Handing over files
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- ksv123
So I have a freelance client who last night asked for a psd and an illustrator file. What do you guys do in this situation?
- e-pill0
do you have a contract that dictates the usages of either file?
- capn_ron0
depending on who they are, (friend or long time client) i may hand them over. But they may also be asking for another designer so they can switch from you?
- babaganush0
How long is a piece of string? depends upon the job
- ksv1230
I do not have a contract.
I have been working with them for 2 1/2 years now. Sort of friendly but not friends.
They are still giving me work.
- utopian0
If he paid you for the design and or illustrations the answer is: yes.
- Point50
it depends on what is listed in the agreement. Whenever I do logo or illustration work for a client I let them know upfront that they will pay above and beyond the creative/production costs for ownership of the original files, artwork, etc.
- Amicus0
I would only hand over files if that was discussed in the first place. If they asked for a brochure, they get the brochure end of story.
- dibec0
don't shoot your eye out! don't shoot your eye out!
- vaxorcist0
Original files are like original film negatives....
Did you sign a "work for hire" agreement? If not, you OWN the original files....
if you hand them over, be prepared for them to tweek things, possibly not at all to your liking, or replace you..
If you really get along well, and trust them, maybe they're just tweeking a copyright footer or similar, but only if you're sure....
- You could simply ask them why they think they need the original files...vaxorcist
- vaxorcist0
Note also that they may not have the fonts either.. and if they have no concept of intellectual property, they'll ask you to send over the fonts too without knowing that may be a violation of the font foundries license....
- __TM0
we always charge $$ for the release of artwork, excluding the typefaces. Always thought this was standard procedure in the industry.
- it is.VectorMasked
- its also an industry standard to have licenced software...FallowDeer
- airey0
do whatever you fell right and comfortable doing. as with anything, it depends on the client, the situation, how much they pay you a year, etc etc. usually i just hand it over as the headache's simply not worth the time but if the client's been a tool i charge and make a pain in the arse of myself.
if you handle the situation professionally and make it easy for them then if they are going elsewhere they do so with a good attitude towards you and will very probably come back. if they're trying to do stuff themselves then they'll be back anyway.
- imnotadesigner0
there IS no standard procedures in the industry anymore... the industrys gone to shit. I hate it. I hate clients.
- imnotadesigner0
Do whatever the hell you wanna do, its what you're gonna end u doing anyways. Id give em the files & say fuck you. If you want my files in the first place then you don't want me working on your stuff... in the first place. They think they're gonna save money by tweaking the artwork themselves but end up compromising the brand/creative.
fuck em I say and hand them the disc.