Ah LA. The glorious smell of exhaust fumes and the gorgeous views of smog covered mountains. Spent most of today editing images, walking Leanne's roomate's dog Chip (who doesn't get out much, after the first mile I had to carry the little anklebiter back to the spot) and writing up new information for my myspace so I can stop having to answer my potential clients questions individually by email. I'm only hear for another 36 hours, tomorrow we go to the radio stations and mtv offices and drop off press kits etc. try to make as much of a ruckus as possible to get noticed, then its back to Vegas Saturday morning. Time is flying by.
New business writing for my myspace is as follows. The same thing will be on the union website just with the prices quadrupled.
Photo Shoots: Photo shoots start at $100 dollars for a one person, one location, two outfit change shoot, that will yield four press worthy photos. For more locations or a group of people, the cost rises to $200, but every individual will have multiple press worthy photos. We also have a portable studio set up with full light kits and background green screens that can be brought anywhere with an electrical outlet upon request. Green screen shoots allow the final photos to have their backgrounds altered so they can have any basic color as a background. In addition, more complex backgrounds can be photoshopped in to fit a concept for an additional charge. Our green screen setup IS big enough to shoot large groups and vehicles if the client is so inclined.
Design: After a photo shoot, any photos can be designed into album covers, inserts, myspace banners, or advertisements for only $50 per design. Mixtape covers, myspace designs etc. for clients who furnish their own photos are also done at this rate. Prices are subject to rise for especially complex designs.
Logos: I am proficient at several kinds of logos, especially black and white vector logos and type logos with images contained within the type. Logo’s start at $100, but if you want several styles and adaptations (straight type, type and image, color and black and white, stationary and business card design included) it rises to $200 or $250. I know that many labels and artists are very concerned with their logos and want to put in a lot of revisions to make their logo exactly what they want, and that’s why the prices rise, I am willing to put in hours revising your logo, but I’m not going to change it 10 times for $100. Your logo is VERY important, especially for labels, it has to be current and professional, what your boy can do on his computer might seem cool, but can create a very bad impression in professional circles. Even if you don’t choose to work with me, please for your own good pay a real designer (college degree, a dozen clients under their belt) to do your logo, it’s worth it.
Press Packages: From $100 for a basic one page, designed and laid out professionally, to $200 for a fully designed press kit to $250 for a press kit and downloadable web package. If you don’t have a press kit, your not going to get radio play, secure “real” shows, or be able to get in magazines, respond appropriately to label attention, or secure sponsors. Trying to get it done last minute when it comes up is going to be a costly nightmare, get it done now and have it ready, and then update as need be. The press kit service I provide will tell you all materials necessary, the correct structure and look, and include the design to make it look professional, and a picture or two if necessary. I also work with individuals who write press releases and bios if that is a needed service. Again, I cannot stress how much using real professionals for your press writing and design is needed in this industry. The web package includes a downloadable pdf press kit, a downloadable zip file of the pdf and both radio friendly and explicit versions of your songs (basic radio editing services available as well), and the coding to host it on a website or myspace. We can even host it on one of our websites if necessary. This allows your press to be downloaded instantly, and you can attach links to your full press and music in any email you send to an A&R, promoter or press contact.
If you’re ballin, you can get at me about epk’s, the new industry standard, with my company The Union we have full HD video and Final Cut editing capabilities and can get you the electronic press kit that you need.
Model Portfolio’s: If you want to get into modeling, many agencies charge outrageous prices for portfolios that are in reality simple work. They charge you for photo shoots, then again for design of the your one page and printing. You can print yourself at kinkos and save money, and for $150 I got you on photos AND design. This includes four pictures (I’ll take about 40), one headshot and three in different outfits. You handle your own makeup (guys, bring a shorty to handle it, you can’t do this without it). I then take these photos and make your double sided one sheet in black and white and color, and you can print as an agency needs. I’ll also help you choose which pics you want for your 4 b 6’s for industry books. These photos will be avant-garde, and what you need for modeling, and you’ll get some basic knowledge on how to work a camera. Your outfits should be industry clothes, so get some designer gear, and the more of your body you can show off the better, so hit the gym. If you need just headshots it’ll take 15 minutes of photos, I’ll edit on the spot in 30 minutes and cost you $50.
Last note to any potential clients. I take my work very seriously, I don’t like any typical photos, I like concepts that tell about the artists that they depict. Visuals should be used as an extension of the artists character and music, if they do not then they do not serve their purpose. My rates sound cheap compared to many studios, that’s because I’m young and because I specialize in hip hop and avant-garde modeling, and know that even if you have $500+ to take to a photo studio, they still probably won’t know how to approach the work that you need because they are not familiar with the culture or the industry. I’ve been doing this for years, working for small labels, promoters, artists and companies, and I know that establishing credibility and consistently working with a number of artists will allow me to be more successful in the long run than charging large amounts and taking the high road. Hit me up, we can negotiate whatever services you need today, and you can be ready to really use visuals and design to take your artistry to the next level of success. 480-329-6193 axisinfinite@gmail.com
Design updates are subject to a small working fee. All prices are negotiable, and package deals with multiple artists for less (perfect for independent labels) are readily available. I am a businessman, but I understand the financial pressures of the indie game, and am happy to discuss what I can provide based on your budget.
