Comments on: Why logos don’t cost $50 – Part Two

By: Chuck Miller

Chuck Miller — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 15:10:38 +0000

” I’ve heard similar things uttered and while I do agree with you in one way, I also think that you need to do the probono/volunteer work for your own sake.”

I agree that I need to do the volunteer work for my own sake. But also, that the volunteer work needs to be done for ITS own sake. Because the organization involved is part of a solution. And as part of that society, I’m pleased to help carry the load.

“But it is sad how many times I have done probono work and have not been acknowledged or appreciated for it.”

It’s very human to feel the sting of that. But if I can set aside the ego, then the recognition doesn’t matter. Making a difference (when it’s possible) is the key act. Being applauded (or even recognized) for the contribution matters much less if the eye is on the goal, not the self.

High falutin’ poppycock? Maybe. But it feels solid to me.

By: John Lepp

John Lepp — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 12:37:04 +0000

Thank you Rick for your comment. In certain circles I’ve heard similar things uttered and while I do agree with you in one way, I also think that you need to do the probono/volunteer work for your own sake. But it is sad how many times I have done probono work and have not been acknowledged or appreciated for it. I wrote about that some time ago on this blog.

Cheers Mark for your compliment. I will take a look at your blog – it looks quite interesting. Thanks for stopping by.

By: Mark Miller

Mark Miller — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 04:19:39 +0000

John I wish I could shake your hand. I’m in complete agreement with you on this topic. You haven’t ranted here at all. I feel many more creatives in our profession should take note of your insight. Check out my “Wash That Woobie” post: http://millermark.wordpress.com/2009/03/07/wash-that-woobi/

By: Rick Carlson

Rick Carlson — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 19:03:43 +0000

I once read the only opportunity you get from doing work for free, is the opportunity to do more free work. I have found that to be very true.

By: John

John — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:14:17 +0000

Thanks Kim for your confession. We’ve all been there – there is no shame in it. The important thing is to not let it happen again right?

Cheers Miriam for your thoughts as well.

“M” – it’s great that you and your agency comp their time to charities. A lot of them need all the help they can get. When doing pro bono work I often do that same as you – let the charity know how many hours they are getting and more importantly – what that time costs – i want them to appreciate what they are getting.

By: M Todd

M Todd — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 13:55:05 +0000

Our agency comps its time to non profits, so we are free to work on ideas without going crazy about the time. We usually tell non profits, we will spend X amount of hours and if they don’t like what we present they can find someone else. It is amazing how quick they can make a decision when it starts to cost money.

As a rule we avoid ID programs with corporate clients, unless we do their other marketing communications, because Corporate ID programs are the black hole of non billable hours.

By: Miriam

Miriam — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 02:13:38 +0000

This is at the bottom of most agency relationships. Being in the business of “saving” people, most organizations are loathe to pay for services. I agree with Kim in that I have often calculated the time I spend on clients vs. the time that is billed on my behalf, and I end right around Thai sweatshop pay rates

By: Kim McMullen

Kim McMullen — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 17:23:26 +0000

I must confess two things:

1. I did a logo last week for $200. I put 35 hours into it by the time it was completed. Effectively, I made less than minimum wage. I could have made more panning for money on the corner of Hastings and Main. I am sorry.

2. I visited Compromiseville three weeks ago. And despite it sounding like a cheerful place, it was dreadfully dark and, as a result of my visit, the logo came out looking like Frankenlogo. Lesson learned.