Questions & Answers

I'm Evgenii Maksutov, a graphic designer with more than 20 years of experience. I work on logo design, visual identity and brand books, naming, UX/UI design for websites and apps, and government identity. I work with Russian and international clients — from small businesses to major brands and government bodies. I also design social media, create annual reports, do website SEO, develop mascots, design merchandise and lay out catalogs and publications.

I work fully remotely and take on projects from anywhere in the world. All communication happens online: Telegram, email, video calls. Time zone differences aren't a problem — I have experience working with clients from Europe, the US, and other countries.

Yes. I correspond in English and have worked with clients from the USA, Canada, Serbia and Cyprus. We agree on the payment method before starting.

Yes. The site has several portfolio sections: a logofolio (70+ logos), brand support case studies, brand book examples, UX/UI projects, and government identity work. If you need examples in a specific niche or style, just ask — I'll show you relevant work.

Fill out the form on the site — choose the service you need and leave your contact details. I usually reply within 24 hours. You can also write directly to maksutovdesign@mail.ru or on Telegram @onzhe. No need to prepare any documents in advance — just describe the task in your own words.

No. Describe your business, the task and your expectations. I'll ask follow-up questions and help prepare the brief before we start.

The first conversation is free. We discuss your task, I clarify the details and share how I see the solution and what it will take. After that, I'll prepare a proposal describing the stages, cost, and timeline. No obligations — you're welcome to take your time deciding.

Usually 15–30 minutes over chat or 20–40 minutes on a video call.

No. If a project conflicts with my values or falls outside my experience, I'll decline before work begins. Where possible, I'll suggest a colleague.

The cost depends on the complexity of the task, scope, and timeline. Rough guidelines:

• Logo — from $500
• Visual identity — from $1,000
• Brand book — from $1,500
• Naming — from $300
• Website UX/UI design — from $750
• Social media design — by agreement (depends on scope)
• Annual reports — from $875
• Website SEO — from $625
• Mascot development — from $250
• Merchandise — from $125
• Catalog & publication layout — by agreement (depends on scope)
• Ongoing brand support — discussed individually

The exact price is set after the briefing. Write to me — the estimate is free.

I work on prepayment. The standard scheme: 50% before work begins, 50% after final approval. On larger projects, payment in stages is possible. For international clients, I accept payment via international bank transfer or cryptocurrency.

Yes, for returning clients. For startups with a limited budget, I'm sometimes open to flexible terms. I don't do discounts “just because” — it's better to honestly discuss the scope of work within your budget.

Yes. On request, I draw up a service agreement. I work as a registered self-employed professional and can issue an invoice and closing documents for accounting purposes.

International clients can pay in cryptocurrency. We agree on the method and amount before starting.

On average, 7–14 business days from payment and completing the brief. The timeline depends on the complexity of the task and how quickly you provide feedback.

From 3 to 6 weeks. It all depends on whether the logo and identity already exist or need to be developed from scratch.

Yes, in most cases. Rush work is priced at 1.3–1.5x the standard cost, depending on the deadline and my current workload. We'll discuss it when you reach out.

The scope, my workload and the time needed for approvals. We discuss the schedule before starting, allowing for each stage and your feedback.

The starter set — avatars, covers and post and story templates — usually takes 1–2 weeks. If you need a regular flow of layouts, we agree the schedule and volume separately.

On average 3–8 weeks. The time depends on the volume, the amount of infographics and how quickly the texts and data arrive.

The audit and technical brief take 1–2 weeks, implementing the fixes 2–4 weeks. Results in search usually show after 2–4 months, so we check positions several times after launch.

On average 2–4 weeks: concept and sketches, drawing the main character, then a set of poses and emotions. It takes longer if you need skins or a large sticker set.

Usually 1–3 weeks depending on the number of items. I prepare production files for the printer or manufacturer you choose.

From 2 to 6 weeks depending on the number of pages, the number of revisions and how ready the materials are.

Usually 2–3 concepts. We discuss them, choose a direction and refine it. We agree on the number of concepts before starting.

Usually 2–3 rounds within the chosen direction. A different concept is discussed separately. We record the number and scope of revisions in the contract or correspondence.

Figma (UX/UI, design systems, brand books), Adobe Illustrator (logos, identity, print graphics), Adobe InDesign (brand books, catalogs, reports), Adobe Photoshop. I deliver files in native formats on request.

I share results via a Figma link or PDF. I accept feedback in any format: voice messages, a list in a messenger, a call — whatever's convenient for you. I try not to drag out iterations and keep you updated on the status at every stage.

Yes. Claude, ChatGPT, Shutterstock AI, Leonardo AI, Freepik AI, and others.

For a logo, I usually prepare AI, SVG, PDF, transparent PNG and JPG files. For a brand book, PDF and working files in Figma or InDesign. We agree on the exact files, including sources, and the price before work begins.

Yes. We agree on the source files and the cost of handing them over before work begins. I deliver them after full payment.

Yes, I reserve the right to feature the work in my portfolio unless otherwise agreed in the contract. If you have confidentiality requirements, just let me know in advance — it's easy to accommodate.

Yes. A contract documents the transfer of exclusive rights to the design after payment. We discuss the materials and terms before work begins.

It's regular design support for your brand on a retainer basis. I become your “on-call” designer — no need to find a new contractor and explain the task from scratch every time. It's a good fit for companies that need design regularly: social media, presentations, ad materials, identity updates.

A monthly agreement with a fixed number of hours or tasks. Payment at the start of the month. Unused hours can sometimes carry over to the next period — discussed on a case-by-case basis.

Companies that regularly need graphics for social media, advertising, presentations and websites. We agree on the monthly hours or tasks in advance.

Developing the visual identity of government bodies, regions, cities, programs, and events: logo, visual identity, brand book, collateral, wayfinding, and branded merchandise. Experience includes identity work for the 100th anniversary of the Tatar ASSR, Russia Day, and city projects.

Yes, I have experience taking part in government competitions and tenders. I can prepare the competition documentation and concept. Let's discuss the details individually.

I work independently on most projects, so you can discuss layouts and revisions directly with me. For larger projects, I involve colleagues such as a copywriter, developer or illustrator.

Yes. Redesigning and refining an existing style is common practice. I assess the current logo, we discuss what to change and why, and I propose a solution.

We'll discuss what needs changing and revise the layouts within the agreed rounds. If a different direction is needed, we'll agree on the new scope and price separately.

Yes. If a technical error is found after project handover (wrong format, a typo in the delivered files, a color model glitch), I'll fix it for free. Strategic changes (“we changed our minds” or “the brand concept changed”) are quoted separately.

Yes, the initial consultation is free. If you have questions about choosing a service, evaluating your current logo, or just want to understand whether you need a redesign — reach out, and we'll figure it out together.

Yes — the “Notebook” section on the site, where I share my work process, notes, and projects in progress. I also occasionally post work and thoughts on Telegram.

Avatars, covers, and post and story templates in the brand's style. If needed I produce a regular flow of layouts — for TeraHash, for example, it is more than 500 pieces. The price depends on scope and is discussed individually.

The structure and storyline of the report, infographics, layout, a print version and a PDF for the website. The price starts at $875 (₽70,000); the exact price depends on scope and complexity. One of the Rus Food Bank reports was recognised as among the best in Russia.

A technical audit, a technical brief for the fixes, metadata, page structure, Schema.org markup and position tracking. The price starts at $625. Search positions cannot be guaranteed, but I record the results and show what changed.

We discuss the character and where it will be used, collect references, I make sketches, then draw the chosen character and prepare a set of poses and emotions. The price starts at $250 and grows if you need skins, animation or a sticker pack.

Clothing, bags, accessories and souvenirs in the brand style: I prepare layouts and production files. The price starts at $125. Production itself is discussed separately.

Yes: catalogs, brochures, magazines and books — the grid, typography and print preparation. The price is by agreement: it depends on the number of pages and the volume of materials.

Yes. If you need, for example, a brand book, social media and a report, we draw up a common work plan and schedule — it is cheaper and faster than ordering them separately.