Work for Hire

[DaveGink]

I really appreciate the information in this thread. Thanks Gink!

Cool Brendan...I hope it helps!!

[DaveGink]

Right on Dave!

Thanks man!!

[robschwager]

One day I hope to be a tenth as business savvy as Dave is.

You rule bro!

[Platinum Rich]

great topic. thanks, dave.

[GIGART]

Considering i have never even been paid as much as $500 for any design (except once) it would definetly be hard for me to turn down several thousands of dollars worth of work for any reason. I simply cant fathom someone paying me that amount for my illustration and design work. You definetly have a stronger will than me.

Having worked in the game industry for 10 years and having them own everything I do. So it's hard for me to think of turning down Work for Hire jobs.

I know what you mean and I would definetly shy away from it, but man, it would be really hard to turn down thousands of dollars worth of work .

Mike...You deserve to be making more money for you talent...you constantly put out killer original work that deserves to be paid for...

I am not talking about in posters...in my experience...I get paid close to nothing or nothing on posters...but when it comes to other paid jobs, album art, skateboard graphics, marketing illustrations....etc...you deserve more...

I think you just have to take that one chance...I did.

There was a radio station here in SF...they offered me to do 5 posters for five summer shows one year...they planned to print 20 thousand of each and pass them out to each fan after the shows..it was a big job, lots of exposure...I had not done many posters at the time...I was frustrated with getting screwed all the time...so I gave them a price per poster...they were like...Whoooaa...that is what we were thinking for all 5 posters...so I said thanks, sorry to waste your time...I hung up the phone and was pissed at myself and thought I just threw away a big chance...and then in less than one hour, they called back and said...ok...lets do the 5 posters at that price. I got the gig, and from that day...I have been putting myself out there to get what I think I deserve...I have been working with that station now for the past 3 years...I do get turned down, and I also will compromise and work for less...but I have no problem anymore asking for what I want...and I aslo know that there are so many much more talented artists out there than me, that could and would do the work for less...but if they call me or I get ahold of them and give my price...they know what they will get out of me...I will take it...

I guess if you have some cash saved up or another job on the side...I would take a chance, on some big project...it is a new year...people expect prices to go up a bit each year...you should put yourself out there...who knows, you may just get it...

I also feel that sometimes putting a high price out there...makes the client think they are getting more for their money...it is not always true...but sometimes they want the best and think higher cost is getting them that...

And as I have seen with you and others...you get constant work...lots of really fun and good jobs with lots of exposure...so if you go big to get what you deserve and don't get it...we all know you are not stupid and will get another job...that is what we all do...get a job, finish it, get another job...etc...so....

I will stop...but I am getting decent pay for my work...and know that you and others can definately get what you deserve by just sticking to your guns...