Random post, but it's a discussion I was having today with someone!
Is it actually possible to earn a full-time comfortable living from it? I ask this as nearly every designer I know tends to 'have to' charge peanuts in order to get any work, and even though their work is pretty good, tend to attract the type of clients that want designs for nothing or for monkey money i.e. £20 logo and generally struggle financially, having to prop themselves up with bar work and stuff. I know designers don't have to go to that level, but it seems a lot do, and it's quite saddening seeing LOTS and LOTS of LOTS of people fighting over the same mini project and scraping the barrel so to speak. It seems even more cut throat then most other cut throat industries. Its quite rare to meet designers who charge a 'decent' amount. What kind of rates o you need to be charging to earn a 'good' living? We met one who charges £90 per hour, and although his work is fantastic, hes not exactly rushed off his feet. What/where is the balance?
Is it actually possible to earn a full-time comfortable living from it? I ask this as nearly every designer I know tends to 'have to' charge peanuts in order to get any work, and even though their work is pretty good, tend to attract the type of clients that want designs for nothing or for monkey money i.e. £20 logo and generally struggle financially, having to prop themselves up with bar work and stuff. I know designers don't have to go to that level, but it seems a lot do, and it's quite saddening seeing LOTS and LOTS of LOTS of people fighting over the same mini project and scraping the barrel so to speak. It seems even more cut throat then most other cut throat industries. Its quite rare to meet designers who charge a 'decent' amount. What kind of rates o you need to be charging to earn a 'good' living? We met one who charges £90 per hour, and although his work is fantastic, hes not exactly rushed off his feet. What/where is the balance?