The other day I got a call from a woman asking for me to do a logo for her church. This caught me off guard as I only do cakes now. I dont offer logo, or any graphic services to anyone. I used to do this several years ago when I was earning my degree for it. I have made my own logo and website (which took forever) as my only current work. (I really didnt even want to do that. I wanted to hire someone). I really dont do this anymore, but family and friends still think of me as the"Graphic Artist".
A family member referred her to me for logo services. I usually get outside calls about cakes so I thought she may have been asking about a logo cake. She told me she wanted an actual logo and that a family member of mine referred her to me. I explained that I really dont do logos or other graphic services for anyone anymore and that I do cakes now. Well she went back to said family member and had them call me about doing the logo. I explained to this family member that I dont do this anymore. I kinda got guilted into maybe doing some sketches for them. I never said I would actually do this. I said maybe if I could draw it. I have my own business as well as working for someone else's so I really dont have the time to do the sketches.
Well I got an email from her the other day describing the details of what they wanted in the logo. It was very detailed. I definatley cannot sketch up ideas much less have the time to get it done. Today I got an email asking to let them know about a time when they can expect the drawings.
I do not want to deal with this. I feel bad about letting my family member down as they are apart of this church. What do I say to her? to my family member?
(excuse any sp)
I think you need to buck up.
You backed down to the family member but remember that they are family and you should allways be able to be honest with family.
I would call the family member and tell them that you truely did not want to do it in the first place and that now it seems that the chruch is expecting much more than you are willing to do or that you have the time to do. They should call the church and explain that they need to find someone else (if the family member had not chosen to get involoved in the first place I would say it was up to you to call the church). I would not feel guilty about something if you don't feel comfortable about being able to deliver something up to thier expectations.
HTH.
Ouch! Do you have any contacts from your Graphics Design days that might be able and willing to help them out? If so, you could try and pull a few strings to get them some help and off your back. If that doesn't work, you will either have to make time to do it or tell them you just don't have time.
"Thank you for wanting me to do your logo, but due to my work schedule and other time constraints I can not help you with what you want. XYZ or ABC do great work, you may want to ask them, or try a graphic artist student that is looking for practice. I'm sorry but I can not help you."
Then to your family member: Thank you for refering to me, but please do not do that in the future as I am not longer doing that because of work and other time contraints."
Tell the family member that you heard from the lady and it was much more detailed than you have time for. Repeat to the family member that you don't have time to do this and that it's best for the lady to go with someone else. Then tell the lady the exact thing - you don't have time and really aren't in that industry anymore. If you have any recommendations (ppl. you used to go to school with/whatever), pass them along.
Just be nice and honest without creating more drama.
It's simple...there is this really cool word that pretty much well says it all...it's called "No." Try it out, use it often and your life will be so much simpler.
Language... "No way Jose"
Time..."Excuse me, do you have the time?" "No"
Woman questions...."Let's talk about feelings..." "Noooooooooo!."
Commitment..."Do you want to get married?" "No"
Clothing..."Does this make me look fat?" "No"
Jealousy "Is she prettier than me" "No" (also add "No baby, she's ugly.")
Sex... Husband: "Baby...can we have sex?" Wife.... "No."
It's a grand word...use it freely.
It's simple...there is this really cool word that pretty much well says it all...it's called "No." Try it out, use it often and your life will be so much simpler.
Language... "No way Jose"
Time..."Excuse me, do you have the time?" "No"
Woman questions...."Let's talk about feelings..." "Noooooooooo!."
Commitment..."Do you want to get married?" "No"
Clothing..."Does this make me look fat?" "No"
Jealousy "Is she prettier than me" "No" (also add "No baby, she's ugly.")
Sex... Husband: "Baby...can we have sex?" Wife.... "No."
It's a grand word...use it freely.
LOVE it! Really though, I can't see being guilted by a fa,mily memeber or stranger for something I don't even do anymore. Tell them, "Sketches are about $500. Paid upfront."
Ditto to what Texas Sugar wrote......simple but to the point!! I told you No now NO......
I would handle it the way I would a cake order that I don't want!
"I am available to create a custom logo for you and it will cost $7, 429.32. Just let me know if you want to proceed"
I agree and my family use to do this in the construction trade..alot! Either too busy, didn't like the job, or the person...usually it was the latter!
Got to be firm.
By the way I am new member...I am just begining to learn this interesting and creative topic. Can't wait to take my first course with a pastry chef! Something I want to learn since I was a kid.
The site is awesome and the information so valuable.
I look forward to many hours with you all.
I agree with the above posters that said you should tell her you simply do not have the time to do the kind of job that would be up to your standards or up to theirs. Refer them to a local college or university, and also add that a student may do it a lot cheaper than you would have charged them. Dollar signs usually speak to the multitudes.
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