CYA (or how to ethically conduct business)

One of the listings for the dictionary definition of ethics is “the rules of conduct recognized in respect to a particular class of human actions or a particular group.” Establishing the rules of conduct in graphic design starts with the contract.In her recent article for Web Designer Depot, "Protecting yourself as a designer," Kendra Gaines gives designers concise and common sense advice about setting up contracts and terms of service in order to conduct business professionally and ethically, as well as to protect themselves. Here are some highlights:Contracts and terms of serviceIt's all about expectations—what your client can expect from you and what you expect from them. Be as clear as possible about the terms and make sure it's in a written contract that's signed by both parties. A contract should include (but is not necessarily limited to) the following:

• Deliverables—what exactly will they be receiving from you? PSD files, access to the back-end of their website, training?
• Contributions—what do they need to contribute to get the job done? Copy, images, approval?
• Revisions—how many are allowed? This can turn into a money pit unless it's spelled out from the beginning of the project.
• Payment—how much and when? Do you require a deposit? When do you expect payment? Make sure it's in the contract.
• Cancellations—how much is refundable and at what part in the process does this need to happen? It may not be pleasant to think about, but it's important.

There are many places you can get a boiler plate contract to modify and make your own. A google search yields an extensive list. Another place you can start is with AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Design.) AIGA provides designers with online access to pdf versions of AIGA Design Business and Ethics, a series that outlines the critical ethical and professional issues encountered by designers and their clients. The publication is presented in a modular format and designers are encouraged to download relevant chapters and reformat the information as part of their regular proposals to clients. It includes sections on font licensing, copyright, and image usage rights. At 28 pages, the AIGA Standard Form of Agreement for Design Services is just one of the 8 different comprehensive resources available for download and modification.While the contract and terms of service are extremely important, Gaines also offers good advice for when to say no, charge more, and set barriers with family and friends. Read the full article here: http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2011/08/protecting-yourself-as-a-designer/Sources:http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2011/08/protecting-yourself-as-a-designer/http://www.aiga.org/design-business-and-ethics/