It goes back to the old definition of a contract: an agreement between
two
parties in which the needs of both are met. Emphasize 'both.'

I saw a presentation by the successful illustrator Tom Lynch at an AMI
meeting
and would recommend looking at how he conducts business. He makes
business
an adventure not an onerous chore.  When I was out there hoofin' it I
tried some of
his methods with good results. Check out his website:
http://www.tomlynch.com/default.htm

Probably the most important business lesson I ever learned, that has
worked very
well in life in general, I learned in New York City:  Everything is
negotiable.

Joan



On Wednesday, May 5, 2004, at 10:24  PM, [log in to unmask] wrote:

> Pricing is a highly variable commodity in Natural Science art. Where
> you are
> located, the size of the client, how important the job is to the
> client, how
> much you need the work,
> and what the work can do for you in the future. I don't believe in
> price
> fixing either. Nor is my hourly fee the same for every client.
> Sometimes I prefer
> to do a flat rate because it can help me negotiate a better contract.
> Ultimately you want the client not to just buy from you once. But,
> develop the client
> as a resource to reorder and become a long term  source of income
> especially
> if you are freelance.
>
> Developing and training the client is foremost. Firstly make them call
> you.
> Don't slobber over them and beg. Let them taste those art bones and
> sit up high
> for your art. What good is a high price if they only come around once
> for a
> nibble. You want to be fair to the client. I don't underprice. I price
> it so
> that the client will want more, , ,