One of the first things I thought of while I was setting up my graphic design business was the need for contracts and a way to sign them. The most important thing you can do for yourself is protect yourself legally. Even if your designer is your best friend… if you’re exchanging money? You need a contract. Trust me.

Image credit: moby / 123RF Stock Photo

I was burned by someone I thought was a professional. Turns out she made every excuse she could to make it out like I hadn’t done anything she wanted (and she kept changing her mind…) and wouldn’t pay me all the money I was due.

I could have been burned worse. I made all the mistakes rookies make.

I didn’t discuss beforehand what needed to be done. I didn’t draw up a proposal outlining exactly what I would do and for how much. I didn’t tell her how long it would take and when I would check in with her and let her know how things were going. I didn’t have a contract detailing all those things either. I don’t even know who owns the work I did.

I know better now. I’ve learned the hard way that professionalism isn’t just about your behavior. It’s also about communication. Clear communication with the clients is super important. You can’t know exactly what they are thinking. Especially over the internet. You can’t even see them. But when you hash out timelines, budgets, and contracts together, you get a better idea and they know what they are getting from you.

So now, when I do paid work, I give them a project proposal based on our conversations, detailing all that stuff. Once we’re agreed on it all, I fill out my contract with dates, dollar amounts, ect, and it’s electronically signed by both of us. Both the client and I are a lot happier with that security built in. I know when I need to get stuff to people. They know when to receive it. I think that’s most important.

Now if I know I’m going to miss a deadline (which never happens anyway) I let people know ahead of time. Most of the time, they’re fine with it. No harm done.

I’m by no means an expert on contract law. I only know what’s worked for me as a designer. Being an author helps, because then I know kind of how an author would react, and what needs to be covered.

So that’s what I’d like to offer you guys.

I would like to do an ongoing series on graphic design. Not necessary a how to DIY, though I can do that too. Basically, whatever questions you have about hiring, working with, being, or talking to a designer, I’d like to take a stab at. I’m calling the series Ask a Designer (I know, innovative and original, LOL!) and it’s going to be sort of like a “Dear Abby” column for designers.

Send me questions and I’ll pick one each week (less or more depending on interest). I’ve embedded the contact form below to facilitate the sending of questions. Eventually, I’ll get a page up. Hopefully, by the end of the weekend.

Can’t wait to see what kinds of questions you guys come up with!