Review of his work:
Communication
He and I spoke mainly on Skype about the projects he has and is doing for me. I would prefer a little more email communication for better reference later on. Though, Skype helped speed up the process of getting task done in a timely manner. It was just an issue of us both being on at the same time.
After I first gave him the first project, he estimated it would be done 3 days later. Because of a personal matter in his family I lost communication with him and didn’t see the final product until 5 or 6 days later than expected. He explained the issue and finished it quickly.
Quality
The final product was better than expected. I had but only a few changes for him to make even with the little direction I had provided him. I told him the details about what the site was about and that I needed a top header image, a menu bar, and a sidebar. He provided exactly what I wanted with that small of details.
The first project he provided a PSD file for me to convert to HTML/CSS. I haven’t had time to connivert it quite yet but looking at the file it looks well structured and easy to convert in an hour or less.
Speed
My first project can’t really be a proper judge of speed because of some special circumstances on his end. Though, a few others he has done for me and a few referrals I have sent him have been done quickly.
Even though he was behind his estimated turn around time, when he finally started working on it again he had it to me the same day even with my changes. I was impressed.
Price
My first project he offered free for a review copy. I sent him $40 for his great work regardless of his good intentions. His future projects are going for about $15 an hour but are worth a lot more. Once he gets better experience and learns how to create WP themes or HTML/CSS himself he’ll be a god send.
Personality
When he and I first started talking he provided a very professional experience. As we spoke about projects and about our business we both opened up and gained almost a friendship. He can mold to the personalities of his clients so to work with them the best.
The final product
I was very impressed with his final product. I’m so used to review copies turning out like crap, especially for someone looking to gain a reputation. I’ve referred him to 3 people and already have a line of future projects to of my own to give him. He needs little direction and uses his skills of a designer to create something amazing.
One of my referrals I sent him provided him with a wireframe and clear direction as to what the final design was to look like. He said it matched his vision so well that he plans on using him in the future as well.
Would I use him again?
I will use him until I can’t afford his skills any further. I’ve spoke to him about 3 or 4 more projects and possibility some joint ventures for premium Wordpress themes.
Overall
He will fit any budget, very fast turn around, great communication, and a perfect end product. I finally found a reliable designer.