If you plan to do freelance work as an artist, writer, graphics designer, developer or whatever other thing you’re into, here’s a list of the top 10 lies you’ll be told by your clients and that could end up ruining it for you.
1. “Do this one cheap (or free) and we’ll make it up on the next one.”
2. “We never pay a cent until we see the final product.”
3. “Do this for us and you’ll get great exposure! The jobs will just pour in!”
4. On looking at sketches or concepts: “Well, we aren’t sure if we want to use you yet, but leave your material here so I can talk to my partner/investor/wife/clergy.”
5. “Well, the job isn’t CANCELLED, just delayed. Keep the account open and we’ll continue in a month or two.”
6. “Contract? We don’t need no stinking contact! Aren’t we friends?”
7. “Send me a bill after the work goes to press.”
8. “The last guy did it for XXX dollars.”
9. “Our budget is XXX dollars, firm.”
10. “We are having financial problems. Give us the work, we’ll make some money and we’ll pay you. Simple.”
Read the full entry “Top 10 Lies told to Naive Artists and Designers” on “Painter Creativity” for explained details and counter arguments for every single point.
[Via: Performancing]
I experienced many of these lies. Now my work is clear:
1) I receive the hosting fees before starting.
2) I upload the files, with a huge “Demo” on each page that will be removed once I get my cash.
3) If I don’t get paid within 2 weeks, I delete everything and obtain a 1-year hosting for free.