Designer Tip: Work For Food
posted by Noah at 8:00 AM
Yesterday I wrote about asking nonprofits to pay something rather than nothing when it comes to design work. However there are times when folks are truly unable to offer a cent, but that doesn't mean they can't pay you.
The age old practice of bartering is still a viable way of doing business (and not just for the folks at Burning Man). Often a company has just never thought of this as an option and if they have an obvious product or service you can use why not trade for the real (not discounted) value of your services.
I've bartered design for advertising, karate classes, massage therapy, and even produce from local farmers. Of course not every business will have something that is so obvious to offer you, however some creative thinking may find a way to put unconventional things to good use. The key is putting the suggestion on the table. You may be surprised by what people offer you.
If you do barter for design work, share your story with me, I'm interested to know how you make it work.
P.S. And even when you are working for cheap or bartering always use a contract.
The age old practice of bartering is still a viable way of doing business (and not just for the folks at Burning Man). Often a company has just never thought of this as an option and if they have an obvious product or service you can use why not trade for the real (not discounted) value of your services.
I've bartered design for advertising, karate classes, massage therapy, and even produce from local farmers. Of course not every business will have something that is so obvious to offer you, however some creative thinking may find a way to put unconventional things to good use. The key is putting the suggestion on the table. You may be surprised by what people offer you.
If you do barter for design work, share your story with me, I'm interested to know how you make it work.
P.S. And even when you are working for cheap or bartering always use a contract.
