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First Successful Client... BUT


A

A.J

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Hello All!,

I have got my first successful client today, they are delighted with their logo I created them.

Where do I go from here? Obviously the payment side is sorted, but is there anything me and the client need to sign between us as we haven't signed ANY agreements so far.

I'm asking as they said to me in their previous email, do they need to sign any Copyright Agreement Forms?

Thanks :).
 
It is good practice to do so, as it can stop unscrupulous designers re-selling the same logo. There may be occasions where it is not required, but the main use is a safeguard for the client.

See this link
 
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So I have a client that is being a cheeky bugger, its a free design the cheeky git!

Thank you very much SPWA, so thats all the professional documents that need to be signed between me and the client?

I keep a copy, and the client keeps a copy, and no further action?

Oh, and can the agreement form have to be signed handwritten? or can it be done on the computer?
 
"it's a free design..." ?? Do I understand you correctly, you did this for free and they expect you to sign over the copyright to them for your creation?
 
I am with Hawkeye on this 1. the only exception may be charity work but still anything given away for free really should be copyrighted to you. and then offer them a buy out deal saying you can transfer the rights to the design to them for $xxxxx. Like many templates you can buy online you buy the rights to use it however they often have a buy out price where they stop selling that template as you have bought out the license. (fyi that doesnt give you the right to re sell the template) SO maybe look up some of theses sites for wording. There are plenty of free pre written contracts you can download but it may be worth getting a personalised 1 from a proper solicitor/lawyer. They cost about £200 and they will cover everything specific to you.


Note that if you give them the rights they can then make money from your design whilst you get nothing.
 
That doesn't sound right - You designed it for free and they require you to hand over the rights to the logo.

But this boils down to you. I'm sure you had prior understanding with the client that they wanted a freebie? If this were the case and you were OK with it, then you have technically washed your hands of the matter and given them full rights to the logo. The paperwork is mere formality.

I share the same thoughts in Hoogle's last line.....


But I would suggest (if possible) to include in the paperwork along with your giving them full rights to the design, that the client acknowledge your contribution in the creation of their logo. It wouldn't sound fair if they come up with their own story of it's origins.......

You are, at least, entitled (for matters of conversation and repute), the pride and satisfaction that you created it. Consider this as "their payment".
 
Thanks all, all paper work has been signed and the logo has been handed over.

After all, I did offer a free design, so I think it would be only fair that it should go down the same route as a paid logo. I think its professional to do so.

Maybe i'm just too nice!!
 
I'm sorry and I hope you are not offended by my saying this, but there isn't anything professional about working for free and people who don't want to pay for your time and skills should not be referred to as a client.
 
Fair point taken hawk, and no offence taken.

The free logo I created was for my portfolio, so I got something out of it myself, I'm happy enough with that.
 
Just don't make it a habit just so to make your folio look good.

Earlier on in my career, I did just that. News finally got around and I was inundated by freebie hunters - from small Mom&Pop businesses to money making Timber companies.

DA Power of word of mouth advertising.......... LOL
 
Imo when I do start seeking clients I may start off doing a few freebies cheap stuff just to build my experience of working with a client and catering for there needs but like dv8 said dont earn a rep for it.
 
If you work for free then you are admitting that your work has no value. I cannot think of another discipline where people work for free just to show they are capable. Do some designs and use them to show what you are capable of. If you wish, specify that no payment is do until they are satisfied, just be certain to watermark your work so it can't be used until you get paid (and set that price up front).

But please, do not "outdumb" the competition by working for free.
 
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