In Other Words

Since EditQuest is a very important part of this site, and since people come here looking not only to be entertained but to seek out an awesome editor, I have decided to include posts here that those particular people might be interested in, although you may find yourself reading as well.

On Wednesdays, now most seriously dubbed Working Wednesdays (does that sound as though I don’t work any other day, or as though I don’t take my work seriously except on Wednesdays?), I will post pieces that pertain strictly to the business of publishing, writing, editing, freelancing, or just business in general. I’ll write tips, resources, ideas, and guidance, though the posts might be also peppered with a few personal tidbits based on experience. Some days, like today (even though today is not Wednesday because I’m a day late), I’ll introduce you to a person or company I am acquainted with in the hope that you may find benefit.

Sirius Graphix for Serious Results

Recently I’ve written hints about a possible new source of editing work I’ve been quite excited about, and the time has arrived when I can reveal the identity of this new source. May I present for your perusal Sirius Graphix, a company that took me very much by surprise, not least because they contacted me out of the blue (if you take a look at their site and also see where their name came from, you’ll realize how punny I just was!) but mostly because it is populated by people with whom you may already be quite familiar. Today I have the opportunity to post an interview I conducted with the head of Sirius’s team members: Deborah Dorchak.

It is my hope that, becoming acquainted with the company, you may be able to take advantage of their services (it might even be me who edits, if that’s what you require!) but also that you can get to know these kind and talented people better. They really do have much to offer. In addition, you’ll see their design for this very site in about a month. Woohoo!

Interview with the Designer: Meet Deborah Dorchak

SV: One of the things I’ve learned as a freelancer is that when people ask me what I do, I am supposed to answer in about one to two sentences, concise yet accurate and attractive. Keeping this in mind, how would you describe Sirius Graphix?

DD: Sirius Graphix is a full service design company that offers graphic design with a full marketing department right at your fingertips. From the initial strategic marketing consultation to the finished product, your style, brand, and message are combined with our experience in marketing and design to produce striking imagery that draws viewers in. No matter what ideas you have in mind, our team will create symbols, images, and copy to make those ideas a reality.

SV: How did you come up with the idea for Sirius Graphix?

DD: It started the way most of my ideas do, with that little voice in my head going “What if?” In this case, Rose (one of the writers of the Sirius team) mentioned an idea for an ebook. I said, “Great, you write it, I’ll design it.” I then mentioned it to Wendi (co-founder and marketing director) and she saw the potential for something bigger. From there it was a maelstrom of ideas and networking.

In our first week we had our first client. We had no site of our own yet, nothing to show at all, but we had a client. If that wasn’t total encouragement I don’t know what is.

SV: What is Sirius Graphix’s mission statement?

DD: Our mission is to provide excellent service, guidance, and education for all our clients while providing a one-stop shopping experience for all their design needs. No matter what the medium—be it writing content, designing e-books, banners, brochures, a complete PR package, or even just a few images for a project they need—if they need it, we provide it. The ultimate goal is for Sirius to be the place they come to first—and last.

SV: You’re no stranger to business ventures like this, mainly as the designer. Now that you’ve started your own business, what will be different?

DD: The difference this time is before, as you said, I worked mainly on design. I wasn’t able to focus my time and energies on creating the types of projects and ideas I had in mind. And believe me, the ideas are non-stop. I doubt the rest of the team was expecting such a barrage of concepts.

Through it all there were long hard hours of work that, while profitable, seemed empty. There’s nothing sadder than having a sock drawer full of Great Ideas and never letting them out to see the light of day.

Now with the Sirius team working so efficiently, we’ve breathed new life into those ideas. Not only am I able to provide a higher quality of service and creativity for our clients, but the work is much more enjoyable for everyone involved. In fact, I can honestly go as far as to say, I don’t think of Sirius as a job. It’s a labor of love for us. Wendi and I love what we do so much the time just flies by. It’s really hard to put it down and shut the computer off at the end of the day.

SV: How would you describe your ideal client?

DD: Our ideal client is one who takes the time to think through all the needs and wants of the project and communicate those specifications effectively. We are more than happy to help in that communication process by providing the tools, thoughtful questions  and consultation to help each client really focus on getting the right questions answered. So far, every client who’s participated in the consulting process has been our ideal client.  Taking the extra time upfront to really listen to each other goes a long way toward creating that ideal client every time, I think.

SV: As lead designer, what’s your pet peeve when you look at themes designed by others?

DD: Can’t really say. A theme, like any other creative endeavor, all comes down to personal preference. What might be great for one person might be a royal pain for another. Cosmetics aside, from a purely technical standpoint, I would have to say my biggest pet peeve is sloppily written code. When its clean and readable, at least you stand half a chance of making the mods you want.

SV: Although you design with each client’s preferences in mind, what would you say is non-negotiable for a good theme, if anything?

DD: I don’t think there is anything non-negotiable in a good theme. As I said above, different things work for different people. This is why we build all our themes from scratch, starting with the design itself, taking each client’s specific needs in mind. One person might need a highly specialized sidebar with all the bling, but the next person may not. They may not even need a sidebar at all. Why should they pay for extra features if they are never going to use them?

SV: What inspires you?

DD: Movies. I watch a lot of movies and often get my best ideas from there. Music, too. Sometimes all it takes is one line of lyrics and I’m off and running—and so is my team. Actually, I think they have a bomb shelter somewhere they’re not telling me about.

SV: Tell me a little about the Sirius team.

DD: Ahhh…my team. I have never had the opportunity to work with such a talented group of women in my life. Wendi Kelly is my friend, business partner and co-founder. She’s the fire to my water and keeps me going. And vice versa. She’s a talented writer and strategic marketing consultant and after running several successful businesses of her own, I highly value her opinion.

Rose Redelfs is a vivacious spark with plenty of drive. She’s the comedienne of the group and she infuses her writing with a marvelous sense of humor. As the youngest member of the team, Rose brings a fresh, youthful perspective, which can be very important for clients needing to appeal to the younger market.

Allison “Sushi” Day is our code goddess. Over the past couple of years I’ve watched her skills grow and knew that one day she’d be kickin’ ass and taking names—although she might blush while she’s doing it. Sushi is one of the sweetest girls I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting and I just know she’s destined to do great things.

And I didn’t say all that because she sends me cookies on a regular basis either.

SV: What do you hope to see from Sirius Graphix in five years?

DD: We want to continue to expand on our one-stop shopping experience by offering additional services. One of the additions we have planned is to expand our ebook writing division. In five years we hope to see Sirius as an established publishing house. We’d like to be able to help future authors go from manuscript to an actual book on the market. I have no doubt we’ll be able to do this. It’s going to take careful planning and research, just like everything else we do, but it will happen.

Thank you, Deb.

Now, if you haven’t already done it, go check out the commendable Sirius Graphix. If you need a design for your site, an overhaul for your blog, a spectacular looking ebook, look no further.

It’s time to get Sirius!