Friend wants me to make art work for free AIBU?

[bluebellart]

My friend has cancer, it is terminal and is almost definitely going to kill him in the next 5 years.

I'm an artist and he asked me to design a small logo for a campaign he is doing as part of raising awareness of his condition etc. I didn't really mind - it was a pleasure to do something small and meaningful for him, so I did it.

I'm not a graphic designer so it was out of my comfort zone and it took me a bit of time and work to design it and produce it in good quality etc. There was no talk of any payment at all and I wouldn't have accepted it if he did offer, it was a favour.

Now though he wants me to do 5 more logos for him for various events and campaigns. He's not offered any payment at all. I think he just thinks I enjoy doing it or something, like it's a hobby designing logos for him?

I think it's a bit cheeky and he should pay a graphic designer to do this. But I feel a bit bad saying that because of his illness. AIBU to tell him to pay for it???

Or just say that you are busy with paying work with deadlines and won’t have the time. That you were really happy to help the first time round but it took a lot of time that you don’t have currently.

I have a couple of different skill sets: graphic design, writing, photography. Friends often ask for freebies and/or pay me bare minimum. I've learnt to say no to protect myself otherwise I get stressed.

Separate out that your friend has a terminal disease and ask yourself whether you want to do these 5 logos. If the answer is no and it's too stressful there's your answer. It doesn't really matter if he's cheeky or not asking. What matters is your response.

Tell him you are too busy and in need of income unfortunately to take on pro bono work much as you’d like to help.

If he lives a few more years you could end up doing a lot more if you don’t decline now.

Also a few years ago (before his diagnosis) he got a new house and asked me and a few other 'arty' friends to come round for a painting party to paint art all over his walls and liven his place up.

I found it quite offensive because that's something you would pay someone a lot of money to do.

I think he doesn't really value art and just thinks it's fun, not work?!

You don't work for free. Tell him you did the first one as a freebie as you're mates but you've got to charge for any more.

Ignore the diagnosis, that's irrelevant to this. Don't let your heart overrule your head in business!

Sounds harsh but as an online retailer I've heard every sad tale retold to me in what seems to be "I need this for nothing because xyz" and you can't/mustn't give your livelihood away.

Yes, he’s being a dick to expect you to work for free. His health is irrelevant.

I used to be a freelance designer.

People have no idea how long something takes. ‘A few logos’ is a lot of work.

Painting as in decorating is not the same thing as painting as in art!! I think he's maybe a bit clueless. But as far as the logo goes, he now has - thanks to you - a logo. What he needs to do is go online on a freelancer site like Fiverr or Upwork, and find someone who can take your initial design to create the additional versions. There are lots of people who do this kind of thing at a very low price. I would direct him towards this solution on the basis that you're not a graphic designer and other people are better versed in the software that's needed (eg Adobe Illustrator) to create the versions.

People tend to think artistic pursuits are:

A) Only something certain "creative" types can do.

But also:

B) Something not worthy of payment.

It's a PITA. Because everyone can learn and refine creative skills (not all of the skills, but can gain proficiency in some), yet they don't think that the people who have done so went and did that.

In this case, I agree with PP that you need to say that you need to work for pay now unfortunately.

'God, no, doing the last one really showed me I'm not cut out for this sort of thing! I thought it would be pretty simple but it took me ages.'

That's a really good idea, it gives him a solution so I don't need to feel bad about it. Thanks.

"I'm really glad I could help with the first logo, and I want to continue supporting you during this time. However, designing logos is not something I do as a hobby, and it takes a considerable amount of time and effort. Given that you have more events and campaigns in mind, I think it might be a good idea to consider working with a professional graphic designer who can provide you with the quality and consistency you need. I'd be happy to help you find someone suitable if you'd like."

His health is irrelevant, as is whether it’s a good cause. Tell him you did the first logo as a favour to him, but it’s time-consuming and work-intensive, and you don’t work for free. Neither do most people.

just say "oh I'd love to but I simply dont have the time - so busy with paid work and all that"

leave it at that

Exactly what others have said - you were happy to help with his first few requests but now need to attend to your paid commissions as they take priority. He’s a CF - ill people can still be CFs!

I'm an artist of several decades. When I first began I was always being asked for 'donations' of my work for this or that charity auction. Having my emotions played upon I felt I couldn't refuse.

Now if I'm pestered asked, it's a hard no. However, if there is a charity event that I feel close to, I will offer an artwork donation for auction - usually one a year, and that's my choice.

Thanks for all the replies. I have recommended he use upwork to find someone, he came back saying no worries but he'd rather I did it and offered to pay me... but now I feel awkward asking him to pay 😂

Artists eh!

Tell him you wouldn’t be able to do a good job as you are pressed for time.

Cross posted. Glad you found a solution!

Surely you’ve had to negotiate this kind of thing before, though?

If you’re happy to do it, tell him your rates and the likely hours involved (if you charge hourly). If you don’t want the work, either tell him you’re fully booked with commissions/exhibitions for your actual job etc till the New Year, or just say you’re not a graphic designer, you only did it as a favour last time, but that’s not your skill set and you’re not interested in expanding your work in that direction.

This response (based on the latest update from you @bluebellart ) would cover you, even though he has offered to pay now.
It's not in your wheelhouse to do logos and the first one you did, you did for a friend - now he's making it into a cottage industry for you and you're not looking for that.

Tell him thank you for his offer and you’re flattered that he wants you to do it but that what he wants is too far removed from what you are able to do cost effectively and that you are already very busy with work you are confident doing anyway. Be firm and say you’re sorry you can’t help this time but you hope he can get it sorted elsewhere.

I would say this too. Say that it's not my forte as an artist so although I was grateful for supporting your campaign the first time, it took me far longer than expected and someone else who does that as a career would be better at doing it. Regrettably, I haven't got the time to do another 5 logos.

I'm an architect and have turned down family and friend's work because it's not my forte and someone who has experience in residential architecture would be better (and I'm not personally insured either, so not legally allowed anyway). It would take me a while to get up to speed with that sector.

Say that you enjoyed doing the logo but don’t have the time for the other logos. Say that your job doesn’t allow the time the logo design needs. As it’s for a medical/charity reason would you be able to reach out to your design community to see if someone can volunteer. A graphic design student might also like to do a logo for this portfolio.

Aw that's lovely but it took all my energy to do one, let alone another few more. It really isn't my thing.