I worked up several good comps for a logo job. They didn't decide on one and don't want to pay to continue and get the perfect design. Instead they want to pay the balance due and get the files for every comp I presented. Your thoughts?
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i don't know what your contract looks like, but mine says that working files are mine and they get a final design. all working files are owned by, me, the designer. if you gave them three comps, they'd get three concepts when they were only paying for one.
I would give the client all of them for a small fee of let's say 10% of the total price.
I wouldn't rock the boat too much over some images you'll probably never use again anyway.
Ok. New twist. The comps are crowdsourced so the images are low res jpgs, not vector files.
wait. are these *YOUR* comps? or did you "crowdsource" out the designs and then submit them to a client?
i'm confused as to exactly what's going on here.
without knowing the details of your agreement with them. i think they are entitled. the work you performed is what they paid for.
Send them the Jpegs. Collect the balance-due.
Tell them to "go kick rocks."
Done. :)
Terrell Thornhill
e-zign Design Group
My contract is like gwells' - they're paying for one design - they don't get all the files unless they kick in some extra cash. Of course all that is contingent on what kind of client they are - a long time big spender will have a lot more leeway than somebody just in off the street. Think it thru before making a decision because those extraneous designs could be worth top dollar on StockLogos.com.
This conundrum is fundamental to our business. Contracts/agreements help clarify expectations but cannot quantify the intangible - the creative process. Only you know if you’ve overworked/overcharged/under-communicated the project. Take a step back. In the end, we want happy clients who pay their bills and give us more work, regardless of the legalese. Given your mutual investment, (if this client is worth salvaging), I would be doing what it takes to cement a long term relationship.
Yes good advice - it's more important to keep a good client.
And the opposite is also true - protect yourself from the bad clients. My contract says I own ALL the files (including the final artwork). So if anyone steps out of line and wants to be a pain, I can remind them that - contractually - everything belongs to me.
agreed (with you and art). i didn't mean to imply above that it's cut and dried and you should tell the client to sod off.
but, as does art, my standard contract clearly states that i own everything but the final product. i have negotiated that out for a higher fee.
but if a client wants multiple concepts, they're getting multiple final products. and they're getting more value than they originally contracted for. and you should address this with your client and negotiate what you're giving them that's not included in your original contract. this is simple business sense.
and your relationship with this specific client will guide you in these negotiations. a long-time, good client will get more leeway with me (and could possibly get all of the concepts with no additional cost, but they will be made aware that they're getting more value than they're paying for). a pain-in-the-butt client will not get the same kind of leeway and there will be more negotiation over what they can have for what cost.
mostly i think designers need to be aware that giving a client 4-5 final concepts (especially if you give them "working" files, which allow them to take your concept and refine it) potentially carries a lot more value than giving them one final concept with production file(s). how you negotiate that value with the client is obviously up to you, but you shouldn't give them away for absolutely nothing. even if what you're getting in return is goodwill from a good client that can work in your favor in the future. just don't let yourself get taken advantage of.
The comps are crowd sourced so the images are low res jpgs, not vector files.without knowing the details of your agreement with them. i think they are entitled. the work you performed is what they paid for.they can't get all the working files it belongs to me why should i share with them.
macwareinc
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