design for music
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- spifflink
So the studio I worked at closed shop so I have finally decided to strike out on my own. I have a lot of experience working in the music industry (not necessarily design) but I would like to start designing for bands and labels. My plan is to build up a solid portfolio of album work and merch design then start contacting labels to get bigger more repeat stuff. However, every time I have dealt with a band in the past, its always pretty shifty, so I've learned to make sure work agreements and contracts are signed. However I have a questions about rates. Its tough going to a band and saying 'oh my rate is $xx and hour' because they get all freaked out so I like to approach them with sort of a flat rate, but I am not sure how much to charge for something like a t-shirt design or album artwork, it is kind of project by project because all of the projects are different. Any advice on rates for this industry?
- MSTRPLN0
MONEY UP FRONT
- +100102031023jkmohr
- haha I wish, if I can swing it I get 50/50spifflink
- a lot of these dudes want to see work first, its goddamn annoying. i live in utah so people are way cheaper than normal too.spifflink
- Create 5 pieces of self-initiated work shows your skills best, then show them this when they askMSTRPLN
- good ideaspifflink
- lvl_130
the independent music industry is tough as far as design goes because, like you said, most bands will get freaked by the money you ask for. i've known too many good designers that put in way too many hours and not get paid shit.
my only advice is stick to your guns. don't be low-balled and def. don't fall for the "you can do whatever you want and it will make a great portfolio piece for you...so here is $100" type of shit either.
good luck.
- harlequino0
Try to build alliances with the peripheral businesses surrounding the music industry— particularly promotional companies, merch companies, anything else (outside of huge brands) that creates 'co-branded' opportunites in entertainment. Whether you are dealing with album art, sites, shirts, whatever, there are usually a string of middlemen involved. Those are the ones to know, not just the labels and bands themselves.
- like who specifically? a company like jakprints.com or something like that?spifflink
- i have been trying to build some relationships with promoters too, but they are fickle.spifflink
- harlequino0
Possibly, but that's where the footwork and cold calling and networking come in.
Here's an example (kind of) —
This past year we did a sizable minisite promotion involving a Very Popular Band with kids and tweens, and a Major Softdrink. The project was neither monitored or brokered by either, but instead by a Major Cable Network, who acted as the middle man. And it wasn't our relationship with the network that got us in, it was the freelance producer working on it for the network who already knew us.Just one example, but point is start looking into PR and promo companies, freelance producers, and so on. It's a long workload, but those are some serious doors to get this kind of work.
- < directed at spifflink's questionharlequino
- that's some solid advice man, thanks!spifflink
- hope it helps, good luck!harlequino
- neferiu0
Depending on what your government policies / art support programs are like, you could always get good at writing grant proposals for artists, that way you put a budget together which pays you in full, then they get the grant to pay for your services. No cash out of their pocket = no fear. They just get their check and sign it over to you. They are accountable too, as the grant provider will check in to ensure they spent the money where they said they would.
- spifflink0
When you say self-initiated projects (^above, MSTRPLN), what do you mean exactly. I mean, if I am shooting for the music industry, what should I make, fake album covers, or posters or something? Do you have any examples?
- moamoa0
I resolved for myself
never work again for:
- music industry
- events agencies / events
- Johnny_50
The music industry is shady, everyone's getting ripped off and they're trying to make up for it by ripping everyone else off.
- r3mote0
It's worth mentioning that in this age of digital downloads bands (specially indies) are less likely to want to fork out loads of cash for artwork that isn't going to be seen on the shelf... most of the indie bands I know are either doing it themselves or getting mates to do it on the cheap. As for flyer design etc - most promoters I've worked with have budgets that rarely exceed £100. It's a f£cking hard life if you intend to make a living designing solely for the music industry.