Freelancing advice needed about charging prices

[Pall Wall]

I've already developed my own business card, what I want to be independently is a Graphic Designer and Video Editor. On the Graphic Design side I would not mind if someone asked me to design a Business card for them like my own brother is asking me to for him. I would design perhaps fliers, or banners, or ads. I'd love to photoshop things for others, throw on delightful lettering on say family pics for families, etc, ANYTHING involving photoshop.

 

For the Video Editing I'd love to make vids of maybe photoslide shows with songs, that could be tributes involving weddings, or videos that commemorate a deceased person at a funeral.

 

But the advice I'm seeking is, how much should I charge anyone, what would be the fair prices? I do have a part time job that helps pay bills and all, so it's not like I'm desperate to make huge money off of freelancing. I know times are tight for everyone. But I'm also afraid I could be too much of a nice guy to offer VERY low prices. Is there a site link that can give me suggestions of what's fair? You see I also SUCK at the subject of Economics, I admit that, that's also why I'm uncertain of how much I should charge others. And should I also be like "I only except cash?"

[Binoo]

I'm also a freelance graphic designer. You should charge based on experience.

If you're unsure of any flat fees to charge, I would suggest charging hourly.

Right now, I charge very low prices because I'm just getting my business off the ground. I mostly do web layouts and logos.

 

ie ] XHTML/CSS layout: $200.00

Flash: $250.00

 

This is very cheaply priced for the quality of my work. You need to decide what's best for you but I suggest working minimum wage and then progressing to higher prices as you gain more clients.

 

Good luck to you.

[rosephase]

My partner is a pro video editor, he makes between 25-75 an hour. Although unless you have a good camera and can shoot video to, you might find it hard to find people who are just looking for editing. At the level it sounds like your talking about most people figure out i-movie maker or Windows movie maker. If you have better software and can do things like advanced color correction or sound sweatting you can change more.

 

But if you are working with i-movie and with stuff other people shot I wouldn't charge more then 10-20 an hour. And even then you should have a demo reel of what you can do to show any one who might be looking.

 

Good luck!

[Pall Wall]

My partner is a pro video editor, he makes between 25-75 an hour. Although unless you have a good camera and can shoot video to, you might find it hard to find people who are just looking for editing. At the level it sounds like your talking about most people figure out i-movie maker or Windows movie maker. If you have better software and can do things like advanced color correction or sound sweatting you can change more.

 

But if you are working with i-movie and with stuff other people shot I wouldn't charge more then 10-20 an hour. And even then you should have a demo reel of what you can do to show any one who might be looking.

 

I use Sony Vegas Video Editor, Version 6. Does that sound better than i-movie, like I should charge more?

[glegend]

The best way to find out is to call up some local companies that do the same thing. See what their prices are like. For sure you will get some highs and lows, I would suggest being somewhere towards the middle but not to far in the middle due to lack of experience. I would also charge depending on what you have to do exactly.

 

I used to do a lot of 3D work on my computer. I mostly used 3D Studio Max. Some things took much longer to do then others. I know its like comaring apples with oranges but the one thing they both have in common is difficulty.

 

So I would suggest charging more for desgining a custom graphic that is more complex to design opposed to something more simple.

[PixelPusher]

I've been in the graphic design field for about 13-years now so I've had my share of ups and downs. I currently freelance "on the side" because I had my fill of the inconsistencies and worry that come with freelancing.

 

I suggest you read some books on graphic design freelancing and all the hurdles to overcome. It can be VERY rewarding and wonderful but it is almost always feast or famine. Some months you have so much work you don't get any sleep and then you go through months with NO work at all. Budgeting will make or break you. Keep records and receipts of everything, have clients sign contracts. Be friendly but firm. If at all possible, start your freelancing part-time until you build a good client base.

 

Rates generally go with experience. It's difficult to just quote $XX amount if we don't know your level of skill, years in the business, knowledge of the industry, etc. You say you aren't very good at economics but if you plan on being a successful freelance graphic designer, you HAVE to be good with finances and billing. Unless you plan on having an accountant right away. I also don't know where you live, so rates are dependent upon your location and the market there. What are your monthly expenses? You should probably write up a budget and figure out what you can live on (after taxes), and then figure out your hourly-rate from there.

 

Do you have any schooling or design-education? Not to be rude, but just because you can use Photoshop does not make you a designer. There is a lot of skill and training, not to mention a natural artist's "eye" that is needed to be a truly good graphic designer. Proportion and balance, color choice, typography, knowledge of the printing industry and paper choices, etc.

 

I know it's easy just to take cash, but frankly, that is a bit amateurish and looks like you're trying to get around paying taxes. If/when Uncle Sam finds out you're taking cash and not paying taxes, you're going to be in for a world of hurt audit-wise. Most clients would need some sort of invoice so they can do THEIR taxes and it wouldn't take long for the government to come knocking at your door, wondering where your tax documentation is. As a rule of thumb, I immediately remove 30% of all incoming payments and put them in a separate account just for paying taxes. If there is any left over after taxes, then that goes toward my profits.

 

I don't mean to put you off or intimidate you but the design market is getting tougher and tougher... especially so now because anyone with a computer and Photoshop thinks they are a designer. (No offense intended).

[KG]

I agree with PP. When I started my biz, I called other companies for estimates of simple stuff, to complex stuff. Then discounted 10% for the first 6 months. After I built up my clientele, I gradually brought my prices up.

[Pall Wall]

I got my Associates Degree in Graphic Design and Applied Sciences last year. So for right now I'm working part time at a Video Store. I've figured the freelancing could start real small, then build up as you put it. The Software Programs I use are Adobe Illustrator, Sony Vegas Pro Video Editor, and 3 kinds of Photoshop Programs.

 

I live a ways down from Dallas in Texas, since you ask. I'm also trying to be very realistic of things. I know that with today's economy it's tough very everyone to build something with their careers, and I sense it that may take years for me.