I was reading these posts and though they are old they can apply anytime. I would add:

The next LIE is being a sub-contractor of another designer and being told:
A) We never got paid by the client so we cant pay you.
B) Can you work cheap this time? We're not making any profit on this job.
C) The person you contracted with isnt with our company anymore AND/OR the person you contracted with had no authority to make a deal with you.

These are all lies.

Dont assume just because youre getting hired that anyone will pay you. In your excitement about getting work, you forgot essentials like who is really responsible to pay, and when? Make sure you are clear about how/when/what before you agree to work and the best way is to spell it out in writing.

Next, I want to add that you should never do mock-ups of ideas for the project and leave those with the client. What you should do is give samples of your past work, your capability and let them decide to hire you or not. If they want progress submitted, make sure you have a contract in force first that provides for payment, even partial payment. You dont have to RECEIVE the money now but you need the promise firmly in place. If they drop you half-way through the project, they still owe something--spell it out in black and white before you start.

Next, finished work should be submitted with your invoice.

Next, you need to search the web for contract samples and USE them. Also, you can freely download Microsoft Office templates for Invoices, Service Agreements, etc.

Next, any contract you use should includes words to the effect that your work is your intellectual property. Who has the rights to use and modify your work in the future? How will your work be used now and later and by whom? If your client tells others about your ideas and another company start using them, is anyone responsible to you? What about copyrighting your work?

What i do is more or less this--"This job is my work, time, energy, creativity and therefore my property. On completion of your payment, you will have the free licence to use the work for the intended purpose set forth in the contract dated 3 Sept, 2008, and for no other purpose." If they wont sign that, I dont work.

Youre talking about your future and your livelihood. Perhaps you should get a lawyer to provide a contract template for you. Remember, your ideas are your gold. Protect them!

This post has been edited by ChasV: Sep 4 2008, 01:27 PM