Advice with a client

[beani]

Hi all,

I could really do with some advice if anyone out there can help, I have been freelancing since last August but I am not experienced enough to know how to deal with this.

In July 2007, my first freelance job ever, I took on a job for a client who is basically project managing a project. I started working for him doing some packaging design and in total I quoted for 7 days work. (In all honesty I have put much more in than that already.) In short a year on and I am still waiting for him to supply some information to actually finish the design. This is also applicable to another project I started for him in October 2007, again still waiting for info from the client. I have been paid for some of the work I have done so far. I know he is happy with the design work I have done so there is no issues with that.

In the beginning we had a good working relationship but over time, it has broken done slightly in that he has tried to pressurize me into doing jobs at a fraction of the cost. I have stood my ground as I feel I am worth more.

My question is, I do not want to work for him anymore, can I actually email him saying unless he supplies me with the required info to finish both jobs in the next month I do not want to work for him? Although he sent me a contract for the first job, I never signed it as it had lots of mistakes. Does he own the rights to the design work I have supplied so far and can he get another designer to finish it?

I hope this is clear as I don't know where I stand legally.

Thanks in advance.

[Scarlet-Hills]

Hey. I won't endeavour to answer your question as I don't have enough knowledge about the legality of the situation. I do sympathise however. It's a minefield out there, with many clients thinking they can screw over designers as they don't see us as 'proper' businesspeople. It's up to us to change this. Stand firm, make sure all new projects are negotiated professionally with the use of contracts (provided both by you, and if necessary by the client) and you should have more of a sway when negotiating. it goes without saying that you should never be forced into underselling yourself. This guy sounds like a complete **** so best of luck with it.

- Rob