I’m new to designing graphics for clients, I normally did things just for myself or for friends when they needed something done and I had a free minute. I’ve also worked at a retail store that does “desktop publishing” and offered a 24 hr turnaround guarantee.
Because of this, I’ve become accustomed to working really fast. I still plan ideas and do research, but I usually go with my gut feelings on design direction (usually the second or so idea I have is the strongest in my opinion) and the clients I’ve worked for always love the work I do for them.
But my problem is, because I work so fast and can almost pump out the designs they need, how do I should I charge?
Charging by the hour would be a huge loss for me. But I don’t know what to charge for a flat rate since I don’t know what the “average” time for a design should take (if there is such a thing).
When doing research, everyone always just says “It depends on the designer.” But I feel I could be making a lot more money for my skills, I just don’t want to lie about my time.
Edit:
I have to ask several questions to this:
- Is this your only job?
- How are you measuring your designs as really fast?
- Do you know the normal calculations for design areas?
- Do you time your designs to measure them?
- No, I still work at that retail store I mentioned and I’m also a full time student.
- When I talk to other designers in person, they mention their average times and mine are significantly less time (about 20-40% less time) to completion.
- I don’t know what the normal rates are for my area. But when reading up on it I found that an average estimate (and when I calculated my hourly rate for myself based on a formula given to me) as $40/hr
- Yes I do, I always take notice of my work time. It’s a habit from working at my retail job.
Answer
Charge a higher hourly rate to compensate. If you work 25% faster than what most designers do, then charge 25% more.
Working fast with quick turnaround at a premium quality is something you can use to justify the higher hourly rates.
Attribution
Source : Link , Question Author : OghmaOsiris , Answer Author : John