Client wants layout files
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- transmission1
here's what a client asked me once:
"I asked X to request a file you created for us so that she can make a date change to it. She said the cost would be $870? Can you please explain this. If we originally paid you for the creative why is the file not the property of Y?"My response:
"This is always a sticking point with clients but some of them understand "the designer is the owner of all files and artwork created for the client, and the client is the owner of the end product (i.e. a printed business cards, brochures etc)." This is from the American Institute of Graphic Arts.
All of the Graphic Design associations like the Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario (RGD), the AIGA in the US, etc acknowledge this as standard practice.
This is from the RGD's Rules of professional conduct:
8.1.1 Intellectual Property
Unless a transfer has been negotiated in writing, I will maintain any
intellectual property rights I have over work that I have produced on
behalf of a client.
Where intellectual property rights are to be transferred to the client,
I will seek appropriate compensation.
I will exercise my moral rights when my work is used in a way that may
damage my reputation.This is a way in way designers (and other creative fields) protect themselves.
I'm always available to make changes for you so please let me know if you would like me to do that."
she never asked again. they probably asked the marketing coordinator to recreate it.
- This is good, except for the first sentence. Makes it sound like clients ALWAYS want the source files. I think it's a pretty rare request.noneck
- davey_g1
I just dealt with this from a client. It's clearly stated in my contract they do not own the rights to the native files, only the final artwork. To give them a buyout option, I told them I'd give them my PSDs/ID files for 50% of the cost of the project, which seems fair. Although, the going rate seems much higher according to this article. This sums it up nicely and I also passed this on to my client:
- 50% of total cost seems about right to me.monospaced
- Really? 50%?formed
- bainbridge0
They paid you to make an annual report and what did you deliver? Printed materials or just a .pdf?
- doesnotexist0
you not giving them files won't stop their looking around for cheaper help.
clarify what they want and give it to them.
if they want to shop around and have someone else revise your work, is it worth keeping the relationship?
- omg1
put it on a USB key and put it in a nice box that says thank you for everything. you guys were awesome to work with.
- MrT0
A new comms manager is no doubt being loyal to the designer(s) they've previously worked with, something I guess we would all like our clients to be?
I've never found these existing artworks supplied by clients to be of much use either. And I've never seen (or produced) a carbon copy of the previous version.
Let 'em have it and leave an impression of being cooperative - it'll probably be better in the long run.