I met a few people at a “Intro to Small Business” course. Being a designer, I had hoped to meet other startups and perhaps even solicit some work. One older lady went out of her way to befriend me, and after some awkward attempts on her part to seem hip (using terms like ‘bevvie’ and going out to ‘chat shit up’), I decided she was likely well meaning. However, soon after sitting down for coffee…
Client: It must be difficult being a designer. Like, if I were to ask you, right now, to design a logo for me, what would you do?
Me: (with a laugh) Ask what you’re willing to pay.
Client: Haha, you’re funny! But seriously, I’d love to see how it works.
She withdraws - seemingly from nowhere - a pen and paper, handing them both to me.
Client: Now go.
Me: Really? Sorry, I can’t work for free. I charge -
She grabs the pencil and paper.
Client: Look, just tell me what you’d draw. I want a logo that’s professional and looks paid for…
I then left.
