Five Ways to Get Necessary Files From Your Graphic Designer

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So you have an exciting brand identity project on the horizon. You’ve secured a phenomenal graphic designer to produce the artwork. And, once the visual identity is approved, you’re confident you’ll get all of the final file types you need. Why wouldn’t you? A Disappointing Response When you request the editable vector design files, your freelancer responds, explaining that: The editable file types were not included in the RFP you provided. Therefore, we won’t be able to provide them without an additional agreement and fee. Suddenly, you’re overcome with a mix of emotions and left wondering: Why are they charging for the file at all; shouldn’t it be included? How am I going to explain an unforeseen expense to my client? Am I going to have to eat this expense, unbeknownst to my client? There’s nothing worse than being in this situation. And unfortunately, it happens more often than we’d like.

The Problem The problem is in assuming the freelance graphic designer is producing work that is ours to take, use, and alter however we and our client wish. How could the designer not expect us to alter their work, to use it where and however we’d like, to meet our client’s needs? After all, we paid for their time to produce a specific work product. And because no one mentioned licensing, we expect we’re free Diabetes Email List to change and use it as we see fit. But sadly, we are not. The work product is a creative work-for-hire assignment. Therefore, we don’t own unlimited rights to the product unless they are specific to the agreement. Avoid a File Licensing Disaster Like non-creative work, all creative work comes with limitations. It’s our job to understand those so we can avoid pitfalls when working with freelance graphic designers. If you’re like most professionals, going back to your client with your tail between your legs isn’t likely your idea of a good time. And, neither is eating the cost of the mistake.



I’ll share a few tips to avoid landing in the situation described above. Hire the Right Level of Graphic Designer Experience There are critical differences between a newly self-employed graphic designer with limited experience and a veteran graphic designer with global brands in their portfolio. It’s important to hire someone with adequate experience based on the needs and complexity of the project. For example, a newbie freelancer (aka entry/junior level) may be less confident in their ability to produce the work for hire. While they often bring one-to-five years of either in-house or agency-side experience to the table, they may be overly strict about pricing and deliverables. Or they may be eager to please, which may work in your favor when it comes to negotiating a price for original design files. A seasoned freelance designer (aka director/manager level), on the other hand, will be confident in their ability to produce and innovate the work for hire. They are likely to be strict but reasonable when it comes to contract negotiations. However, it’s also possible for a veteran graphic designer to be out of touch with design trends, or ego-driven, resulting in experiences such as contested design revision requests. Over time, you will discover what experience level you prefer working with.