The Young Designer’s Guide

As long as you stay within your limits and turn out a great job for everyone. Every job is a chance to make you a better artist and give the client what they need… And maybe what they weren’t even expecting.

There are countless amazing organizations out there that could use your help. And hey, it’s not like you couldn’t use the portfolio piece, right? Pro-bono work is one of the most rewarding things you can do with your design talent and spare time.

Before jumping in to donating your time and services, there are some things you need to consider: Do you have the time? Do you have the patience? Why do you want to do this work? What will you gain from the experience? Are you even a designer?

Aside from helping out non-profits, low-budget organizations and even your friends, there are plenty of reasons to take on the occasional pro-bono job:

Furthering and Supporting a Cause that You Believe in:
This is by far my NUMERO UNO reason for taking on pro-bono work. Nothing shows your support for an organization more than the donation of your time and services. It is a way for you to take part in and give to the community, make a difference and have a positive effect on the client company.

The Creative Control:
Usually when you take on a pro-bono job, many places will give you more creative control than you might get with a paying client. Or an art director.

The Experience:
The jobs that you do will be resume and portfolio-ready. They will also fall under ‘real world’ experience. They are work for real companies, not the made-up ones in your college portfolio. Finally, they will give you valuable “Client Contact” experience that most designers don’t get in a professional or agency setting, where there is usually a middle-man (or eight) involved. One of the best things you can do for yourself as a designer is to learn how the client thinks and perceives things. It will make you stronger and more efficient. This in turn will make your work better.

The Notoriety! The Job Referrals!
No publicity is bad publicity, unless you deliver an inferior product. Most companies will praise your work to others, and you’ve got your name on something that is more than likely going public. Furthermore, if someone is pleased with your product, they are going to refer you to their friends and contemporaries. This is never a bad thing.

Of Course, the Charitable Write-Off:
(Never the only reason to do this work) All work that you do can be claimed as ‘charitable’ or a ‘donation of goods and services’. Talk to your accountant about the finer points and details. There are limits for everything.

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There are some things to keep in mind when it comes to pro-bono and the donation of your time/work. Your time may be free, but your sanity never is. It’s very easy to get stuck in a never-ending process of making changes and adjustments to the job. Because of this, it is very important to make sure that both you and the client treat this as a paying, time-based project. Mutual respect is key in all relationships.

The Contract:
Outlining the details of the job, client/donors role and expectations, and a loose time line are all things that should be discussed and agreed upon before beginning a new job. I would never suggest to anyone that they begin a job without a signed contract; for your protection as much as your clients. The rate of pay should always be included, and a basic summary of charges, if any as well. The contract can also outline fair usage, updates and future work if you so choose, as long as it is something that the client agrees upon.

The Creative Brief and Schedule:
Creative briefs are highly important. Make sure that you have all of the necessary information before beginning, and also make sure to set a deadline or limit for the job. It will help keep the minor changes to a minimum. Always follow everything up with a summary email that both you and the client can keep for your records.

The Budget:
Some non profits and charitable organizations have a budget. You should always get this question out of the way first, so you know what you are working with, and within what limits. Take their budget into account when planning printed items, because paper and printing may not be free.

Billing and the Recording of Hours:
Even if you are doing the work for free, you still need to record your hours. This is for three reasons:
First, it will need to be recorded along with your usual rate of billing for when you file taxes (if you plan to write off the work as a charitable donation). Not to mention, it is always prudent to record all of your work for every job, charitable or paid.

Second, it will help your client to gauge how much time you are spending on all aspects of the project, and how much this WOULD cost if they were paying your professional rate

Third, the final ‘time bill’ will serve as a record for the organizations’ tax claims as well. Most organizations have to claim all donations, whether they are time-based or donations of goods/services.

Updates/Progress Reports:
Communication is also a huge part of every relationship. Whatever you are doing in relation to the project, let the client know. Even if you just shoot them an email to tell them that you weren’t able to get to the work one day, you are keeping the lines open. Everyone appreciates being kept in the know. Be nice. And don’t, under any circumstances, ever avoid your client, for any reason!! Nothing is more unprofessional (aside from yelling at them, also not recommended).

Presentation:
No matter what, always keep your finished work neat and presentable. We are talking about being professional, here! Keep your explanations short and to the point, and allow time to get the clients views. Take notes. They are helpful later.

The End:
After the work has been completed, it is a great practice to send a thank you note and continue to keep in touch with the client. If your contract covers updates to the work, stick to an agreed-upon time frame or on an as-needed basis. I put my former clients on a mailing list, to send updates and holiday cards to. It will keep you fresh in their minds, should you want to do more work for them in the future.

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Many designers don’t have the time or the inclination to do pro-bono work. If it is something that you are thinking about doing, the best way to start is to seek out organizations that you may have some kind of personal interest in. Wherever you start, make sure you finish on a high note with great work. Plenty of rewarding opportunities are out there and within your reach. All you have to do is take them.

Please keep in mind that every person you meet will have a “horror story” about that crazy, ridiculous, unmanageable client. Do not be discouraged by the stories, or the fear of failure. Overall, most clients are grateful and appreciative of the work you are doing for them. Good luck!