Freelancing fees?

[Macca23]

Hi guys, im just wondering what sort of prices would you charge a client for a rendered image working as a freelance artist? Working from autocad images/sketches to a 3d model with environment, for a single high quality image in this current climate what would you charge? Any information would be greatful. Cheers

[Crazy Homeless Guy]

Your going to receive all kind of responses, but the bottom line comes down to how much you need to cover you living expenses and work expenses -vs- how good you work is. There is no hard fast answer. Some can easily charge $150-$200 an hour for work, but that doesn't mean everyone can charge this.

[Macca23]

so it basically goes on how good your quality of work is? How can i judge that myself though? lol. Just looking at doing freelance work at the minute seen as finding a job is hard enough, see if i can find any small jobs with housing companies etc. Basically anyone that wants something designing ill do it, just need to know how much i can charge. Obviously dont want to over-price and have a client refuse me, need all the work i can get, as we all do.

[kippu]

throw a number , see if he lifts an eyebrow , bring it down little more and wait for his grin ...and sign the contract

[innerdream]

You might say something like " I understand the economy has affected most projects, do you have a budget for each image in mind?" If they won't tell you then give an example of the competitions prices and say you are willing to meet or beat those prices. It's tricky because a lot of people do have the money but they know people are hurting and will take advantage of that.

Edited March 21, 2009 by innerdream

[anejo]

Of course every project is going to be unique in its own way. Initially i don't give the client an hourly rate. I tell the client that every project is different, some require more time modeling, some require more time creating material, lighting... and so forth. After i take a very comprehensive look at the project, i than estimate how long it will take to complete, calculate my hourly fee (that the client does not know) than give them the quote. However, i never tell them how many hrs i expect to spend on the project or how many hrs i needed to complete job.

Of course, if there are any change request during or after, than i factor in a hourly rate.

But you have to be very careful using this method, i screwed myself a few times.

[alexg]

throw a number , see if he lifts an eyebrow , bring it down little more and wait for his grin ...and sign the contract

 

that's a good way to start

if you get approved straight away, then the number is too low.

 

after 1-2 contracts you'll get it right.

[Horhe]

It depends, if this client want you do freelance for him for the first time, or if he came back. Im guessing its his first. Do you want to gain his loyalty?

Does he want the job done immidietaly? Will you have to spend nights or do you have plenty of time? Can you afford to lose a client?

Bare in mind the economy now, by saying that I dont mean you charging 20 bucks.

With those points and more, youve got to make your decision.

Oh and posting an image example of yours could help.

[3dp]

as an ex mancunian myself consider this:

15 years ago i would charge 500 quid for say a semi detached house

last year it was still 500 notes as a guide - competition has driven prices and 3d salaries down and now the work has dried up pretty well on a global basis

just lost a small project to someone as i would not drop costs - however these days i'm back in construction full time and working on a new bag of tricks ready for market pickup

if you are just starting out good luck and hang in there but don't work for free - eventually it'll come right and make sure you are keeping your skills sharp

there are many many posts here on fees - when i was working full time in 3d my overheads were lower as i was outsourcing overseas plus working from home and spending wisely on hardware/software

with the state of software now it's pretty well a case of how fast you can model projects and how much you invest in entourage plus having the artisitc eye even if you have a pigs ear to work with that will get you up and running

Edited March 23, 2009 by 3dp

[Mike.]

The client usually likes to know how much it will cost him. so hourly rate doesn't really gives him the answer. i usually prefer to give a "per image" price, taking in account the usual modifiaction steps.

i like to bring down the price if the number of images to do increases.

there are many prices. some charge 2500 Euros for a single image, but i'm talking of some well known viz companies who can afford that. some charge 400 Euros, and are in my opinion killing the market.

i personnally charge 1500 euros per image. 1200 if there are more than 5 images to do

[mi75]

I know people in Australia who charge about $1200au for a single image of a shopping center which takes them about 1.5 - 2 days to complete. Or about $75au p/h.

[Mike.]

But i'm curious about Animation price ranges .

i have to give a quote to a client. but i have no clue how much to charge....

[djoshi]

that's a good way to start

if you get approved straight away, then the number is too low.

 

after 1-2 contracts you'll get it right.

 

 

Yes..every curve is a learning curve...!!