Value versus Cost

Starting out in the graphic design field I offered my services for low cost or did pro bono work that is, admittedly, problematic.

You might think that it’s a win-win.

The Client is

• Getting professional design so their advertising looks better
• Gaining more attention
• Getting design at bargain prices

You are

• Building up your portfolio
• Getting visibility to get clients
• The organization will hire you for other projects
• The client will give referrals

Surprisingly it can be hard to get a gig offering low cost or pro bono work especially with non-profits. Typically they have someone who likes to be creative and are happy putting together clip art.

I did manage to convince one non-profit to use my services. The problem is that they saw the cost as the value of my work. We agreed I would be compensated by the cost of the events they were sponsoring. The cost ranged from S30 - $100 depending on the event. The value of what I was doing, the labor that was involved, of course, was a lot more. To them the value was $30 - $35. Their reaction to paying $100 was “I don’t know if I can get approval to pay that much for this.”

I have not been hired for other projects. When the company that produced their brochures went out of business they hired another graphic designer. It’s questionable as to whether I get referrals from them when they view the value of my work as the cost.

Three or four years later I’m asking myself if I have gotten any business from this. Are they referring anyone to my business for graphic design work when they perceive the value of it as being so low?

Not all non-profits have this attitude. There’s another non-profit that understands the value of what they are getting and is very appreciative.

I won’t say don’t ever offer your services for free or low cost. Sometimes it’s the only way to start out. But be aware that the client may confuse the cost with the value. Don’t let yourself get in a rut and if you are getting little or no benefit from the situation move on.  Also, try to move on graciously. It won’t benefit you if you leave the client with hard feelings.