A #protip thread for artists about working with commercial clients:
When you do client work for ad agencies, design studios, etc it is important to establish PRECISELY what you're providing for the rate. It helps to proceed as if your commercial art clients understand NOTHING about what you do.
In your contract or letter of agreement, specify size, dpi, format, layered/unlayered, # of revisions, &the schedule for each milestone.
Negotiate a rate for changes & rush work. (Comics are the only place where freelancers aren't expected to charge a rush fee. We should all feel angry about this.)
When you sell the rights to use your work, you should ask where, how, how long, and in what quantities the work will be reproduced or displayed. The more rights they want, the longer they want them, the more it costs. An all rights buyout costs more than a one-time regional use.
And if the art director's boss changes his mind about any of these usages halfway through, they don't get to just have them for for free.
Tape this phrase to your monitor:
"That's beyond the scope of our original agreement. We'll need to work out what doing that will cost."
Establish that you only take feedback from ONE point of contact- preferably an art director, or someone who understands visual communication.
They may have lots of execs with contradictory opinions. Your contact needs to reconcile these opposing viewpoints before giving you any instructions.
Do as much via email as possible. If the art director insists on briefing you on the phone or in a zoom meeting, take detailed notes and *immediately* send an email itemizing everything you discussed. This helps keep everyone on the same page, and the paper trail provides accountability.
The people who work at ad agencies and corporate offices are not evil, but they're focused on their job, not yours. Your happiness is irrelevant to them, & as far as their concerned, your time has no intrinsic value.
You are going to have to be your own fierce advocate. /END
“Articulating Expectations” is a great name for an Adrian Tomine book and also the most vital skill that few people in the industry seem to possess or prioritize.
This part is true of any job. Great tip. "Hey, we need to talk about your job/role and changes/things that pertain to your job that can significantly impact your performance/job security down the line, can I call you?"
Nah, I'm busy, send me an email.
Get stuff in writing. Always and forever.
