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[tamupino]

(please pardon the ipad auto-correct title.... that should read "ArchViz" )

 

Hello all!

 

This is my first post here and I was hoping to get some advice from you guys.

I've finally gotten some requests to do some freelance ArchViz images and am looking for advice on how to proceed from a legal point of view. I don't know much about LLC's (and the like) or contracts for services.

I do have a pretty detailed pricing structure for how I want to charge for my work, but does anyone have any suggestions on how to begin to develop a business/client contract for scope of work, payment etc? Again, VERY new to the whole "small business" thing and wanted to hear from someone with more experience.

 

Thanks

Edited August 16, 2012 by tamupino
...accidentally hit the submit button

[Scott Schroeder]

Payment is a tough subject. But the general points are that A) You typically want to start with money down usually in the neighborhood of 15% and B) you will not deliver the final high res image until you have received 100% payment. However, there are many different avenues to go. Many times people don't have 15% down, and won't have 100% until beyond your delivery date. So it's best to put stipulations in the contract that say, for example, unless otherwise noted full payment is due 90 days from project completion date. Make sure you actually list the date on the contract and on the bill for the work. As for starting work, a common stipulation that if no payment is received then at your first scheduled milestone then 15% is due or the project will not proceed. You have to be clear about these dates.

 

Also, discuss and put in your contract that you will no sell or give your source max file. This is a common request at the end and can surprise people. You can't give out your file because you may not have the full rights for textures and models to give out. You can, however, put a stipulation that if so requested and at an additional cost, you may provide them with a gray material standard settings model.

 

You really need to learn about an LLC from a good book or a lawyer if you want to form one. There are many ins and outs to an LLC that if you don't follow, you are in for some serious penalties. You don't need to form an LLC just yet.

[tamupino]

Thanks for the insight! As far as a contract goes that you have the client sign, is that something you wrote up yourself, adapted from a template contract, or something you had a lawyer draft up for you?

[Umesh Raut]

I remember reading a good comprehensive contract (template) in a book or article by Brian of 3DATS. Don't remember exactly where it was, but if you look in the right direction you'll land up there.

[Scott Schroeder]

http://www.cgarchitect.com/2012/02/the-visualization-insider

 

Week 4 has the contract that Umesh mentioned.

 

Also, a load of other contracts posted by other CGA Members in this thread: http://forums.cgarchitect.com/62926-cg-architecture-freelance-contract.html

 

You'll find yourself changing your contract as you learn things but the templates above are a great start. Just make sure whatever you use is clear and concise as to what is expected of both parties. But don't bury them in paperwork either.