I was referred a client looking for a corporate identity the other day by a colleague of mine. Great news under any circumstance, as identity design is my one true love. My joy soured after being contacted by the client, as it was a lesson in just how low the small business person values a designer’s services.
I was invited to submit a quote and samples of my past work, and was informed that my quote would be the third under consideration. I was encouraged by the fact that the client was at least going about the selection process in a fair and ethical manner. I quickly prepared at the rock bottom of my pay scale — $1,050 for a complete logo system accompanied by a standards manual. This is nowhere near my freelance rate, $60/hour, but any money is good money when you’re short on funds for cocaine and prostitutes. Kidding. About the cocaine anyway.
The client proceeded to inform me that I was the high bidder, which I found kind of shocking, but commented that she loved my work but would appreciate it if I could come down with my fees. Always a sucker for a woman asking for favours, and needing the cash for self-promo production costs, I shaved $175 off my bill. This didn’t appear to be enough for her, and the conversation ended with her instructing me to “give it some thought” and call her before the end of the week if I could come in at a lower price point.
I tell this story to teach my young, recent-grad friends an important lesson. Do not let yourself be bullied into accepting something that makes no sense for your time. Yes, I could have come down further and won the job, but always remember that a designer’s most valuable asset is his time. It makes no sense to spend 40 hours chasing pennies when you can use that time promoting yourself to employers and clients who will give you what you deserve. Decide what you’re worth (remember that freelancers should charge roughly three times what they’re worth in a studio setting) and stick to it. No, the cheap ones won’t hire you, but why bother with them anyway? There’s always someone better around the corner.
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