What to charge as a South African freelance creative.

Hiya Friends of the Fish.

We are back! This time with a very important topic, I know we could all use a little insight on. Money.

If you have skin in the game, or you are just starting out, costing and invoicing are always important topics to discuss. Specifically amongst fellow creatives.

So here is our take on it.

After some research and conversations with other creatives, past lectures, and bosses we wanted to share with you our thoughts on how to navigate this space.

Where to begin?

Firstly, you need to have an honest assessment of your ability and experience. I’m not saying a young blood creative needs to sell their soul for peanuts but it’s important to assess where you are at. As a young starting creative straight out of university, we suggest costing yourself at the minimum budget. From our in-depth conversation and research, we’d hit that mark at R300/350 an hour. (This is all personal perspective and does not claim to be a certain fixed figure). In saying this, you still have to be good. So, get yourself a good portfolio. If it’s client work or work you have done yourself. That’s great! Always have work to show so that ultimately your client can make sure they know the standard of work they are paying for. As you get more skin in the game and more experience your hourly rate can grow with you.

Next point to hit:

Not everyone is going to be happy with your quotes. So how far do you go?

So, after a brief touch on a per hour rate another really important point to hit is how far do you go for a client. In our experience, it’s really challenging working for a client that has no idea of the costs and value of a creative. I get it! I have no idea about the average cost of an engineer or accountant. This is okay, we, as the creatives have a responsibility to remain honest and true to the cost we believe we deserve to charge.

On this note, here comes some advice. Set yourself a bar. A rate you will limit yourself to drop to and don’t go lower!!

Here at Fisheye, we have a big policy to cater to the little guy. Which is totally awesome, but little guys sometimes mean little money. When working with a young company or entrepreneur we advise asking yourself these questions:

1. What are they able to afford?

2. Does it fit within my personal limited rate

3. Could a payment plan benefit them?

4. Do I see longevity in the client? Do they want us to grow together?

This last point is probably the most important when dealing with this kind of client. The game of the little guy it’s all about long-term growth. If you believe In them, and if you believe that your creative input will help them grow and in return, you will be able to be paid more and get sustained work from them. Do it!! Sometimes we need to see the bigger picture and take a risk.

Basically, it’s hard. It’s hard when the client sees your quote and is thrown off. When you know full well it’s reasonable and normal. It’s okay. Stick to your guns and know your willingness to sway up and down well! Don’t compromise your creativity because this client doesn’t understand your value. Make the call on the kind of people you want to work with and the kind of work that is worth doing, and do it!

Our last tip would be to reach out. Ask a friend, past teacher, or boss for advice if you are feeling stuck. We are all here to work together, by doing so the rate which we all charge will become more standardized.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at Fisheye if you ever need a person to talk to. We are all ears. And eyes, always;)

Until then, thanks for keeping an eye on us.