Sep 16, 2009
Transparency
Round I
We recently ran into Nate Voss of 36point.com while touring the Willoughby design firm in Kansas City. They seemed nice enough and were doing something similar, interviewing designers for their podcast. We talked to them for about 2 minutes, briefly explained our epic journey and were gone.
We ran into them again — online this time — when they tweeted about one of their latest posts and nonchalantly mentioned we were in it. “Oh awesome!” we thought…an established, very well connected couple of designers mentioned us in one of their blog posts, “sweet!” And in fact, it was pretty awesome, we made it into Nate’s cartoon. Check it out here.
Martin’s character was pretty legit looking and mine (Gavin) had a soul patch. I only wish I could grow facial hair, so thank you Nate for that addition. Although the comic was an inaccurate depiction of what we are doing (see graph below), we really didn’t mind the attention. This is the internet — uneducated opinions run rampant. Another reason we didn’t mind is because we’ve worked with enough people that would vouch for us and if Nate isn’t a fan, we’re okay with that. If you’ve read the comic, then our response will make sense, so check it out first. This is what we responded with.
Round II
Nate responded with another post which you can read here if you really want to. After reading the comments, which we really appreciate, we decided we may as well write a little something. We completely agree with what everyone has said, we value our work just as much as the next designer. We also expect to be paid what it is worth. This cross-country drift has quickly tossed us into the freelance world and has given us a true taste of what it means to be paid what you are worth and what it means to go without (read – car wash showers and 89cent taco bell).
The whole premise of Nate’s blog post and some of the comments was that we undercut design firms. Most of our work comes from design firms, where our work is valued. We’ve been able to build relationships with designers through-out this trip across the country. Sometimes they throw some freelance work our way. Sometimes they’re just stoked about our journey and want to help us out by giving us a project to work on. The rest of our work comes from back in texas, where we are from. Where we bill our normal rate.
20% of the work we’ve done, we would consider under-billed. 10% of that was work done for close friends and for charity groups. We have no problem working for charities for a reduced rate/free. We do however make sure to let them know what the value had been if we were charging them our regular rates. As for the other 10%, this is not work that was stolen from any design firm or designer. This is work that we’ve found in small towns or small start-ups that 99% of the time wouldn’t go to a designer for work. In fact, we’ve been able to educate a few clients about the importance smart design can have on their brand. We’ve been able to introduce design to smaller companies in tiny towns that have had the D.E.Y. (Do Everything Yourself) mentality.
Here is an example of work we’ve done that was under-billed: The mind-bandit t-shirts we did, you can see them on our work page , was billed for $300. Five t-shirts for 300 bucks — incredibly low. The client was an awesome girl, still in high school, in Charleston, SC. She asked if we could help her start a line of clothing to sell to some of the local board shops around her town. We were stoked by her entrepreneurial spirit and the style of tees she wanted. So we took the job and had a great time working on it. We made a stop in SC and her family let us stay with them while we were there. Amazing people! Do you really believe we stole this work from any designers? Do you really think this means we don’t value our work?
If you’ve been able to read down this far and you can remember back to when you started freelancing, did you ever do work that you felt was under-billed for whatever reason? What % of your work would you say was under-billed, if any?
Okay, one last thing, Nate Voss we don’t care about your comic. We get that it was just a joke. But if you are going to continue to make nonsense claims about us, please spend more than 2 minutes talking to us. Do a little research, especially when you have such a large audience.
As I went through college I had unpaid internships. Then as I came out of college I did free work for nonprofits to get portfolio work. I hope I don’t end up on one of Nate’s cartoons. FYI I’m not saying your work is intern quality. Undercutting or not, you have to pay the price to get real world experience and meet people. You’re doing it in non-traditional way and I applaud you for it.
Well, I guess we’ll just have to start calling you two the “Taylor Swifts” of the design industry now.
And we’ll also have to quote our president when it comes to insecure jerks who are jealous of the spotlight shining on someone else. You know what he said….
We loved you guys in Seattle – but you still need to come back to take that font test…..
- Julie
Yo, fellas.
Nice post. Having had a good long minute to talk to you all and have a few brews, you know I dig the balls it takes to do what you’re out there doing. Sorry I didn’t get to see you cats the last time you stopped thru town.
Your boy, E. Downs, and I recently chatted (supportively) about ways for you to stay on your grind out there and make sure that those agency cats are paying you properly. The scary thing that I’ve run into in my indie creative life is that studios and agencies can often be the biggest culprits of taking us all out at the knees because there is no shortage of hungry designers fresh off college and ready to work for less that we do currently. As we gain experience, we gain value and become less of a bargain. Nature of the beast, we all face it. (recent proof is that Crispin-Porter & their “crowd-soucring” debacle!)
That’s were I thought of a few basic things to help you cats get a little more jack and still be an attractive alternative. I’m not gon’ put it on blast here out of respect for your page, this post and your other readers. Hit me with an email and let’s bounce some thoughts.
Be well, bros.
sg.
RDQLUS
In my opinion, the lesson to learn here is this:
You guys decided to go after something instead of sitting back and feeling as though your college degree means you’re owed something. Take free showers and eat cheap burritos. Drive across country without knowing what’s next. This is what earning your stripes is all about. All that’s important is if you feel alive doing it. If you do, then you’re luckier than 99% of America.
Head down. Thoughts forward. You got this!
I really enjoyed reading up on the feud between ya’ll and Nate. Your response was well thought out. I thought you guys handled a sticky situation well. I liked the info-graphics and the honesty.
Keep doing what you guys are doing.
Great post guys!
As I mentioned to Gavin earlier today I really appreciate how you guys have handled the whole situation. You had the opportunity to swing back with immature remarks and bashing but you took the high road, kept it professional, and managed to turn the experience into a engaging and educational post for your readers about how Drifting Creatives operates.
Simply having the balls to step up and commit to a path of uncertainty with no financial luring and just a love of the game is a lot more than you can say for alot of designers these days. Your experience on the road will undoubtedly shape who you become as designers and give you a greater appreciation for your work and what it means to earn a buck.
What most outsiders also don’t know, that I do, is how activly you guys have been educating yourselves about pricing for creative work, ensuring you are getting your value worth as a designer, and the trials and tribulations that go along with it.
Steve and I are more than happy to help any way we can with questions.
Keep kicking ass, you ALWAYS have a spot in Omaha and myself along with many others are here are glad to have had guys in Omaha!
Great post! You guys are finding out first hand about the age old resistance of those who already have to those who have figured out a new way to create. It happens in every sphere and every generation. The ideas and connections and strength and creative energy you are gaining are as valuable as the reputation you are building.
By the way, I told Cathy Hooper yesterday – when you guys get back, how about a meet-up presentation on your journey? We’d love to hear your response to Nate in person!!
Hey Guys—Just a quick nod to the graceful way you handled Mr. Voss’s sucker punch (facts and civility).
We’ve got Collekt tonight, you guys will no doubt be missed. See ya next time!
Great response gentlemen. There will be many haters along the way in your careers be it clients, jealous colleagues or others. Shake’m off, handle with integrity and keep going.
Everyone above has said exactly what I was thinking the whole time–I support you guys 100% and totally admire the journey you are on, both personally and professionally.
No matter what people’s individual opinions are regarding Nate’s comic strip, it has done one thing to your benefit: given The Drifting Creatives great free PR to a huge national audience. Great job Nate!
Drifters, keep rockin’! Do what you do, love what you do, and always be yourselves. Thanks for visiting KC-we had a blast with you!
I’m amused as to how a couple of OMAHA!!! designers have so much attention. I think what you are doing is a great personal experience that will help you become better artist/designers in your life. I had a professor that once said, “you can’t expect to experience everything in your life sitting down, go and explore, expand your horizon”
Great response, I truly believe that 2 minutes of your life with does “designers from OMAHA!!!” will be more beneficial to you than to them. They stabbed themselves in the back, you ride the white horse.
Keep it up!
“Life truly is a box of Chocolates”… you never know when you’ll find a nut. I loved your design. Very creative. You should look for sea-port micro brews to market that brand and makes some more lemonade. You guys are Great !!! GIG’EM
As for the insecure and immature author of the pathetic and disgustingly gross comic; you are what you preach.
Ummmmmmmm… I’ll give a pass this time, but go easy on the “OMAHA” comment. We do as good a batch of design work here as anywhere in the country.
As a self-employed businessman (NOT in the design business), here are my two cents: The free market should determine the value of anyone’s work, NOT some group of providers. Whether such groups are legal, organized trade unions or law-breaking colluders, they conspire to boost profits at the expense of the consumer. As a consumer, I will choose the best VALUE, which is a function of what I can afford and what the product will do for me. In other words, thanks, Drifting Creatives, for providing competition – the American Way!
Martin, you know just how loud my laugh is… When I saw the sign in the “Interrogation Room”, my first thought was that I could never set foot in there in they thought there was even a slight chance that I would laugh at something. Haha!
You guys are doing great! I check your site daily, and I’m so impressed at what all you and Gavin and doing for people and companies all over the country. Keep up the good work!
I’m proud you two took the high road!
Mom
I LOVE the Lager Logo! It’s great!