I always underestimate the time it takes to do graphics. And this project is no exception. I spent over 90 minutes in Istockphoto looking for appropriate graphics. Then I downloaded comps and set up a header and a couple of ads that I can use on Google. Again, I was surprised that I spent about an hour, switching graphics in and out. Then finally buying the graphics I needed and replacing them in the items I had created.
End result: I have a header for the site, 3 versions of a 336×280 ad and the start of a 120×600 ad.
Naturally you could ask – WHY don’t I outsource this part, too? Because I didn’t know what I wanted. It’s very difficult to ask someone else to create graphics for you if you have no idea what you want. Yes, you could say “do whatever”, but I’m picky and it would cost me more to outsource, then redo several times, than it costs me in my time. Plus, it’s kinda fun! I’m not graphically talented, but I do know how to use a basic 10 commands in Fireworks, so it works. You can even see the results of my labor at MyBirthdayGivewaway.com!
Total Time: About two and a half hours