I have a college diploma in Multimedia Graphic Design, and have been freelancing as a photographer since 2008. Yet, with almost 20 years in the industry, I still get approached by people who want to use my skills, but not pay for them.
On top of that, where I live, graphic design and photography jobs don’t exactly grow on trees. When people ask what I do for a living, I tell them Graphic Design and Photography. When they ask where I work, it’s a much different answer. Then I tell them I work in retail or the food industry, or in some other common underpaid/minimum wage job. Those jobs are all that’s between me and the bill collectors. To keep my skills sharp (and some degree of honesty in my answers), I freelance in between jobs.
I’ll admit, when I first started freelancing, I made mistakes. I’d donate time, or cut my rates, or offer unlimited revisions. I told myself it was to make my customers happy, but now I can see it was self-doubt holding me back. I knew how much I should be charging, but I couldn’t convince myself my work was worth it. I was content to whore my skills in order to grow my portfolio. I thought I was building a name as a good designer, but in reality I was growing a reputation as a soft touch.
“I decided then and there I was done giving it away. Gone were the freebies, the cut rates, the extracurricular requests at work. Yes, you hired me, but not as a graphic designer. You want what I can do? Pay for it!”
People were constantly asking me for posters, business cards, and logos, but when I’d quote a price (even at cut rates), I could see their minds change, and I’d invariably hear how their brother-in-law (or some other relative) could design it for them in Paint or Word. I’d also get the hard-sell; how they were a charity/not-for-profit/struggling business with no budget to pay designers. And, I’d cave. Again.
I didn’t realize how bad it had gotten until the day my husband and I arrived for my sister-in-law’s birthday party. We were greeted at the door by the lady who had organized it. She asked where my camera bag was. When I jokingly said I thought I had been invited as a guest, and I had left it at home, she looked crestfallen and said, “Oh…well…I guess you might as well come in anyway.” She immediately turned to the person standing next to her and asked, “What are we going to do now?” Needless to say, I didn’t stay at the party for long.
And it’s not just freelance customers that play this game.
I worked for several years as a Copy Centre Lead at a national office supply store. As time went on, it came to light my skill set could be a boon to in-store marketing, promotional displays, signage, and more. I was asked to display some of my photography to showcase the type of high-quality prints we could create. Honestly, I was flattered. At first. I soon realized I was still giving my skills away. After all, there were other employees at other stores with the same job title who couldn’t do what I was doing, yet were still collecting the same paycheck. The kicker came at my last performance review, where I was labeled ‘effective,’ but assured I could rate higher if I gave a bit more effort. I was”honored” with a $.25/hr raise.
That was enough. I decided then and there I was done giving it away. Gone were the freebies, the cut rates, the extracurricular requests at work. Yes, you hired me, but not as a graphic designer. You want what I can do? Pay for it!
It wasn’t long before my new boundaries were tested. I had a seasonal job at a local take-out. Coincidentally, I had designed a take-home menu for them a few years back. The meal prices had gone up, and the owner asked me to update the menu. No problem, I tell her. I charge $20/hour for design work.
There’s an awkward pause. “You already work for me. Why should I pay extra?”
Nuh-uh. Not this time. “Yes, I work for you. As a server, here, in your restaurant, for minimum wage. In order for me to update your menu, I have to take your file home, open it on my computer, update the information, save it to another disc, and bring it back to you. All on my own time, using my own tools and my own electricity. For that service, I charge $20/hour.”
She wasn’t happy, but she paid. Funny, I didn’t get asked to do anymore design work from her. And damn, if it didn’t feel good to finally stand up for myself and my skills. Bit of a rush, really.
Fast forward to one of my recent job applications; bartending/serving at a pub in a local golf club. My potential employer is asking the usual questions, going over my resume, and he notices the design and photography part. He gets excited about how those skills would be useful for menus, signage, promotions, etc. Then he proceeds to offer me minimum wage. I tell him I’d be happy to accept the position at that wage, but if he wants a designer/photographer as well, then he’ll have to offer more. Oddly enough, I didn’t get the job. No loss.
I have no problem with doing the job asked of me, even for minimum wage. I’m a hard worker, a reliable employee, and have a strong work ethic. However, I’ve finally reached a point in my life where I value my skills. If your job description does not include my skill set, but you think there would be a use for it, then pay for it. It no longer comes for free.
Kelley is a freelance writer/blogger, a photographer and a graphic designer from Miramichi, NB, Canada. She is a mother of two (supposedly) grown-up children, an avid motorcyclist, a novice guitar player, an observer of people and a perpetual student.
View her portfolio and Blog at:
Kelley Delano
2 Hearts & 2 Wheels
or you can find her at:
This was a great article. It’s always a timely and relatable matter. so glad you were able to recognize your worth as an artist….and share the importance of others doing the same. #nofreebies #nothanks