of one month of your retainer (e.g., you can accumulate up to 20 hours if your retainer is 20 hours/month). Because we reserve time for each retainer client, you’ll have to confirm our availability when you want to use rolled-over time. Rolled-over hours automatically expire 60 days after the retainer agreement ends.

What if I need a couple more hours one month?

Additional hours can be billed at the current hourly rate. Inquire for pricing.

How does project management work?

Contact us at any time to request new creative content. Our software platform takes care of the project’s status, estimates, billing, file sharing, and feedback.

How much is a typical design project if I choose not to go with a monthly plan?

Per-project pricing depends on the scope of the content, which we will define in our initial consultation. Choosing a monthly plan will be the most cost-efficient, as it lowers the per-hour cost considerably. For a more in-depth look at what you could expect to pay, check out THIS ARTICLE on LinkedIn by Sharlyn Carrington.

WEB DESIGN

What platform do you use to build websites?

We build all of our websites on WordPress. This platform provides a simple and intuitive architecture for building and maintaining websites.

How long does it take to build a website?

This will vary depending on the scope of the website, but most small business sites can be completed in 4-6 weeks.

Are your designs premade templates?

Every website we build is one-of-a-kind and specifically made for each client. We do not use premade templates or themes.

Will you write the copy for the site?

We have copywriters that can assist with this task. However, as you’re the expert on your business, we’d much prefer the copy come from you.

Do you offer ongoing website maintenance?

After a web project is completed, we can offer ongoing hosting and regular maintenance. We help you keep your website up-to-date and running smoothly so you can focus on running your business. Cost can vary based on the size of the site and the number of updates needed. Contact us about pricing.

What does ongoing website maintenance include?

This service includes hosting, edits to copy and imagery, adding blog posts, WordPress and plugin updates, and daily backups.

PHOTOGRAPHY

What types of photoshoots do you offer?

I can shoot events, portraits, fashion, corporate headshots, product, and apparel images, and lifestyle images.

Where are you located? How far will you travel for a shoot?

I am located in north Charlotte, NC. Travel time is up to my discretion and may result in a surcharge for what I consider long distances.

What retouching will be done to my photos?

I will edit away blemishes, bruises, scratches, acne, and mild acne scars. Extreme scarring may be smoothed, but not removed as it would dramatically alter the person’s appearance. Skin will be smoothed a bit so that it looks naturally soft. I may remove distracting stray hairs, and under-eye circles as long as it looks natural.

What retouching can I request?

Examples include gray hair removal, frizzy hair cleanup, hair color touchup at roots, body/face shaping, double-chin removal, removing wrinkles from clothing, removing bra straps or bra lines, and whitening teeth. I can also remove unwanted objects and people from the background.

How long will it take for my photos to be edited?

Typically around 2 weeks, depending on the scope of the shoot. If you need to see them sooner, please let me know when you schedule your session.

Do you give out raw (unedited) files?

No, Editing is a big part of a photographer’s creative process. It’s important to me that the work I put out into the world lives up to a standard that I’m happy with, and releasing unfinished files means I lose control of that.

How will I receive the photos?

I will send you a link to a private online gallery that will contain all of your retouched images. Your gallery will be open for two weeks for downloads.

Do you offer photo products?

Absolutely! During this optional meeting, we can discuss prints, photo albums, apparel, tradeshow displays, or any other materials you may need.

Any other info I should know?

If not on a subscription plan, 25% of your session cost will be required upfront to reserve your date. This is NON-REFUNDABLE. No exceptions. This fee covers initial communication, all planning, location scouting, and blocking a specific time frame for your shoot.

VIDEOGRAPHY

What type of videography services do you offer?

We offer a wide range of videography services, including promotional videos, corporate videos, event coverage, product videos, social media videos, and more. We also offer video editing and post-production services.

How long will it take for your team to edit a video?

The speed of our videography services varies depending on the scope of the project, the length of the finished video, and other factors. We’ll provide an estimate for each project based on your specific needs and deliverables.

What equipment do you use for videography?

We use professional-grade cameras, lighting equipment, and audio recording equipment to ensure that our videos are of the highest quality. Our videographers are trained in using the latest technology and techniques to produce exceptional videos.

Can you help us with the concept and script for our video?

Yes, we offer concept development and scriptwriting services to help you create a video that effectively communicates your message and meets your goals.

Can you help us with casting and talent for our video?

Yes, we can help you find and cast talent for your video, including actors, models, and voiceover artists.

What format will the final video be delivered in?

We can deliver the final video in a variety of formats, depending on your needs. Common formats include MP4, MOV, AVI, and WMV. We can also provide videos in different resolutions and aspect ratios to ensure compatibility with different platforms and devices.

Do you offer video distribution and promotion services?

Yes, we offer video distribution and promotion services to help you reach your target audience and get your message in front of the right people. We can help you with social media promotion, paid advertising, and other strategies to maximize the impact of your video.

GRAPHIC DESIGN

What types of graphic design services do you offer?

We offer a wide range of graphic design services, including logo design, branding and identity, packaging design, print design, digital design, and more.

How much do your graphic design services cost?

The cost of our graphic design services varies depending on the scope of the project, the level of complexity, and other factors. We provide a custom quote for each project based on your specific needs and budget.

How many revisions are included in your graphic design services?

We include a set number of revisions in our graphic design services, depending on the scope of the project and other factors. We work closely with you to ensure that the final product meets your expectations and vision.

What file formats do you provide for graphic design projects?

We provide a variety of file formats for our graphic design projects, including vector files (AI, EPS, PDF), raster files (JPEG, PNG, TIFF), and others as needed. We ensure that the final files are delivered in the appropriate format for their intended use.

Can you help us develop our brand identity?

Yes, we offer branding and identity services to help you develop a cohesive and effective brand identity that reflects your values, mission, and vision. Our team of expert designers can help you with logo design, color palette, typography, and other elements of your brand identity.

Can you create designs for both print and digital use?

Yes, we offer designs for both print and digital use, including business cards, brochures, flyers, social media graphics, website design, and more. We ensure that the designs are optimized for their intended use and provide high-quality print files as needed.

How long does it take to complete a graphic design project?

The timeline for completing a graphic design project depends on the scope of the project, the level of complexity, and other factors. We provide an estimated timeline when we provide a custom quote for your project.

Do you offer rush services for graphic design projects?

Yes, we offer rush services for graphic design projects in certain circumstances, depending on the scope of the project and our current workload. Additional fees may apply for rush services.

Can we provide our own images and assets for use in our designs?

Yes, we can work with images and assets provided by you, as long as they meet our quality standards and are appropriate for their intended use. We can also provide stock images and other assets as needed.

MEET THE FOUNDER

Hello! I’m Chris, Founder and Creative Director of Tetra Media

If you’ve crash-landed on this website while floating aimlessly through the vast dark void of cyberspace, then you most likely are in need of some content creation. Well, you’re in luck. That’s what we do.

I started my creative journey in graphic design, went back to school for web development, and soon after broadened my skill set to videography and photography. After working in creative roles, building brands for various companies, I launched Tetra Media.

Bring us your emerging company, and we will set it on a foundation of solid design, vivid branding, and a competitive marketing presence.