I do think that Perry`s offer is "gutsy" and do hope that some SuN members take advantage of his offer. However, I will admit I would never make such an offer to any client.
Having been a graphic designer for over 30 years now I do know that in any client relationship for such services there is simply way too much opportunity for problems if
every aspect of such a project - including the predetermined cost - is not clearly spelled out in a project agreement or contract. I won`t even consider beginning a design project without a signed agreement and a deposit payment clearing my bank.
With the Internet already greatly devaluing graphic design services the initial rate ranges I provide potential clients are most often a great "prequalifier" of my clientele. It`s funny, but the second greatest "prequalifier" is my design project agreement. If sharing that document scares away a possible client it is usually a good thing. I will not discount my rates even to establish a possible client relationship - unless I am working with a nonprofit organization with the proper documentation. The discounting of my rates devalues my work and the years of experience/knowledge that comes with working with me. Part of my business practice responsibility is to educate the client about the value of my services.
Unfortunately, with online logo/design mills, and the ability for anyone with a computer to refer to themselves as a "designer," the general public has a very skewed perception of the worth of a graphic designer`s work, what goes into the creation of design efforts, and what may be most appropriate for conveying the client message. I repeatedly get emails from people wanting to have a logo design created and expecting it to cost $200-300. My rates for such projects start at $1500 for the smallest companies. Most logo projects end up costing several thousand dollars. The vast majority feel that those prices are extreme - those individuals/companies are not my target market.
An interesting tid-bit of information - each time I raise my rates I get more, rather than less, work. I think it`s due in part to a consumer perception that if something costs more it must be better. If that is working in my favor I`m pleased to make use of that perception. But then I am also in the "work less, charge more" phase of my design career. "Work less, charge more" is a mantra I always encourage those in the design profession to adopt.
Best of luck to Perry with his offer. I`m curious to see the end results.
- J.
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Jeff Fisher |
Jeff Fisher LogoMotives |
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