Hey Will, a lot of what you say applies to doing websites as well (which is what I do).
I have done heaps of these type of cheapo family projects and have one other thing to add.
Let's say you do a really great job of the website/artwork for $200. The family member is over the moon. The next thing they go and do is tell all their friends about the amazing job they got done for only $200 - they are trying to drum up some business for you because they are so pleased. When their friends call you for a job, they think the $1000 you quote is expensive, because they expected to get it done for $200. And you have to have that same uncomfortable conversation again.
...another great point Harvey! To add to your experience - in the past I did two logo jobs for family and they never used the art - they decided to NOT go into business. I learned that when someone wants to go into business one of the easiest things they do is find a chump willing to work for peanuts. They don't think twice about wasting your time but when it comes to actually doing the hard work themselves they often fold.
Very well said. It is something I am struggling with myself as I try to get a few jobs to practice my illustration skills. When you mentioned the 'prices' being proposed, I knew I have to work even harder at getting that backbone woven with diplomacy. I am getting there, but as you say to the kids in your teachers' series, practice, practice, practice, duh! :D
The next video in line after watching this is Miss South Carolina's 2007 answer. What's the relation?
ReplyDeleteOne of the casualties of using youtube. :)
ReplyDeleteHey Will, a lot of what you say applies to doing websites as well (which is what I do).
ReplyDeleteI have done heaps of these type of cheapo family projects and have one other thing to add.
Let's say you do a really great job of the website/artwork for $200. The family member is over the moon. The next thing they go and do is tell all their friends about the amazing job they got done for only $200 - they are trying to drum up some business for you because they are so pleased.
When their friends call you for a job, they think the $1000 you quote is expensive, because they expected to get it done for $200. And you have to have that same uncomfortable conversation again.
...another great point Harvey! To add to your experience - in the past I did two logo jobs for family and they never used the art - they decided to NOT go into business. I learned that when someone wants to go into business one of the easiest things they do is find a chump willing to work for peanuts. They don't think twice about wasting your time but when it comes to actually doing the hard work themselves they often fold.
ReplyDeleteThank you, thank you, thank you. Good message and a lot to think about.
ReplyDeleteVery well said. It is something I am struggling with myself as I try to get a few jobs to practice my illustration skills. When you mentioned the 'prices' being proposed, I knew I have to work even harder at getting that backbone woven with diplomacy. I am getting there, but as you say to the kids in your teachers' series, practice, practice, practice, duh! :D
ReplyDelete