Freelance Design and Publishing

QuickTips Index

Spec Work vs. Pro Bono
What's the difference between working on spec and doing pro bono work? They're both free work.

Get a Deposit
Requesting a deposit from clients is standard trade practice for designers. While some clients might balk at paying something up front, never apologize or become defensive. Simply explain the rationale behind getting a deposit and, if necessary, explain how it is to the client's advantage to pay in installments.

Include a Kill Fee in Your Contract
The kill fee, rejection fee, or cancellation fee insures that you are paid for all work that you have done up to the time that the client notifies you that they are not going to continue with the design project.

Get Samples of Your Work
Build the cost of samples into your pricing and pay for more when it is called for.

Finding Clients for Marketing Newsletters
Newsletters can provide repeat business. Use these tips to find clients.