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Be Free, Lance: Pricing Part 3

So far in our pricing discussion, we’ve talked about estimating your income and hourly vs fixed fee pricing. Today, we’re going to put these topics to good use. You know, real-world-practical-stuff.

One of the hardest things to do is put a price on creative work. Seriously. In the beginning, it feels like more of a guessing game than most would be comfortable with … but that’s life. You need to dip your toes in the water and go for it! Over time, I promise that you’ll become 100 times more comfortable with your services and what you charge. For instance, one of the first freelancing gigs I ever had was a logo + website combo … for only $300. At the time, I was so excited to take on new work and get my name out there! I quickly realized that spending that much time on a project for a low price just wasn’t worth it! You simply wouldn’t survive on that kind of rate unless you worked at the speed of light. Fast forward a couple years and my pricing for branding and websites starts at $1,000 bare minimum. It’s taken me a bit of time - but I’m finally at a comfortable place in the whole pricing game.

So where do you start at, then? That’s the question. Tak your experience and work ethic into consideration when you’re putting together a pricing estimate for a potential client. Think about what you’d like to make and how long something will take you. Jessica Hische says it well … if you feel a little nervous about telling someone your price, you’re probably spot on. If not, you’re most likely underselling yourself! Start out with a flat fee that you’re comfortable working with and move up from there until it feels right. Go with your gut, it knows you well!

The hard part about being a creative is that not everyone understands our time and worth. In fact, some people think we can whip things together in a day, which is far from the truth! Luckily, most potential clients understand the value of good design and are willing to pay for it. Because I’ve run into both types of people, I quickly learned that it was best to be legit. Yes, legit. If you present yourself in a professional manner, you’ll be treated that way! Use well designed pricing sheets, invoices, and informational sheets. Trust me, people will appreciate and respect that you went the extra mile to present your business.

This is the last of my three part pricing series posts for Be Free, Lance - although I’m sure more will sneak in the future. Even though pricing can be overwhelming, I hope I was able to break it down just a little bit for you all.

Written by Breanna Rose.

Some more great tips for freelancers!

“Doug and Patti,” Gouache and Digital, 2012.

I knew when Elizabeth chose “childhood television nostalgia” for Square Carousel’s Challenge 17, that I had to illustrate “Doug.”  The show was my all-time favorite, and with good reason– it had solid characters, story-lines that taught lessons without being preachy, and plenty of silliness without being obnoxious.  Oh, how I miss the days of Quailman!

This illustration is showing Doug’s endless crush on Patti Mayonnaise.  Usually he wouldn’t be this obvious about it, so I suppose it’s more symbolic than literal in his actions.

Time to get motivated, y’all!

septagonstudios

(via kristen-mccann)

Oh, how we miss you so.  Mr. Sendak, you were the man that inspired my life goal of children’s book illustration, and I know I’m not the only one. 

illustratedladies:

Maurice Sendak

charlesloganmiller asked: Hey there! I love your artwork. I happen to love solid pastel colors and typography, so your style is really lovely to me. Are you planning on going to an art school for college or doing freelance things? Just wondering. :)

Thank you! That is very kind. I actually already finished school, though. ;) Graduated in 2011 from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a BFA in illustration and minor in printmaking.

“ATX” Gouache, 2012.

Square Carousel challenge number 16— we finally made it all the way around again, so I got to choose the theme: create several letters for Nate Williams’ Letter Playground.

I decided to go with an Austin theme for my letters!  Austin, Texas is known for being pretty diverse with different types of people, activities, and cultures.  I thought I would highlight some of the most celebrated attributes of the city: the Mexican influence, especially in the food, our preservation and love of our green spaces, and (although I have yet to replace my stolen bike from school) bicycling any and everywhere!

Another Austin-themed plate (to go with the last).  This one is inspired by the Kite Festival in Zilker Park. 

I don’t usually post stuff like this, but Nate from They Draw and Cook and They Draw and Travel is doing something great here, helping the Save the Turtles!

Illustrator Nate Padavick (http://idrawmaps.com/) created this map as a catalyst to raise money to support the Turtle Conservancy (http://turtleconservancy.org/). Madagascar is home to such an amazing array of exotic and beautiful wildlife. This map represents only a sample of just the reptiles that are at risk, not to mention all the mammals, birds, fish, insects and plant life that are also threatened. If you like this artwork, please click here to purchase a print or make a donation via PayPal (just $5 will pay a security guard’s wage for 2 days!). All donations and print profits will be given to the Turtle Conservancy on behalf of Nate and his website, They Draw & Travel (http://www.theydrawandtravel.com), and are tax-deductible to you.

Some more sketches for you folks.  This is for the Square Carousel challenge (that I chose!) to submit to Letter Playground.  The letters ATX are Austin-themed, and I’m pretty sure I’m going to use the ones on the far right.