I've gotten head over heals into graphic arts over the last 2-3 months and found myself designing a concert poster for a local bar here in Baton Rouge.  I've completed a proof of the design and the bar owner likes it.  But now I'm left with figuring out what to charge him for my work. 

Should it be based on how many copies he wants (tenatively 15-20), the amount of hours put into the design (I put in 25-30 hrs over the course of two weeks), or something inbetween.

Are there other factors I should account for (beside printing) when negotiating?  :?

 

Whenever I work for someone on a freelance basis, I have to consider a few factors:

 

1. The project's intended use (high volume mailer or a one-time poster?)

2. The project's complexity (illustrations requiring days to complete or simple text/graphic blocks?)

3. The client's budget (high-end for profit company or grassroots low-budget non-profit?)

4. The potential for future business from said client?

 

Now, some designers will say "I charge $50 an hour" which may sound high, but in some markets that's the going rate for some freelance work. Operative word = some. Most local bar owners I know don't have $1500 to fork over for concert poster work. That's where #3 and #4 come in. You may want to try a leading question by saying "I'm new to the design business but my friend who works in design usually charges X per hour" and get a feel for his reaction. If his eyes leap out of his skull, you can say "but because I'm starting out, I can offer a better price". You might also want to consider what they can offer in trade. If I were to do a concert poster for a bar that happened to be a favorite hangout, I'd seriously consider taking a tab rather than a fee. One thing I've learned is that it's very easy to price yourself out of work in smaller markets - I wouldn't undercut yourself, but just be realistic. And make sure you have your agreed payment in WRITING - do not go by a verbal agreement. An email agreement can work but it has to be very explicitly stated what your terms are. When a client realizes 1. they can afford you and 2. you produce quality work - they'll come back to you and more importantly they'll refer you to other people.

 

As far as printing - I personally try to avoid handling the printing myself. My usual rule of thumb is to ask the client if they have a printer (they almost always do), and the only time I contact the printer is at the beginning (to get specs, what formats they prefer, etc.) and the end (to make sure they got the file I sent). Honestly, it's one of the biggest areas of potential headaches that designers can encounter - there's a reason a lot of design firms have people dedicated to trafficking and buying print (Print Buyers) - and those people tend to be tough as nails because they need to be to keep printers in line and on time.

 

Finally - if you do hand off the file rather than deal with the printing, be ABSOLUTELY sure to draft a licensing agreement. You can google "graphic design licensing" or something close to get an idea. Just a simple piece of paper can come in awfully handy if you see your work being replicated beyond the scope of the initial commission. If a client ever balks at signing it, walk out the door.

 

Hope that made some sense and helped. Feel free to ask if you need more help.