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Original poster

Freelancer /contract advice.

6 replies

emmaplebba · 02/06/2023 19:06

Hi all, I just wanted some advice really. I've been working for a record label for a couple of years now, as a freelancer doing digital cover artwork for their artists. This can usually range from maybe 8-15 artworks a month.

It isn't a full time role as I usually spend one to three days a week (if that) creating working, at the moment I am charging by design, which has worked OK for both of us, but I am wondering if I should ask this company for a permanent or retainer contract, I technically haven't been charging them for any time spent doing revisions and changes as it's just been a "per design" charge. Is it worth asking for a contract and maybe a part time monthly wage instead?

This is the first company I have worked for freelance for this amount of time and I am worried if I approach them for a contract they may no longer decide to work with me..... Any advice would be amazing or perhaps if you've been in a similar situation....thanks.

OP posts:
piedbeauty · 02/06/2023 19:23

I'm not sure if they will be happy to give you a contract, as that moves you towards more permanent staff. Instead I'd work out an hourly fee to ensure you get paid fairly for all the revision work you do.

Do you have other clients as well as this one? You have to, to be freelance.

Original poster
emmaplebba · 02/06/2023 19:39

piedbeauty · 02/06/2023 19:23

I'm not sure if they will be happy to give you a contract, as that moves you towards more permanent staff. Instead I'd work out an hourly fee to ensure you get paid fairly for all the revision work you do.

Do you have other clients as well as this one? You have to, to be freelance.

Thanks. I am working with one other clients but only recently and have worked with other clients at the same time in the past.

OP posts:
HangingOver · 02/06/2023 19:41

I've not got contracts for any of my clients and never have done. Can you charge them a daily rate?

OnceUponATimeInTheVest · 02/06/2023 21:00

As PP said, they probably don’t want to pay you monthly as an employee but you can work on your pricing.
Can you agree with them a price that includes your original design plus e.g. one revision, and further work to be invoiced at £x an hour?
That might also help them to decide what they want and stop the constant backwards and forwards.
As long as it’s agreed in advance, then no one feels used in the transaction.

Original poster
emmaplebba · 02/06/2023 21:10

OnceUponATimeInTheVest · 02/06/2023 21:00

As PP said, they probably don’t want to pay you monthly as an employee but you can work on your pricing.
Can you agree with them a price that includes your original design plus e.g. one revision, and further work to be invoiced at £x an hour?
That might also help them to decide what they want and stop the constant backwards and forwards.
As long as it’s agreed in advance, then no one feels used in the transaction.

So ultimately the design is up to the musician, the label provides me with an idea that fits music but any changes and feedback actually come from the artist.

OP posts:
Original poster
emmaplebba · 02/06/2023 21:11

OnceUponATimeInTheVest · 02/06/2023 21:00

As PP said, they probably don’t want to pay you monthly as an employee but you can work on your pricing.
Can you agree with them a price that includes your original design plus e.g. one revision, and further work to be invoiced at £x an hour?
That might also help them to decide what they want and stop the constant backwards and forwards.
As long as it’s agreed in advance, then no one feels used in the transaction.

Also I actually invoice them monthly as they have relseases each month and have done this for them for over two years, which is why I thoight maybe a contract could be a decent idea....

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