What should I do in this situation?

20th October, 2011 by Ryan Clayton

Fellow designers and general AGDA community – lend me your ears.

I recently entered into an agreement with a new client to design a logo for their new product. After providing production scheduling and having agreed on costs I commenced creative development of the logo.

My client came into the project with a very clear idea of what they wanted (even specifying pantone colours for me). I initially provided 3 rough logo-type concepts and was then directed to create an icon rather than a logotype.

After presenting 3 more rough directions for icons the client informed me that the designs "did not meet their expectations" and that "they wouldn't take this job any further".

Up to this point I have already spend a significant amount of time devising concepts and directions which could easily be developed into finished art.

So... what should I do in this situation?

Should I, 1. let the job go and absorb the cost involved myself?

OR

Should 1, 2. insist I am paid for my time and intellectual property?

I worry that now they have the concepts and directions they will simply create the logo themselves for free!

Your thoughts and insights will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

View comments

First of all you clients sound like they're not serious about the project you putting together.
And what you put together might have frighten them! They weren't prepared to face a organised professional graphic designer, like you.

Posted by Sarah Stephenson on 20th October 2011

You shouldn't stand this and get them to pay for your time and effort.
Posted by Sarah Stephenson on 20th October 2011

I think I share the same opinion as you Sarah. I just feel as though after presenting so many concepts it would be so easy to go ahead and create a logo from them and I have essentially worked for free!

Thanks for your thoughts.
Posted by Ryan Clayton on 20th October 2011

Assuming your designs followed the brief they should at least have to pay you for the time you've spent so far?
Posted by Shane Keane on 25th October 2011

If your 'terms and conditions' they signed to specify it, then they should pay you for the time spent. Deposits or down payments help in this situation.
Posted by Matthew Bugeja on 2nd November 2011

Thank you all for you comments and advice.

I've decided to let this one slide but will be introducing an 'agreement contract' to my website which I will ask future clients to agree to before I commence work.

I am taking this from the AIGA website which you can view here http://www.aiga.org/standards-professional-practice/

Cheers guys!
Posted by Ryan Clayton on 19th December 2011