It Ain't Easy Being Green

Discussing money with clients is often one of the hardest parts of being a graphic designer. We are naturally good at design, but when it comes to the green stuff it can get tricky. Here's a few tips for dealing with budgets and payments:

• Know Your Fees: Before going into a negotiation, know the ideal rate you are looking for, as well as the lowest you are willing to go. Being prepared will help avoid decisions you'll regret later.
• Ask the Budget: One of the easiest ways to figure out a budget is to simply ask the client. Rather than putting in a lot of time writing a proposal that may be way out of their price range, try to find out the budget up front and find the right solution to meet it.
• Set Up a Payment Schedule: A payment schedule keeps the project on target and satisfies both the designer and client.