New Freelancer (from India) Needs Help
suhail (7 pencils) | Sun, 2008-08-10 18:29Hi all,
New to this place, am lovin it. Have been a full time designer on company payrolls for quite sometime now (11 years). Recently branching out with some freelance design work. Actually did some jobs within a friend's network, word of mouth spread and getting quit a few freelancing offers.
The problem is I have no commercial sense at all about the work i do. It was more like being paid for a hobby/passion. I do ATL, Identities, imaging, packagin design, a bit of online but specialize currently in BTL.
I'd like some commercial guidance, as to :
1) do u guys i think I should have something like a Rate Card? I have no clue what should I charge someone (dont even know what desiging a business card would cost, or even a logo?)
So can someone help with rates for design charges in Mumbai.
3) Do I sign contracts before starting work?
4) Anything else i should keep in mind when i designing in Mumbai?
Commenting on this Forum topic is closed.
Well, firstly, congratulations on starting up. It's an exciting road that lies ahead and you're sure to learn a lot.
1 - Pricing: This really differs from location to location. In the US the "GAG Pricing and Ethical Guidelines" is a good place to start. I don't think the pricing will be relevant but it contains most of the contracts you'll need. If not, go visit an Agency in Mumbai and ask them what their hourly rate is.
2 - Rate Card: Depending on whether you have standard items to offer or do individual items. It's better to have a per hour rate though. You can look at the client's needs and determine how long it would take you. Then you can give them an estimate.
3 - Always. Don't do a job without a contract -> somebody's going to rip you off.
4 - Hopefully a local Mumbaisian (?) will be able to answer that. As my father in law says (I think he got it from some American president) - "Trust but verify." Now that's good advice.
The Construct Agency
Building Creative Brands for People
Welcome
Lots of info in these posts:
http://creativebits.org/search/node/freelance+pricing
Meet designers in your area and ask them about their rates. Don't do ANY work for free. Always use contracts for your work. Never give up your designs, which you own, without adequate payment from the client.
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Natobasso
"Powerpoint is not a design application"
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Dirt and Rust
Thank u both for the valuable inputs. just learning the (commercial) ropes.currently dont have any designer in mumbai on my network (actually me too pretty new to india).hope someone from india/mumbai here comes to rescue.:)
These 28 Mumbai Freelancers have signed up to be invited when a new Freelance Meetup Group starts
http://freelance.meetup.com/cities/in/mumbai/
You could always initiate this.
The Construct Agency
Building Creative Brands for People
Great idea Mint. Love Meetup.
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Natobasso
"Powerpoint is not a design application"
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Dirt and Rust
Thank u dude. will sign up at meet up. :)