Designers - Tips to avoid getting scammed
Designers.
Here is some advice for the aspiring designers looking for work on the boards. I have seen too many designers get screwed, and I have been on the raw end of some deals back when i used to freelance. Hopefully this will be of help to some. If not feel free to call me an idiot and move on
1. ALWAYS get half up front
2. ALWAYS send watermarked comps for approval, dont upload any completed work to their server until the design is signed off on and payment is remitted.
3. ALWAYS get a signed contract and specify the number or review/revision rounds client is allowed and specify a per hour rate for additional changes beyond the agreed apon number. Have a lawyer help you draft a template to use - simply modifiy the terms/price points for each new client.
4. ALWAYS ask around about potential clients
5. NEVER work for free to "see what you can do". That is what your portfolio is for.
6. NEVER work for informal promises of equity. Real equity is ink on the dotted line
7. If a client keeps making small changes or cant make up his or her mind or keeps increasing the scope of the projet, DO inforce #3 because this is always the case
Small changes add up to alot over time and your time is your product as a designer.
DISCLAIMER - The rules are harsh and dont apply to trused clients and/or companies - nor for simple one offs like banners. But for those offers on the board that we see time and time again that end up badly its a good way to avoid getting scammed out of your time and energy.
I dont claim to know it all but i have been around the design block many times and these simple steps can save a ton of time and decrease disputes between yourself and your clients as well as add to a happier working relationship for all involved.
EDIT - anyone else have tips that have helped them in the past feel free to contribute.
Here is some advice for the aspiring designers looking for work on the boards. I have seen too many designers get screwed, and I have been on the raw end of some deals back when i used to freelance. Hopefully this will be of help to some. If not feel free to call me an idiot and move on
1. ALWAYS get half up front
2. ALWAYS send watermarked comps for approval, dont upload any completed work to their server until the design is signed off on and payment is remitted.
3. ALWAYS get a signed contract and specify the number or review/revision rounds client is allowed and specify a per hour rate for additional changes beyond the agreed apon number. Have a lawyer help you draft a template to use - simply modifiy the terms/price points for each new client.
4. ALWAYS ask around about potential clients
5. NEVER work for free to "see what you can do". That is what your portfolio is for.
6. NEVER work for informal promises of equity. Real equity is ink on the dotted line
7. If a client keeps making small changes or cant make up his or her mind or keeps increasing the scope of the projet, DO inforce #3 because this is always the case
Small changes add up to alot over time and your time is your product as a designer.DISCLAIMER - The rules are harsh and dont apply to trused clients and/or companies - nor for simple one offs like banners. But for those offers on the board that we see time and time again that end up badly its a good way to avoid getting scammed out of your time and energy.
I dont claim to know it all but i have been around the design block many times and these simple steps can save a ton of time and decrease disputes between yourself and your clients as well as add to a happier working relationship for all involved.
EDIT - anyone else have tips that have helped them in the past feel free to contribute.
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