noobie- would love some direction

Submitted by andersonwebstudio on Tue, 2007-12-04 19:06.

Member's Forum

hi everyone, this blog/forum looks like it has a wealth of great information. i am an application developer by trade but lately my true interest is in the other side of the brain and i have been flexing my creative muscles. so usually i do application development work on a contract basis and just bill my clients weekly for the previous weeks work. it seems to work well for me, and no clients have complained.

now i am getting pulled in the direction of more creative work and i have my first real serious client that is looking for brand identity/website work, and i have some questions.

1) generally, how do you bill for this type of work- 50% up front?
2) can someone show me an example proposal for this type of work, i need to get professional in a hurry and would love some advice on the documents and upfront setup work.

i'm used to writing software specs in a real cut and dry development process- this stuff is a bit new to me- appreciate any help you all can offer me!

Terms

Submitted by natobasso on Tue, 2007-12-04 19:21.

Terms can vary, but for a larger, long term project, either 1/3 or 50% up front is pretty standard. Shows good faith on both sides.

For a start on your creative contract, look here.

You sound pretty experienced, but make sure you don't do any design work on spec. No designer should work for free AND give up the rights to their work.

Avoid work for hire arrangements as well. You are basically an 'employee' under this arrangement and as such have no rights to the work you do in this arrangement.

Remember to get all specs in writing first and only allow changes to them that are mutually agreed upon. Also get clear who owns what. If you create the logo, you own it till you transfer the rights to it over to the client or other party.

This goes for the website design as well. Do NOT copy another design on the web at the behest of a client. This is called copyright infringement. Use that right brain of yours. :)

----
Powerpoint is not a design application

great set of questions..

Submitted by archmedia on Tue, 2007-12-04 22:40.

as Natobaso said, there's variables..

I'd recommend reading up on the sites he posted. Also take a look at the following links:
http://creativebits.org/10_absolute_nos_for_freelancers
and
http://blog-omotives.blogspot.com/2006/07/signing-on-dotted-line.html

The first is just some rules of thumb, not set in stone, take them in stride.
The second is a decent little contract. It's simple, yet effective.

hope this helps for now
____________________________________________
Architectural Technician - Multimedia Designer
www.ArchMedia.us

Always 50% upfront. Good

Submitted by Ivan on Wed, 2007-12-05 08:30.

Always 50% upfront. Good luck!

as a new designer..

Submitted by archmedia on Wed, 2007-12-05 16:21.

maybe asking for 35 or 40% upfront wouldn't seem too demanding, but would none the less mean you're serious. again, all just suggestions..

I personally still only asking for 40%, it makes them commit, it shows i'm serious, and it has less fear attached to it then 50% on their behalf..
____________________________________________
Architectural Technician - Multimedia Designer
www.ArchMedia.us