Graphic Artists Guild Handbook, 16th Edition: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines

I've read about the shortcomings others are citing, but I just don't see them. The amount and kind of information that a professional graphic artist, designer or illustrator, needs has exploded, and it's unrealistic that any book can keep up with the variety and complexity of projects that we're faced with everyday. This reference does a MAGNIFICENT job of distilling the essential factors that go into a pricing decision. The ultimate decision rests with the artist about what to charge. This book has been a lifesaver and continues to be dog-eared at every turn....it's SO valuable.You can blame it for not keeping the x-acto knife sharp, and lots of other challenges that designers and illustrators face, but it does a FANTASTIC job of doing what it sets out to do: provide a professional graphic artist with the tools needed to make a pricing decision.One reading of it will give you the confidence to MORE THAN make up for the purchase price.

This is the most comprehensive guide to pricing illustration and graphic design available. If you are a professional or thinking of becoming one, then this book provides the kind of in depth information you need to run a successful business. GET IT TODAY.It's not a how-to... there are plenty of those around. WHAT IT IS is a detailed resource of the tools you need to sell your work for a fair price and retain the rights to that work. Sample contracts are provided that cover a variety of situations from an artist-rep agreement to a Multimedia job order confirmation.Next time you ask "what do I charge for that?!?!?", turn to this book. It'll save your business and repay the cost of purchase many many times over.

THIS BOOK IS A MUST FOR ALL ILLUSTRATORS who want to work in the marketplace as a professional, by the industry's standards. Don't try to freelance without it; be informed! I have used the Guidelines daily for 20 years, and might be a "starving artist" if I didn't.

The only defense the art community has aside from a tough upper lip is the wisdom provided within "The Handbook". I have been using this guide since I began freelance design at the age of 20. It has never let me down no matter the situation. Everything from traditional media to web-design and 3D animation is referenced within it's pages.

Although there are thousands of books of business advice available for sale, very few address the issues of unique importance to creatives. There are thousands of how-to books on creating visual images, technique and design that ignore the non-glamourous aspects of art. This precisely focused handbook of solutions is a testimonial to the dedication of the Graphic Artists' Guild to its mission "to promote and protect the economic interests of artists." Anyone with an interest in earning money through graphic design, interactive media, illustration, multimedia, broadcast design, or photography needs this invaluable resource. Every aspect of project planning, proposal development, pricing trends, budgeting, legal, intellectual property and contractual issues, working with artists' representatives, billing procedures, credit, and collections is covered in depth and organized in a clear and concise format, with step-by-step information and resources. Truly the most current and thoroughly researched book in its genre; it's the essential, real world guide to doing business and for every creative, from the aspiring student to the most seasoned pro. If you are interested in creating art for profit, you will benefit from an investment in this book.