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Forums / Art Talk / Visual Arts Talk / I have a degree in Art with a concentration in graphic design. How much do I charge an acquaintance for design
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Dex
29 posts |
#22502 2007-09-14 12:23 GMT |
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I worked in the professional field of graphic design for 2 years. We charged $15 an hour I believe. I got out of that job and do something completely different. I've started doing photography on the side. A girl from high school (8 years ago) wants me to do some photos for her. I was going to do them for free b/c she will let me use them in my portfolio. She then asked me to design her album insert and asked how much I would charge. I have no idea what to charge. I don't know how big her CD will make it. She's not well known. I think this is a self recording type thing...not a very big record deal.
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Omnious
31 posts |
#22503 2007-09-14 12:37 GMT |
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Are you planning to do a lot of freelance design work? There are proper best biz practices in place. AIGA and GAG websites would really help you with that....
******BEST ADVICE I CAN GIVE YOU: Always use a CONTRACT no matter HOW BIG or SMALL the project is! You will be so GLAD you did...protects YOU and YOUR CLIENT!  ******you can also visit http://www.graphicdesignforum.com for some great advice from other designers....read the newbie forum faqs it is packed full of GREAT INFO! Great people on the site...but we cannot really discuss Actual pricing on there, however there are tips related to it, w/out giving exact numbers - that is prohibited on there. Anyways, you should get a book called Pricing and Ethical Guidelines...refers directly to our industry. http://www.gag.org/pegs/index.php In general though, Every designer charges differently based on their experience, and how much their creative worth is....how is the quality of your work compared to others? ** NEVER DESIGN FOR FREE ** http://www.no-spec.com should help you understand why. Personally, I think that $15 is ridiculously too low. No reason to charge so cheaply! How much is YOUR TIME worth? If its only an acquaintance, and not a close friend or relative, I would maybe charge 30% less than normal.....I'd say though not to charge any less than $50.00 / hr for your normal rate...no reason to low-ball the industry! keeping it real, keeps you real as a designer, and you'll be more respected! Cheap designers never make it very far and end up getting walked on. Its good to learn the best biz practices as it WILL help you become more successful, I promise! Good luck in all you do! Valerie |
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DTrain
54 posts |
#22504 2007-09-14 12:43 GMT |
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I don't know where you are but here's the thing, you were being cheated royally. In Philadelphia the going rate at a business in the professional field for graphic design on the low end is $50 per hour. Depending upon where you go the charge ranges from $50-125. And that 50 buck company can be hard to find. The fee most commonly found is 75 dollars per hour.
Using this aforementioned pricing since this is a friend of yours charge whatever it is you want. However if you are in need of money charge her the regular rate. I do graphic design as well if you can tell. And for certain family members, if they want something done, I may charge them a discounted flat rate like $125 for the package deal. So that way you are getting some compensation and the individual isn't constantly coming to you to try to get a free ride. And I feel that people appreciate your work more when they have to pay for it. |
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BabyDoll
44 posts |
#22505 2007-09-14 14:15 GMT |
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Valerie has the right idea. As for doing work for free, would you have any respect for a free gift after some time goes past? Keep your perspective and at least charge for your time. I have done 14 photo copies for a friend for $100 and there was no complaints.
Spartawo... |
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VanGogh
49 posts |
#22506 2007-09-14 19:57 GMT |
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$15 an hour is dirt cheap. In an agency setting, I was billed out at between $75 and $150 per hour (depending on the agency and the actual job function). As a freelancer, I charge a minimum of $50 per hour.
As a photographer, you do not need to do a job for free to be able to include the images in your portfolio. It's standard that the photographer owns the rights to the pictures they shoot. If you want to play it extra safe and make sure your client doesn't mind you using them for your portfolio, just include it in the contract. |
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