We’ve been having great success in the Job Lab and Freelance Lab lately. Take Kyle Baker of Skillful Productions. It’s success stories like his that make these labs worthwhile:
I had been looking for a video collaborator for about 2 months, asking friends, then friends of friends, then friends of friends if they knew anyone. It was going nowhere. I posted my listing on the Freelance Lab at 11:00 pm on a Sunday night and went to bed. I woke up with 3 responses in my inbox. I was completely blown away by the quality of the portfolios. After only 2 days I had more than enough responses and was able to make my decision.
Kyle didn’t have the budget or an assurance that the project would move forward at his church, but he did add this:
… If I actually had capital and a surefire eager market, it would have been a no-brainer to go with these guys, I needed a video professional to work with me on a scripture-based product and your network was pretty much the only way to canvas the country.
So if you’re a freelancer, and you’re looking for some more work, why not help with …
- Logo design for Senior High ministry at Lincoln Hills Christian Church.
- Logo Design at Living Way Church.
- Branding for Everland Christian Ministries.
Or if you’re looking for full-time work, how about becoming a …
- Art Director at Group Publishing.
- Video Director at Chandler Christian Church.
- Creative Arts Assistant at Schweitzer United Methodist Church.
- Graphic Designer – Print Media at Fellowship of The Woodlands.
James
July 15, 2008
Guys, DEMAND to be PAID UP FRONT when dealing with churches and ministries. And charge HIGHER RATES.
I have been dragged through the MUD CONSTANTLY and never get paid unless I play HARDBALL with them. I have actually told a pastor to HIS FACE I would not, under any circumstances, work without 100% payment upfront, and would not give him a discount.
NO SPEC WORK! They think it’s a donation.
Joshua Brown
July 15, 2008
James, if you have had trouble I would simply ask for a deposit before starting your work. If you are honest about what you expect up front, a ministry is more likely to respond with diligence. Keep in mind they have many things going on and most churches view marketing as last place on their budget/priority list.
I personally have found the Freelance Lab to be a great way to connect with ministries looking for design work. However, I just wish more churches would utilize this tool and actually communicate back with you after you submit a quote!
I think it’s sad how churches really don’t have the best reputation always when dealing with others when it comes to freelance. We live off this income so it’s very understandable that we do not take this lightly. Maybe CMS can have something explaining this for churches/ministries that post on the labs.
James
July 15, 2008
It is sad, but sadly the norm, rather than an exception. I once specialized catering to ministries, and about 8 out of 10 clients would either never pay up all they owed, or give me a guilt-trip for not “helping out my brothers and sisters”.
When faced with a 50% deposit, they balk and choke.
What’s even sadder is, the snots they got to make (*cough*steal*cough*) their stuff are using pirated apps on the church computers. Oh my, the havoc I could wreak with one phone call to the FBI…
But that’s not my heart. I want to help churches, but too many think they can walk all over you. I’d rather deal with a foul-mouthed heathen than church staff ANYDAY. Freelancers, be careful and vigilant about getting paid. Chances are with a church you won’t.