In our weekly installment of Clients from Hell, a hilarious collection of anonymously contributed client horror stories from designers, we present “Are you evening listening?” For previous posts, click here .
I did some work for a marketing firm that could have set me up with some great gigs. I did some free design work for a not-for-profit job they were doing in hopes of getting a paid gig down the line.
Later, the paid gig I was going to work on fell through.
Client: Thanks for working on this design. I’m sorry the paid gig didn’t pan out from our deal. We were wondering if we could still get a matching brochure from your original job?
Me: I can implement this brochure for free so it is consistent with the design of the site, but this will have to be the last product I produce for free. I can’t spend any more time away from paying clients. I hope you understand.
Client: Right, I understand . The free client also needs this poster designed.
Me: I am sorry but as stated previously, I can do the brochure but will not work for free on anything else.
Client: Right. I’m busy right now, but I’d really like to talk to you to explain what’s needed for this poster. When can we meet?
Me: Look, I can’t keep working for this client if they’re not paying…
Client: I really would like to show you what I mean. Let me know when we can meet up this week.
Me: …
