cbscreative
08-03-2005, 01:31 PM
There has been a lot of discussion here about pricing, artists working too cheap, and getting respect as a graphic artist. I wanted to offer this example because it illustrates a solution and may be helpful to others here.
Not every job can be done at the full value, so you must decide whether to turn down the work or do the job for less. If you do the work for less, there is usually a way to keep your dignity and still be respected as a professional.
I was recently contacted to design a logo for a upstart jump rope team, grades K-8. Right away you can guess, there will not be much money, which they admitted. In a case like this, there is no way to justify the normal cost, but I admire the fact that they wanted a professional job. Just to be sure they understood, I told them this service normally ranges in the hundreds to even thousands of dollars.
Also, my experience tells me that a group of parents, possibly even the students will need to make the decision, which gets very political and several reworks and "can you do this" requests get made if you don't set the rules in advance. This problem was solved by suggesting a majority vote on three concepts that will be created to vote on. Too many choices cause problems. The finished design is based on the group decision.
Now this still leaves the price. I always look for ways to add value. What can the client contribute other than money so they are not just getting a good deal, but investing in some other way. The principle is more important than the actual value. You want to be respected as a professional, make them contribute something for your loss of revenue.
In this case, here is my solution. Most sports teams like this want to have programs printed. This often involves corporate sponsors and ads. I offered to design the cover as part of the job, and I get an ad (which I will supply). I will also want to be sure every advertiser gets a copy so they see my ad. We also discussed publicity in the school paper and I will create a press release to submit to their local news.
Obvoiusly, the monetary value here is limited, but the principle is what matters. I have a shot at some other corporate work, but they are making that contribution. Yes I did charge real money too. It's only $150 which is not a lot, but enough to be significant for a group of parents with a jump rope team, while still affordable and covers my time.
Just as important, it's one less aweful looking logo that might result if I wasn't so nice. The kids deserve to have that sense of pride.
I hope this helps you to think creatively, think like a business person, and maintain your clients respect even when you are not charging full price.
Not every job can be done at the full value, so you must decide whether to turn down the work or do the job for less. If you do the work for less, there is usually a way to keep your dignity and still be respected as a professional.
I was recently contacted to design a logo for a upstart jump rope team, grades K-8. Right away you can guess, there will not be much money, which they admitted. In a case like this, there is no way to justify the normal cost, but I admire the fact that they wanted a professional job. Just to be sure they understood, I told them this service normally ranges in the hundreds to even thousands of dollars.
Also, my experience tells me that a group of parents, possibly even the students will need to make the decision, which gets very political and several reworks and "can you do this" requests get made if you don't set the rules in advance. This problem was solved by suggesting a majority vote on three concepts that will be created to vote on. Too many choices cause problems. The finished design is based on the group decision.
Now this still leaves the price. I always look for ways to add value. What can the client contribute other than money so they are not just getting a good deal, but investing in some other way. The principle is more important than the actual value. You want to be respected as a professional, make them contribute something for your loss of revenue.
In this case, here is my solution. Most sports teams like this want to have programs printed. This often involves corporate sponsors and ads. I offered to design the cover as part of the job, and I get an ad (which I will supply). I will also want to be sure every advertiser gets a copy so they see my ad. We also discussed publicity in the school paper and I will create a press release to submit to their local news.
Obvoiusly, the monetary value here is limited, but the principle is what matters. I have a shot at some other corporate work, but they are making that contribution. Yes I did charge real money too. It's only $150 which is not a lot, but enough to be significant for a group of parents with a jump rope team, while still affordable and covers my time.
Just as important, it's one less aweful looking logo that might result if I wasn't so nice. The kids deserve to have that sense of pride.
I hope this helps you to think creatively, think like a business person, and maintain your clients respect even when you are not charging full price.