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Some simple 'Do's and Don't' of asking a maker, artist or other creative types to create something bespoke for you!
(A thread)
(A thread)
Whether you're a big business or an individual, whether you're talking to a brand new artist or an established creative business, here are a few simple Do's and Don't that you should follow.
Do:
Give them plenty of info with regards to what it is you want them to create. Sizes, dimensions, materials, look, feel, sketches, reference materials, the more info the better.
Give them plenty of info with regards to what it is you want them to create. Sizes, dimensions, materials, look, feel, sketches, reference materials, the more info the better.
Don't:
Be vague and expect them to prepare a quote.
Be vague and expect them to prepare a quote.
Do:
Tell them if you have an overall budget for the project.
Tell them if you have an overall budget for the project.
Don't:
Expect them to spend time working out a quote if the amount you would like to spend does not equate a DECENT hourly rate in proportion to the amount of work they will have to do.
Expect them to spend time working out a quote if the amount you would like to spend does not equate a DECENT hourly rate in proportion to the amount of work they will have to do.
Don't:
Ask them to do design work as part of a quote!
Designing is work, it takes time so it should be valued. If you haven't got a design, commission someone to do it!
Ask them to do design work as part of a quote!
Designing is work, it takes time so it should be valued. If you haven't got a design, commission someone to do it!
Do:
Be as honest, forthcoming and as prompt as you can with your communications.
(This will save you BOTH time, energy and avoid animosity)
Be as honest, forthcoming and as prompt as you can with your communications.
(This will save you BOTH time, energy and avoid animosity)
Don't:
Lie, make excuses, delay sending communications or ghost the creative!
Lie, make excuses, delay sending communications or ghost the creative!
Do:
Thank the creative when they have spent time working on a quote for you. Whether you can afford it or not, they have put thought and effort into it.
Thank the creative when they have spent time working on a quote for you. Whether you can afford it or not, they have put thought and effort into it.
Don't:
Ghost a creative after they have spent time preparing a quote for you. This is the height of rudeness and is simply disrespectful and unnecessary!
Ghost a creative after they have spent time preparing a quote for you. This is the height of rudeness and is simply disrespectful and unnecessary!
Don't:
Tell the creative that their price is too expensive, or that you can get cheaper elsewhere!
You came to them because you valued their work and that's the price that their work costs!
You not being able to afford it is your problem!
Tell the creative that their price is too expensive, or that you can get cheaper elsewhere!
You came to them because you valued their work and that's the price that their work costs!
You not being able to afford it is your problem!
Don't:
Try to haggle!
If you have less money many creative will be able to produce something that matches your budget.
Try to haggle!
If you have less money many creative will be able to produce something that matches your budget.
Don't:
Expect a creative to do a day/week/month of work if you're not prepared to give them at least a day/week/month of your salary.
Expect a creative to do a day/week/month of work if you're not prepared to give them at least a day/week/month of your salary.
Do:
Make payments when you've agreed to make payments! They have bills to pay too!
Make payments when you've agreed to make payments! They have bills to pay too!
Don't:
Delay making payments!
If there is going to be a delay, contact the creative and explain the situation and come to an alternate arrangement if necessary.
They have bills to pay too!
Delay making payments!
If there is going to be a delay, contact the creative and explain the situation and come to an alternate arrangement if necessary.
They have bills to pay too!
Do:
Give your creative time and space to create!
Answering emails and giving project updates takes time. If this is something you require, make sure that you have agreed to this with the creative in advance. Expect them to charge extra for this!
Give your creative time and space to create!
Answering emails and giving project updates takes time. If this is something you require, make sure that you have agreed to this with the creative in advance. Expect them to charge extra for this!
Don't:
Try to micro-manage the commission!
You hired them because you valued their creative talent. Allow them to use it.
Try to micro-manage the commission!
You hired them because you valued their creative talent. Allow them to use it.
Do:
Respect that creatives generally have put a lot on the line to do what they do. Many have spent years being treated badly, underpaid and undervalued. The last thing they need from you or anyone is to be disrespected.
Respect that creatives generally have put a lot on the line to do what they do. Many have spent years being treated badly, underpaid and undervalued. The last thing they need from you or anyone is to be disrespected.
Do:
Remember that art makes us human and without art there would be far less beauty and happiness in this world.
Respect artists and creatives. Value their efforts and sacrifices!
Remember that art makes us human and without art there would be far less beauty and happiness in this world.
Respect artists and creatives. Value their efforts and sacrifices!
