Thoughts on design

The design firm whereI worked before, charged fixed fee after an initial interview with a potential client. However, after the project kicks off, if the client’s demands and requests are beyond the quote, we talk and agreed with the additional fee. I think designers need own working hours estimation to be able to tell them in terms of the client’s requests. That will become a price.

Now I have been working overseas. Here, every client asks my hourly rate. I was surprised the first time. They ask me before they tell me what they want. I think they judge by the rate not by the quality of services.

If I were on the client side, I would have a budget for the project. I wouldn’t be able to afford to pay designers and programmers who take their time whenever they work for my project. More importantly, I have to trust them.

Last time, I had to ask a programmer to do some work. I told him my budget and he estimated his work then he accepted it. This means I feel safe.

No client has an unlimited budget for asking you to work. At least you have to tell them your work estimation time and explain the process of the project to the client. There should be some kind of agreement on both sides and be honest with each other to communicate.

If you know the deadline and what to do, you know how much you should charge them.