Logo design query

[sunmonkey]

Hi, I'm just looking for some advice on whether I did the right thing by sending this email through...
I work as a part-time virtual PA and have no sickness or holiday pay - just 10pounds an hour with a very flexible schedule that allows me to work around my son avoiding the need for childcare. Its a great job and I'm very happy doing it. As well as that I have been working as a Freelance Designer where I am paid more than 4 times as much on a short term contract.
Last night my boss asked me to send through a 'couple of mock-up ideas' for a logo for another Company (not his own). My immediate reaction was to say that I am not prepared to do that for 10pounds an hour - but I don't want to sound rude or arrogant and really don't want to upset him as I really need my job.
I wrote back the following email today-

'I've done some very quick ideas. this for a Graphic Designer to take on and finish? Is it for a new business of yours? Normally I would charge more for a Design job like this I would charge 25pounds an hour so if you want it to be professional and final then I would normally have to charge more. For instance the logo design plus design of a business card for my brothers Company was 150 pounds.'

Hope this is ok and prob should have posted here first but just curious to know whether you think this was a reasonable answer. Thank you!

Just had reply to say it was for him and its got to be under his terms and conditions and thats 10 pounds an hour. Apparently I was hired for my design skills (even though I was hired a s a PA). I can't afford to lose the job so will just have to accept it sadly.

Just to clarify - are you self-employed or employed (sounds like it could be a freelance arrangement, but you refer to your 'boss' rather than your 'client')?

What does your contract say about the services you provide / job that you do?

I'd be looking for another pa job. For me, the whole point of freelancing is mutual respect - he's just royally taken the piss. He knows you can't get graphics for £10 ph!

Of course, don't cut off your nose to spite your face, but I'd start looking for some other jobs and then let him go.

Have you already sent the mock-up ideas? If not I'd say that unfortunately your rate for design is £25 so he'll need to look elsewhere if he wants to pay £10 an hour.

If you've already sent the ideas then you may have to write it off, but don't agree to anymore work unless you're happy with the terms. It's not fair on other designers or your other clients, including your brother if he gets your design services at less than half price!

Don't forget that you own the copyright to your designs and he could be in trouble if he uses them without payment.

The attitude of your client is appalling and he knows it. You might say that you really need the job, but you could be spending that time sourcing more design jobs and be better off overall.

Don't be afraid to ask for what you are worth or you will be taken for granted.

Unless your agreement with your client stated explicitly that it was for design work - you don't have to do anything.

I always give an estimated cost and timescale before doing any work - if they are happy to proceed then they need to sign a contract - and depending on project total - a deposit.

This is for *each project for a client, regardless of cost for other projects.

But we need more info from OP really...