How to protect yourself when freelancing
Often times, juniors that are looking to transition into UX are advised to work for free in some manner or another to build a portfolio and reputation. Either do side projects or do an internship is always stated ( let’s not pretend that a good portion of them are paid). We always talk about how this isn’t feasible for everyone but we don’t talk about is the many ways in how you can end up regretting this if you don’t have some safe guards in place. While I don’t freelance much anymore, I have learned quite a bit of lessons about establishing payment, pricing my work, who maintains ownership over the assets and what happens to the work when payment is no longer able to be made.
A few years ago, my work was stolen and to be honest, it’s one of the reasons I don’t freelance much unless I feel that the project is a good idea. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you are freelancing to get experience:
Transparent communication is necessary.
A few years ago, I had the lovely ( we need a sarcasm font) realization that my work was stolen and I was taken off the team without ever hearing from the company for a month. The justification for it was unprofessional and unacceptable. I found out by reaching out to them and asking about the progress of it. However, they gladly used it, let someone else tamper with it without running it by me. They also wanted me to fix it. Not only is this unprofessional but it is also rude. Be sure to communicate your boundaries early and clearly, stick to them.
Get your money upfront and keep track of it.
Exposure doesn’t pay the bills immediately and equity only matters if the company is successful. Many of these startups are not being ran by people who are looking at longevity. Therefore, unless it is a great and viable idea, equity doesn’t exist to you. Whether you request a retainer fee for you to get started or if you want the full amount, make sure you receive a payment before you start any work. Also stay on top of any receipts or any money you spend to get the project done. You will need to use it as a business write off come tax time.
Just because you’re a junior doesn’t mean you have to undervalue yourself.
Tech and design is a small industry in comparison to others. As juniors , I understand that you don’t want to burn bridges or build a reputation that could be detrimental to your career this early in the game. It’s a catch 22, if you don’t have any work, no one wants to take a chance on you. If you do want some work be prepared to do it for very little to no money. It’s an unfortunate dance that many of us do until we’re “in” that we shouldn’t have to do.
When it initially happened, I willing to work on the project if I was going to be a part of the team. I did want to help but mostly, I wanted to finish my work so I can have something added in my portfolio. I also didn’t want something that wasn’t done correctly to be associated with my name. As minorities in tech, we don’t have many times to make mistakes and get another shot so we try to make it count every time we get one. However, this does not mean that you tolerate any kind of treatment and you undervalue yourself. Looking back on it, I should have demanded payment or refused to do any more work. You establish how you are treated. Lack of experience does not mean you should be taken advantage of.
It’s business. Draft a contract.
Business is a two way street. It is meant to be beneficial to both parties. Seriously, if it’s not a passion project, get something out of it. I don’t care whether it’s 100$, them setting you up to meet people that can help you with your next position, mentorship or them purchasing software for you to use to help them. People are quick to have you sign an NDA but they rarely have it in a contract that you should have a say about some of the ways that your work can be used. Therefore, draft a contract that includes clauses about asset ownership, payment, the use of your work, work credit etc. Require them to sign it before you even open your laptop to start working. Don’t be scared to let them walk away if they choose not to.
I drafted my own using a contract law book I had in undergrad but you can find some contract templates by searching on Google to find which one works best for you.
Businesses fail everyday and honestly, that’s not your priority. You can take the risk of finding another job. You can’t risk being unprotected for the sake of getting “in”. Learn from my mistakes and experiences. Keep yourself protected at all costs.
Until next time, happy wireframing!
-Nita