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Avalokana intends to transform the scope of graphic design. We aim to shift perceptions about graphic design, from what is believed to be a 'look and feel' job into a creative 'problem-solving' method. The approach towards our work adheres to an ecological, holistic and comprehensive philosophy.

Nothing makes our day quite like an appropriate, functional, ethical and beautiful communication design solution. To us graphic design is problem-solving. More often than not, the solution is in the problem itself. We just need to 'see' it. Examining the broader context is essential, as it helps us understand the user (that person at the centre of it all).

We design for all kinds of communication media. We have been trying to answer the long-standing question: What is graphic design? Hopefully our work should give you some clues. Graphic design is a happy partnership of functionality, usability and aesthetic sensibilities. Every design problem is unique, and we aspire to treat it that way.

These are some of the most common questions we get asked by clients. If you have any other questions in mind, please do get in touch.

Why do I need communication design?
Its the same reason why we need flavour in our food, sidewalks in our cities, or fun in the classroom. It makes for a better experience. Appropriate communication design gives your company, service, product or idea a visible, tangible personality. It can make the idea in your head real to other people. It may be in the form of a logo, or a brochure, a shopping bag, a website, a book, a film or a signage system (the list is actually endless). Simply put, its 'visual communication'. Since most of the information rushing to our brains is through our eyes, visuals are pretty much the staple diet of the human brain. Its not a bad idea to pay a little attention to them. Lots of people will be viewing, and perhaps closely interacting with these visuals that represent you. A well-thought-out design solution can do a lot for your company.

Why does it cost so much?
Now we get asked this a lot, so we decided we might as well address it on our website. When you are gazing lovingly at your logo, for instance, you see a form. We see the process behind creating it. It starts with understanding your industry segment, your particular company, your need, what you stand for, and how to communicate that to people. On the way there are numerous explorations, trials, errors, debates, and tea-breaks. Simply put, a fairly decent amount of effort goes into it, even if it is partly intangible. Its hard to quantify the creative thought process, though it is of value. We trust you will understand this.

Can't I skip all this, or do just a bit?
Well, it all depends on what you really need. Sometimes clients think they need a new brochure, when actually they need a new website. If your business means a lot to you, its worth analyzing deeply.

How do you work?
You can call or email us, and we ideally like to have one really solid detailed discussion with you about the project. We commence work once the agreement has been signed. Why an agreement? It provides total transparency to both of us, and makes the whole process clear, so there is no ambiguity later. We promise our agreements are easy to understand and won't put you to sleep.

Are you graphic designers?
Yes, yes and yes. We are problem-solvers.

What is graphic design?
Explaining this is quite a gargantuan task, so we thought we would enlist the help of one of our favourite online places.

What services do you offer?
Okay, here goes. Our expertise is in book design, identities, editorial design, posters, interactive, publications, print, websites, web interfaces and signage. If a project extends beyond our expertise, such as products, packaging, interiors or exhibitions, we collaborate with designers who are experts in these fields.

Can you give me the final open files?
I will get them printed or developed.
Now ideally, this is not a situation we enjoy getting into. Its better if we can supervise the printing, as we can ensure the production quality as envisioned. If the files are printed at a mediocre printer, with no supervision, chances are that the whole thing will be disappointing. Good design + lousy printing = Lousy design

How fast is fast?
Again, this depends a lot on your (and our project once we come on board) particular project, and the amount of work involved. While quality work takes time, we also know that time is money.

Are you willing to actually write the book and design it?
Yes, we are. If you would like to commission a book/publication, on a certain topic, we do undertake the research and content-generation, as well as design. If you have an idea, please do share it.

Can you show us some ideas first?
Yes certainly, after you sign the agreement. Don't get us wrong, but people do take our ideas and later don't respond to us. It doesn't happen often, but when it does, it hurts in more ways than one. We would love to avoid that situation again.

How recent is all the work on this site?
Dates have not been mentioned, but to give you a general idea, 90% the work has been done in the last 2 years. A couple of projects are from late 2007. We try to keep it as fresh as possible.

Do you pitch for projects?
We don't prefer to take that path. Spec work is not our cup of tea, and its well-explained here.

My project has many different components, such as a short film etc. Can you do the whole thing?
Yes, depending on what these different requirements are. We collaborate with photographers, film-makers, animators, or advanced web-developers if needed.

How many options can you show us?
Every problem can surely have many solutions. We strongly recommend the solution that works for you and you only. Our recommendation is backed by a solid concept and reasoning. If you still feel you need a lot of options to make a decision, we charge accordingly.