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I'm turning into a copywriter. Are you?

9 years ago from Lara Schenck, Designer & Front-end Developer

  • Art VandelayArt Vandelay, 9 years ago

    I run into this often. My contract clearly states that I don't touch copy. And if I do, its charged at a billable rate.

    6 points
    • Lara SchenckLara Schenck, 9 years ago

      Yeah. But if they don't want you to touch it, do you just use the bad copy? So frustrating cause it kills all the hard design work.

      3 points
      • Caleb SylvestCaleb Sylvest, 9 years ago

        You just need to decide where to compromise. Do you use bad copy and not worry about it? Or do you say screw it, write something good to help the overall project?

        Obviously the best thing would be to charge for the time, but I know that can be difficult sometimes for a "fringe" element of a project that really does matter but most people don't think it does. I would also suggest touching base with clients early on and reviewing what copy they do have. Talk about its strengths and weaknesses, and review examples of good copy.

        Copy is really important, honestly more important than design or anythings else (it hurts to admit as I am a designer), but compare this to what you would do if you ask for the client logo and they give you a really crappy .gif from 1999. Do you use it as is? Or do you clean it up and make it at least look presentable? I'm not talking about a full rebrand but a delicate massage ;)

        Hope that helps. Money is always a tough issue, but going the extra mile for a clients will always impress. And now that I've reminded myself of that let me get back to my client project and practice what I preach!

        1 point
        • Art VandelayArt Vandelay, 9 years ago

          Very well said. I've found that when presenting money to the transaction, they begin to think more cognizantly about the topic at hand.

          At the going rate though, you've got to consider this - if they client is aware the copy is subpar and is okay with that, then you'll probably meet this issue down the road with other things related to the project.

          0 points
          • Caleb SylvestCaleb Sylvest, 9 years ago

            Very true. If a client doesn't understand the value of one aspect of a project, that's probably a glimpse of how working with them will be going forward. But sometimes you still have to take on non-ideal clients (if you like to eat and sleep in a bed ;)

            1 point