Keeping the Pro in Pro Bono Work
Author of this post: Jacqueline McCarthy | About Blog Authors »
You’ve just been asked to do a job “Pro Bono,” meaning you will be providing your expertise for free or at a greatly reduced rate for a non-profit or charity, for the “public good.” With proper preparation, this can be a fantastic experience for all involved. Without, it can quickly derail and leave bad feelings (and bad design!) all around.
Before taking on a pro bono job, consider if you feel strongly about this organization. If you have no appreciation for classical music, designing a website for a chamber music ensemble isn’t a great fit. Do you have an affinity with the stakeholders in the group? Do you all have a similar vision for the project? Convincing them not to put 7 “On Sale Now!” bursts on the piece is drains time and enthusiasm. Ultimately, you’d like this in your portfolio, right?
If all of the above checks out and you agree to take on the project, it’s time to get a signed contract. Why a contract if no money is changing hands? It spells out exactly what the deliverable will be, how many revisions you’ll provide and any rights that are being transferred. No misunderstandings, no unspoken expectations. For the client, designer, and the public, that’s all good.
