Expand from project-by-project to contract design work

Valerie
December 9, 2009

BXP44791Success in the graphic design business can fluctuate simply because when you finish a project, there might not be another one from that same customer for a while.

A $200 paycheck here and there might not be secure enough for your bank account to sustain itself! So, what’s the solution? Try going after contract graphic design work. Think about your most frequent clients. They get graphic design services from you all the time, but they’re paying for each project separately. A contract might benefit both of you. You both agree to a certain amount of work done on a regular basis (monthly is a great place to start) and agree on how much money per month would be worth that amount of work. It should be an amount that is less than them paying for each project separately, but should also be worth your time and effort. They benefit because they are essentially getting a discount on their design services, and you benefit because you know that on a certain date each month you will consistently get paid. Keep in mind that the amount of work that you agree to do can and probably will fluctuate. Make an agreement as to how many projects you are willing to work up to before any additional cost is necessary, if applicable. Also, make sure that your client is aware that a true monthly retainer means that if there is 1 project, 10 projects or no projects, you are owed the monthly retainer amount (that is your biggest benefit). If these stipulations need to be altered according to your client’s particular situation, just make sure that the type of agreement that is best for both of you is in writing and signed by both parties so that everyone is on the same page.

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About Valerie Thompson

Anonymous's picture
January 07, 2016 03:21 am #

Freelancers this is a great way to make a couple hundred extra a week. Just get your name out there and lock up a few contracts. Great post

Anonymous's picture
January 07, 2016 03:21 am #

[...] freelance graphic artists, we must approach business from a unique perspective. In our line of work, the client has a lot of [...]

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