Resources for enhancing collaborations and boosting productivity

Last night, apropos of the above Insta post, I got into a productive exchange about whether or not one should provide native files to clients. Based on industry standards and some some difficult lessons learned early in my career (working at the weekly newspaper in New Orleans, a client took a logo I cobbled together for an ad they were placing and actually used it as the physical signage on their fucking restaurant without paying me a dime. 😡), my stance is decidedly NO. In nearly all cases, clients are buying the dress, not the pattern; the cake, not the recipe; the what, not the how.

Unless you’ve clearly communicated this to a client before you embark on a project, things can get dicey. This is why any pro designer worth their salt will require a new client to sign an agreement that sets expectations regarding payment, revisions, file storage, end licenses, early termination, etc. This way, when you and your client run into conflicts, everyone has a document to which to refer to resolve them. I put my agreement together embarrassingly late in my career by copying and pasting from other generous designers who posted theirs online—and boy am I glad I did. It’s served as a lubricant and a shield, and has arguably led to me getting bigger jobs.

I offered to share my agreement with a young designer in last night’s comment thread, and that generated a surprising lot of interest from other designers. My agreement is an evolving work-in-progress, and hasn’t been vetted by a lawyer, but I’m happy to share it for anyone to copy or adapt.

Download the yes.I.said Client Agreement here.

I’d love to hear your feedback—especially if you have any constructive ideas to improve the thing. Message me here.

One book for you, one for your clients

Over the past year, I’ve read a couple books that have been a fantastic resource for my work and client relationships.

The first, by Amy and Jennifer Hood of Hoodzpah Design, is entitled Freelance, and Business, and Stuff (or FABAS). It’s a full guide to beginning your business, defining your brand and strategy, marketing and growing your business, and (most importantly) dealing with all of the boring/intimidating nonsense surrounding taxes and accounting. They do this with humor and charm, making what is decidedly a daunting prospect at least 50% more approachable. Each chapter includes a homework assignment that takes you through the process in bite-sized steps. FABAS is an invaluable, digestible resource for a designer (or any freelance creative type) at any stage in their career. Pick it up here.

The second is Dear Client, This Book Will Teach You How to Get What You Want From Creative People. Sincerely, Bonnie Siegler. Siegler is the owner of 8.5, and has a sickening CV and clientele. This one is a remarkably pithy, amusing, no-nonsense guide to constructively interacting with creatives. (As one reviewer puts it: "“The top dos and don’ts of working with creative people. Or, how not to be an asshole client.”) With chapters that are often only one or two pages long, Dear Client is a fast read (I read it in one sitting). I wish everyone would read this book. In fact, I will happily send any of my fantastic clients this ebook as a gift—just let me know.