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Freelance/independent work questions. (Not on how to get projects)

over 5 years ago from

I've been working as a web/graphic designer for a few years now. I have some time free at the moment and I feel like I can get more out of myself by doing some actual work instead of senseless Dribbble shots.

I'm not asking how to get freelance projects. But more on how do you handle them? I have a few questions that I do not know how to approach them.

I've been asked before to do some projects but mostly turned them down as I don't really know how to handle them. Aside from work from people that I've met in real life.

 

  • How can I know the person I'm dealing with is trustworthy (obv. googling them first)?
  • How much should I charge? I'm thinking about €15-20 / hr ($18-25/hr).
  • Do you ask an advance payment before starting a project?
  • How do you send your design work, fill it with watermarks for example?
  • What if the person doesn't pay you for your hard work?

I am looking for some advice and tips and tricks from people that have done some freelancing and know how to handle these situations.

 

Thanks a lot.

https://dribbble.com/ZanicL3

3 comments

  • Ken Em, over 5 years ago

    How can I know the person I'm dealing with is trustworthy (obv. googling them first)?

    That, and check with Better Business Bureau, etc. Some of it is going to be risk if it's someone you don't already know or are familiar with.

    How much should I charge? I'm thinking about €15-20 / hr ($18-25/hr).

    That all depends on how much you believe your time is worth.

    Do you ask an advance payment before starting a project?

    Again, it depends. For some projects I request 50% up front and 50% upon completion. For others which are quicker or if it's someone I've done a lot of work with, I will just bill at the end. But there are various ways to go.

    How do you send your design work, fill it with watermarks for example?

    I don't use watermarks. Either through a directory on my website or PDFs via email.

    What if the person doesn't pay you for your hard work?

    Hopefully you won't have to worry about it because you've clearly spelled out the terms of what will happen if they don't pay in your contract with them. :) Always always ALWAYS have a contract.

    1 point
    • Lucas DebelderLucas Debelder, over 5 years ago

      Thanks a lot for the reply.

      Can you explain the contract a little bit more? Is it something more legally based or just a small agreement between both?

      I'm thinking of just asking 50% up front tomorrow if the person does not agree on that, well so be it then.

      Again, thanks a lot for the help.

      0 points
      • Ken Em, over 5 years ago

        It could be either. I use a simple agreement that I've written up myself that includes the scope of work to be performed, the cost, how it will be billed, when payment is due, and what the consequences are for being late. You could keep it simple or get more detailed with this, there are lots of options. The main thing is just to get everything in writing. It saves a lot of headaches if a client does decide to flake out (which realistically isn't too often in my experience). Check out the AIGA's example for a starting point:

        https://www.aiga.org/standard-agreement

        0 points