WWYD - To Pro Bono or Not To Pro Bono
Well, it's been a while since we've had one of those situations that sometimes come up when I ask you, "What would you do?" This one deals with those projects that come around when the client has a challenging job for you - but they desire it pro bono.
What would you do?
WWYD - Situation 5
Let's say it's a prominent non-profit organization that you support and in which you have a lot of interest. You had this client on your wish list, and finally, after contacting them numerous times, they contact you. You go to the initial meeting and discuss the details. The identity and branding you'd be asked to do is very exciting and challenging and you'd love to take it on. However, during the course of the meeting, usually at the end of it, the client says that since there is no budget for creative, the project would be pro bono. (Oh, they do have a budget for printing.) Of course, you'd get major recognition and acknowledgment, and the finished piece would be a wonderful addition to your portfolio.
What would you do?
Do you have the time it would take for this job? Do you have the skills? Will you need to forgo some paying jobs as you tackle this one? How will this wonderful addition to your portfolio add to your marketability?
Please share your thoughts on this episode of WWYD. Our firm had this exact situation come around. I know we'll all look forward to sharing, and reading, comments.
I was in this situation just a few weeks ago. When I was faced with that decision, I asked myself: "How often are you offered a project you'll really enjoy working on? And how many projects do you take simply because you have bills to pay?"
I came to the conclusion that things need to balance out.
If I were in that stage in my career (where I could refuse paying projects simply because I wasn't excited enough about them), perhaps I could pass on a great project that wasn't profitable, knowing that my plate is full of others, just as interesting. But the truth is I'm not there yet, and I'd still rather work nights for no pay (enjoying every minute of it), to balance out the boring projects that occasionally occupy my days.
I am just starting out as a graphic designer and I feel it is important to get your name out there but how much is to much? I have numerous contacts with several non-profits but none have lead me to any paying work. I do however like the work itself, it is rewarding to give a quality product to a deserving cause but it would be nice to get paid.
I guess in short I would do it, am doing it, but my patience is running out and I am hungry for other work. So I believe that you can only devote a small portion of your time to these endeavors and move on when life demands.
I think there are common misconceptions about non-profits. Just because they have to zero out profits at the end of their fiscal year doesn't mean they don't care about making money. I had a client who tried to justify copyright infringement by saying the victim was a non-profit.
Of course, the request could just as easily come from a business. It really depends on reputation. If no one's heard of you, and everyone's heard of them, jump at it. Still, you don't want people getting the idea that you work for free. It's a tricky situation.
I do small pro bono printing and Graphic design projects for local charity's that I am actively evolved with. However the ruff rule of thumb that I use is that if the organization is bigger then my firm and I am not involved in the running of it - they have to pay.
After all they are the ones running the charity not me!
On the rear occasion I brake this rule it is because they have shown to me a clear quantifiable benefit for doing the work. Not a vague, "it will get you good exposure."
Trevor.