Introduction
The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library (The Friends) and Saint Paul Public Library (the Library) are seeking proposals from qualified graphic designers to create a bench of contract designers that can be called upon as needed. We are looking for experienced and versatile designers with the ability to work on a wide variety of design projects ranging from digital to print. Designers should be able to create materials that resonate across dimensions of difference among audiences and who are capable of maintaining both brands’ visual identities.
This RFP outlines the scope of work, evaluation criteria, and submission requirements. Respondents will be considered for inclusion in a pool of contract designers, available for project-based assignments.
Organization Overviews
About The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library
The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library acts as a catalyst for libraries to strengthen and inspire their communities. An independent, nonprofit organization established in 1945, The Friends invests in the Saint Paul Public Library through fundraising, advocacy, and programming; as a result, our library is a nationally-recognized leader in serving its community. The Friends also serves libraries across the country through its consulting services, Library Strategies, and promotes literacy, reading, and libraries statewide as the Library of Congress’s designated Minnesota Center for the Book.
The Friends has an in-house graphic designer but is looking for support for both ongoing and one-off projects that fall outside our capacity, and this bench of contract designers will support these needs.
About Saint Paul Public Library
Libraries are places of connection – to books and materials, services, programs, community resources, and each other. An important public space in our communities, libraries adapt to and evolve with the needs of its neighbors, from books to technology access to career support to places to gather and meet. Saint Paul Public Library welcomes all people to connect, learn, participate and grow. With 14 locations and digital resources, Saint Paul Public Library offers welcoming, safe, community-centered services and spaces where everyone belongs.
The Library frequently has the need for graphic design support for ongoing and one-off projects, and this bench of contract designers will support those needs.
Scope of Work
Contract graphic designers may be asked to deliver a variety of creative services including, but not limited to:
- Brand Development: Design elements that align with and enhance our brand identity.
- Marketing Materials: Creation of brochures, flyers, advertisements, social media graphics, email templates, and other promotional materials.
- Digital Design: Website graphics, banners, and icons.
- Print Design: Layout for publications, posters, reports, and packaging.
- Presentation Design: Custom PowerPoint/Keynote presentations for internal and external use.
- Infographics and Data Visualization: Designing compelling visuals to represent data and complex information.
- Illustration: Custom designs for variety of materials or purposes, including Library and The Friends merchandise.
- Event Branding: Logos, signage, invitations, and other design collateral for events.
All deliverables must align with our brand guidelines and adhere to the required deadlines.
Proposal Requirements
Proposals should be concise and include the following:
- Cover Letter: A brief introduction to your company or your freelance practice, your experience, your ability to apply a diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism lens to your work, and why you’re interested in designing for the library and library supporters.
- Portfolio: A digital portfolio showcasing relevant past projects. The portfolio should demonstrate versatility, creativity, ability to communicate to diverse audiences, and an understanding of both digital and print design.
- Approach to Work: Explain your design process and how you manage project timelines, revisions, and feedback as well as approach your work from a diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism lens. Please include details on how you collaborate with clients to maintain brand consistency.
- Pricing: Provide your hourly or per-project rates for typical design services. If rates vary depending on the type of work, include a breakdown.
- Availability: Indicate your general availability and how you manage capacity when working with multiple clients. Please include a typical turnaround time for projects such as social media graphics, brochures, and website banners.
- References: Provide at least three (3) references from clients for whom you have completed similar work.
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Portfolio Quality (40%): Strength of design work, with particular focus on creativity, versatility, ability to design for diverse audiences, and attention to detail.
- Relevant Experience (20%): Experience in providing graphic design services for a diversity of audiences and across a variety of formats, including digital and print.
- Pricing (15%): Competitive pricing structure that aligns with industry standards.
- Work Process (15%): Clear and efficient approach to design work, revisions, and collaboration.
- References (10%): Feedback from previous clients regarding the quality of work and reliability.
Businesses or individuals based in Saint Paul or who are BIPOC-owned, women-owned, or veteran-owned are encouraged to apply.
Submission Instructions
Please submit your proposal via email to [email protected] with the subject line “Proposal for Contract Graphic Design Services” by Friday, March 7, 5:00 p.m.
Selected candidates may be invited to an interview or further portfolio review.
Terms & Conditions
- All contracts and payments, whether the work is for The Friends or for the Library, will be executed through The Friends.
- The Friends and the Library will both draw from the same bench of contracted graphic designers.
- This RFP does not guarantee or commit The Friends or the Library to contracting any of the responding firms or individuals.
- The Friends and the Library reserve the right to accept or reject any or all proposals.
- Any costs incurred in preparing a response to this RFP are the sole responsibility of the respondent.
- Contracts for graphic design services do not constitute employment with The Friends; individuals will be independent contractors responsible for their own technology, software, and office needs.
Questions
Any questions related to this RFP must be submitted via email to Kim Horton, [email protected], by Monday, March 3. Responses to all questions will be shared with all prospective respondents by Wednesday, March 5.
Thank you for your interest in working with The Friends and the Library. We look forward to reviewing your proposals.