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, , ,