http://www.professionalartistsleague.org/forums/ PAL Forums en Copyright 2008 2008-07-24T13:44:20-05:00 http://www.professionalartistsleague.org/forums/viewthread/7/ http://www.professionalartistsleague.org/forums/viewthread/7/#When:13:44:20Z <p>We recently received an inquiry from a large company who was prospecting for a local design studio to help with a big project. The project involved branding, a big marketing campaign, a web site redesign, and presentation materials. Upon meeting with the “former” agency owner who was heading up the project, we listened to his sales pitch.</p> <p>• “We are looking for a small local shop to partner with for the long term”.<br /> • “We are very loyal once we select a design partner”.<br /> • “We pay our bills on time.”</p> <p>After the sirens in our heads quieted down, we talked about the project and hashed out a preliminary working arrangement.&nbsp; The final “red flag” came in the form of their expectations: We would be <i>“submitting concepts in order for them to choose the local firm who would head up the creative effort”. </i> </p> <p>Instead, we submitted a detailed proposal with an NDA. Wouldn’t you know, they never returned our calls.</p> <p>Concepts are 90% of the work in any creative project.&nbsp; It was obvious that this company was looking for a sucker(s) to do the hard work for them and then bail on their agreement. Moral of the story is ... If you can’t get an agreement in writing,&nbsp; the job doesn’t really exist. </p> 2008-07-24T13:44:20-05:00