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Advice for Survival
I copied this from the mograph forum, by a dude who goes by Sao Bento. It explains the reason why designers who lowball never last:
It’s important to remember that in the management world, this is seen as pure genius. Making the most of what you’ve got. The big shots see themselves as generals, manipulating resouces and supplies towards a specific outcome. Understanding the biz angle can only help you in this world. If you come at someone hoping that you will be appreciated and trusted you’re greatly mistaken. In getting your MBA, you’re constantly taught that uncertainty is danger, never give anyone the benefit of the doubt/don’t bet on the unknown. In their world your design skills mean nothing, if you want respect drive a hard bargin – that’s something they can understand.
This is kind of a weird reference, but in the Wu-Tang Manual, RZA talks about how he was able to get what he wanted while dealing with label executives. I think “when fighting dragons, become a dragon” was his quote from The Art of War. The point was that when dealing with them, he understood what they respected and represented himself that way. The result was an arrangement that was completely unheard of previously – Wu would belong to one label as a group, but each member was allowed to do solo projects on other labels. Master P did a similar thing, walking out with a 50/50 split of profits and the rights to his masters (also unheard of).
I know it’s not an easy thing for creative people to do, but you really have to have a business mind in addition to your creative mind. You also have to be willing to say no to people. If they won’t pay a decent rate – say no. If they won’t agree to the net 30 payment terms of your contract, say no. Once you learn to focus on expanding your business and stop worrying about what you might have missed out on, you’ll be alot happier. -
2 Replies
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Design schools should require a 1 semester internship in sales.
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I really value what was said especially being out of school and working for only 3 years now. But I dont think what students need is more interships I think they need or atleast I needed a class or a part of class called ‘The Business.” Where they would learn about how valuable networking and bullshiting are. How to handle the money issue, what you should ask for and how to say NO. And how to deal with working with people that should not have a job. And the most important how to convince the suits to allow creativity to grow and develop.
Anyway the best advice I was given on the freelance side of the fence is…’If you get a client because of a low price, you will lose them because of a low price.’
Vinnie
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