Deciding on pricing

[shadepics]

Now before you say we're not allowed to discuss prices on here, i'm not actually looking for that as such.

I'm 17 and starting to get people asking me to do jobs like logos, web graphics etc. Not big, but a start. I did a couple of jobs just as favors, agreements to recommend me etc. Although the majority of people have been really grateful, recommended me to lots of others a few have done nothing so I decided i'll just charge money whoever they are.

The problem is this however, I've read a lot about how the professional designers loathe 17 year olds living with parents, undercutting? prices etc so I don't really want to do that, plus it lowers the value of the work as such. But at the same time I don't want to end up having just one job now and again.

Where should I start? :confused:

[Zendada]

I don’t know about anyone else but I think in terms of hourly rates. We can’t get specific here on GDF because it is against the law. I will say however that my minimum hourly rate is 3x what I would work for hourly at a normal job.

The danger of being in this profession is having your friends and family know you are in this profession. Get ready for many requests pro bono.

Some people go hourly, some go by project. Being new to this myself, I am basing my project number on hourly and a few other things.

[shadepics]

Yeah, I understand it can't get specific. Just unsure that if I go high, i won't get the requests, if I go low, it just undervalues that i've shelled out my own money to legally get the software/equipment to do it!

[morea]

check out the pricing resources here (at the bottom) - especially the GAG Handbook, which you can probably pick up on eBay:

http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7892

[Neuro]

Pricing takes research and planning. There really isn't a short, quick answer. Each area is different in some ways. It all depends on what your "costs" are and what you wish to pay yourself. Yes it is illegal to discuss specifics and thank you for recognizing that.

I did recently hear about a good Estimate Tutorial (http://198.173.235.195/estimatetutorial.html). Check that out. Maybe it will help you.

[PrintDriver]

don't forget to use a contract. Especially with friends and family.

[typographics]

id suggest that you not provide work for friends and family. a contract will only make things worse when the deal goes sour. its not worth losing friends and family over some graphics. if you want to work for such people, as i often do, assume you will not be compensated. then, when/if you do, thats just an added bonus.

[Neuro]

If your own family and friends can't respect what you do...how can you expect to be respected by clients? I agree with PD and feel that even with family and friends contracts are important. Makes them realize that it is serious business and not just "for fun." Maybe if they take you seriously they will be able to bring you some other work. If you want to be taken seriuosly, I believe, you should take yourself seriously and doing that involves treating everyone with a contract.

[shadepics]

Thanks all for the advice. Really appreciate the quick response. The tutorial was good, i'll keep in mind the point about how much the work will be seen. Working my way through all the frequent topics!

[cjoe]

don't forget to use a contract. Especially with friends and family.

lol, yeah.

[JPnyc]

don't forget to use a contract. Especially with friends and family.
I can't tell if you were joking or not, PD. With friends and family I don't charge them at all.