5 Reasons We Shouldn't Work Together
It's easy to assume as a client that the freelancer you've been dying to work with has mutual feelings about working with you, but it's totally possible that might not be the case. Many service-based businesses in the creative space are very specific about the kinds of clients that they work with and the conditions they will work under - including me!
With Shiny Happy Digital, I'm not trying to be a go-to web designer for every single small business, but for a select group of business owners that align with my values and respect my expertise. Here are a few reasons why I will gladly say 'I'm not the designer for you':
1. You can't pay me
Starting off with a big one! I'm a professional web and graphic designer running a web and graphic design business - I value my many years of experience and expertise and price my services accordingly, and I expect the same level of understanding and respect from the clients I work with.
I don't work for free, for equity, or for exposure, nor do I wish to pour volunteer hours into your project. If you want to work with me, pay me - it's that simple.
2. You need a website yesterday
You need a website and you need it quickly - I understand that desperate feeling of making a decision and feeling like you need it fulfilled immediately or risk it not getting done. But, to put things bluntly, let me use this famous quote to share my feelings about this kind of urgency:
'A lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine.'
Moderate your expectations if you want to work with me. I have set ways of working - some projects have a quick lead time and turnaround (days/a week), while others are much longer (weeks/months).
3. You want to pay me after the work is complete
Well, that's just not an option! I don't commit any working hours to a design project before a contract is signed and a deposit paid, so that we're secure in our working agreement. When I take on a client, it's because I can see clearly how my design expertise can benefit their business, so it's simply a case of working together until things are just right!
I have a system that brings my client into the process as much as possible, with numerous points for feedback during the project, so everything that I do is collaborative.
4. Your business doesn't fit my morals
I didn't create my own business to work with businesses that go against my morals - quite the opposite! I created my business to work with clients who have a vibrancy and vision that align with me and who I'm just dying to support. It makes it a truly fulfilling experience for everyone involved!
My branding does some of the work here, as it's so close to who I am as a person and business owner, so if you're attracted to what I do based on what you see and hear - you're probably the client for me.
5. You expect me to be at your beck and call
I have multiple clients and websites/graphics I'm working on at any given time. I have a business to promote and run. I have a vibrant personal life and a love of travel to balance. I'm not an assistant to pick up and drop as you see fit. Not to mention, constant and erratic communication is completely inefficient - for both of us. This is exactly why I have a strict system that I work to that supports us both in our period working together.