MSU Creative Services is a full-service agency offering graphic design, print production, editing and many other creative services to the campus community.

As an in-house agency, the unit specializes in higher education at Montana State University, with clients in outreach, research and teaching. Our staff consists of a unique blend of talented people who understand the needs of the university and its various entities, and can take projects from conception to completion. We have been intimately involved in MSU's graphic identity and branding efforts, and our rates and offered services are very competitive.

Creative Services is a division of University Communications, which also includes University Marketing, University News, Web Communications and University Printing-all of whom are close partners with us.

 

Official MSU Business Suite materials (business cards, letterhead and envelopes) can be ordered at University Printing.

 

Services we offer

Creative Services offers competitive pricing on:
  • Editing
  • Proofreading
  • Strategic design
  • Graphic design
  • Strategizing
  • Concept development
  • Print preparation
  • Production coordination
  • Illustration
  • Photography
  • Web graphics
  • Copywriting
  • Video production
For a variety of projects, including, but not limited to:
  • Brochures
  • Annual reports
  • Packaging
  • Catalogs
  • Business cards, letterhead and envelopes
  • Newsletters
  • Textbooks
  • Trade show displays
  • Scientific journals
  • Research posters
  • Bookmarks, stickers and other promotional items
  • DVDs and educational or promotional videos
  • Curriculum materials

 

Rates and descriptions

Print Design $85/hour -- Includes concept and design of print materials

Web Design $85/hour -- This rate applies to concept and creation of web graphics

Copywriting $85/hour -- This rate applies to original content generated from existing materials

Print/Production Management --included at no charge.

Light Editing -- included at no charge

We draw on the MSU library of photography as we are able, though we do charge $50/hour for custom photo work.

MSU Business Suite -- All set-up and printing of standard MSU business cards, letterheads and envelopes is handled by University Printing. Typesetting for letterhead, envelopes and business cards are charged at a flat fee of $15 each. Non-standard and custom business suite materials can be ordered online as well and are subject to approval and charged at the $85/hour rate.

Electronic Letterhead $25/$15 update -- The electronic letterheads (e-letterhead) were created with electronic (email and fax) and internal correspondence (memos) in mind. All printed external correspondence should be on official pre-printed letterhead, as the ink colors and paper convey quality and professionalism that the electronic version cannot. As with the other MSU business suite materials, electronic letterheads can be ordered online.

 

We are communication specialists

Many of our staff are graduates of Montana State University and have a stake in the entire university's success. We have strong relationships with vendors, including commercial printers around Montana and the U.S., and can often get prices for our clients that are much more competitive than an individual would receive with person-to-person service.

Please contact us for a free consultation or project estimate. We can often help you find a cost-effective solution to your communications needs.

Our in-house advantage:

  • deadline conscious
  • conveniently located on campus
  • directly linked to University Printing's network of printers
  • access to MSU's library of photography, news stories and other university resources
  • ability to work within your budget
  • capable of meeting billing requirements that are typical of university departments

We are also intimately familiar with MSU's branding goals, objectives and tools, and we can help you-if you wish-coordinate your strategy and materials with other activities currently in place on campus.

You will find our rates are lower or competitive with most outside agencies and freelancers, and we do not charge for many of the standard services billed by agencies, including consultations and strategic planning and light editing. We can bill you directly through the Banner system.