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Treefrog
11-10-2008, 06:41 PM
I am designing some packaging for a client. For one part of it he wants a map of the world with info about various animals from each region and their endangered status.
When I asked him to provide me with the details to add to the map, he basically asked me to google it. I would expect to spend time researching for stock images, for example, as part of the job, but this sounds more like writing his content for him. Should that be part of the job for a designer?
Only if you want it to be part of your job. Just charge accordingly... What you want to or don't want to add to your job description is up to you, if it's your client. Just make him aware how much this research will cost him.
Yossarian
11-10-2008, 06:57 PM
Not typically, but clients do have a way of expecting you to fill in the gaps. For me it would come down to this: Would I be able to charge him for the research time? If he wanted to pay me for it, then I'd be happy to do it.
If you've already negotiated a total price for the job, and now he's expecting you to pull all of those details together, that's entirely different.
If you've already negotiated a total price for the job, and now he's expecting you to pull all of those details together, that's entirely different.
...in which case you need to put your foot down and let him know that providing content will cost a lot more, and you will need to renegotiate a price before continuing.
Virgo Nightingale
11-10-2008, 07:02 PM
If you've already negotiated a set price, and it is clear in your contract that this includes design services (and it makes no mention of copywriting), just mention to your client that since research and copywriting were not part of the original agreement, it will cost him/her $XX in addition to the previously discussed price. If you're charging hourly anyway and don't think it would be too difficult to put some information together, simply charge for the extra time you spend on the research and writing.
My office has a copywriter on staff, so it's one of the services we offer. If a client needs the service, the additional charge is reflected in our overall design quote.
budafist
11-10-2008, 10:37 PM
From time to time I'll agree to do stuff like that if I'm not too busy (and if the client really can't do it themselves). But I let the client know how long I think it's going to take me to do.
CkretAjint
11-10-2008, 11:02 PM
Part of my job? NOPE! I tell people that I am not a copy writer. I will gladly refer them to one, but they need to pay her rates and their timeline will shift due to the not being prepared.
PrintDriver
11-10-2008, 11:11 PM
I'd do it. But they'd have to pay our standard, no supplied source image acquisition rate plus image fees. That gets expensive real fast.
I'm assuming you have a list of animals? Or a list of places? If not, they pay for the time it takes to come up with an approved list.
And they pay for the copywriting, which I'd limit to common name, Latin name, and a one or two word endangered status.
What's your packaging deadline?
If you go into overtime to do the work (either over 8 in a day or over 40 in a week), charge rush charges.
All very easy for me to say, not knowing the client. But you have every right to say it.
Treefrog
11-11-2008, 06:36 AM
Thanks everyone.
This has brought up an interesting part of design that I haven't shared with my students (remember, I only have them for one hour a day - for 18 weeks. Were still working on how to set up a file in Photoshop or Illy in some cases). I think what I need to do is start compiling a list of possible design services and how that particular design request could evolve or what might be involved on the part of the designer. I always stress the skills of spelling and writing and whoa...perfect opportunity to spring this in. This sounds like a big challenge. Why did I think of it? :-)
Ugh... it's amazing how easily a designer fails in the U.S., if they don't learn proper spelling and grammar.
stickleback
11-11-2008, 09:55 PM
Ugh... it's amazing how easily a designer fails in the U.S., if they don't learn proper spelling and grammar.
this from someone whose location is Kanada..... love it...
CkretAjint
11-11-2008, 11:02 PM
Kanada is klassik. :D
MikeHun
11-12-2008, 11:23 AM
it's Kanata you Krazy Kanuck!:D
garricks
11-12-2008, 12:55 PM
Ugh... it's amazing how easily a designer fails in the U.S., if they don't learn proper spelling and grammar.
May I point out a little grammar problem? :p
lol... pluralities schpluralities. ;)
It's tough to get past that neutral gender problem sometimes, in a fashionable way.
garricks
11-13-2008, 11:23 PM
Ned, I had to gig you on that one. ;)
I'm not afraid to write some copy or clean up provided copy for certain clients, but if I were working the job freelance, I'd either sub it out to a writer (after discussing it with the client and writing it in the contract) or charge accordingly, also written into the contract.
Ned, I had to gig you on that one. ;)
lol... I know Garricks. I'm sure the opportunity couldn't have been passed up. ;)