methods
I mostly use email and phones to stay in touch with clients the length and breadth of the country (and beyond - last year I successfully completed a job for a record company in the USA). I am happy to travel to meet clients and happy to welcome clients here if they feel like a change of scene. Shortest journey time to London from the local station is only three hours!
The secret of successful design is good communication between client and designer. This is how I go about making it happen:
First, I discuss and agree a clear and detailed brief with you, and use it to produce a quote and a timetable. When the price and timing are agreed, I research, think and present initial sketches. You pick a direction and I develop and finish the design. When you've signed it off, I handle production and delivery. Once the job is delivered, I follow up to make sure everything is satisfactory.
Once a price is agreed I stick to it. If I think what you're asking for has gone beyond the agreed brief, I discuss that and the cost implications with you immediately. My prices are reasonable because my overheads are very low.
Most of the printers I use are in Kendal, and all are in south Cumbria. I usually deal with printers for clients and charge the print on, adding a small percentage. My prices are still competitive, and when I deal with printers I can make sure your job is printed well and negotiate discounts and reprints on the very rare occasions that something goes wrong. Of course, if you prefer to use a firm you know and trust, I am happy to produce artwork for them and leave it at that.