Freelance art thing that I screwed up

[kitten]

I have a day job, but I occasionally get a chance to do some illustrating for somebody on a freelance basis. I've been interested in working with arts groups, and the other day something pretty sweet fell into my lap - someone emailed me from the Symphony here and asked me to design an illustration for a party honoring their executive director's one-year anniversary with them. He's English, and his immigration status is "Alien with exceptional abilities." So they wanted me to do a picture of him as an alien and take it from there.

I came up with something that I thought worked well and sent it to them. They totally loved the art, but I had forgotten to adjust the size and resolution when I first opened the image in Photoshop. I kept working at the smaller resolution, so my drawing got too pixelated when they went to enlarge it for print.

So I spent half a day going back and forth with their graphic designer, who was getting huffy with me - "No, we can't resample UP! You can't do that, it's gets pixely!" She was really annoyed.

I think I could have caught the problem and fixed it if I'd had more time, but there just wasn't more time. Anyway, I apologized, even offered to redraw the entire thing at the proper resolution. They declined my offer because they needed to make their deadline for the party.

They had wanted to use my drawing for two pieces - a greeting card, and a 10 x 14 poster. Even at the small resolution size, my drawing would have worked fine for the card. And as far as the poster - heck, I could redraw the whole thing at the proper size and give it to the guy myself (he sometimes comes into the building where I work during the day)! So I was thinking of doing that. Boom, you got the cards for the special day, and he gets the poster later. No harm no foul, right?

So the party for the guy was yesterday. Now I have to ask for follow up, and I'm feeling really intimidated. There's been nothing from them so far. In my fantasies I was hoping that once the thing was printed, it would work out, and they'd send me a thank you and the symphony concert tickets they're supposed to provide for my time on this.

But nothing - so I have this bad feeling that they weren't able to use my drawing at all, and not only that, but they're REALLY MIFFED at me for screwing it up. And I had been hoping they were going to be happy with me and want to work with me on future illustration projects for the Symphony.

Just really feeling bad that I messed up my one shot at working with them! Sick over this! :sick:

Okay, I'm going to have to ask them what happened. How can I phrase my question so that I don't come off like a wimp? I'm determined not to apologize anymore in my communication with them. But I need to know what happened - and I also need to know if I'm free now to post the piece online in my own portfolio (it was a secret until Wednesday). Any suggestions about how to proceed like a sophisticated grown up around this would be appreciated!

[Sissy]

Don't know the answer, kitten, but I am so sorry that this has happened.

[puglogic]

What a shame. I've done this in the past, and it was a big lesson for me as well. What often happens too is that I'll make some killer graphics in web resolution (being a web designer) and then two years later they'll ask if they can use them for a brochure. Well, no. No you can't.

I suppose you could ask whether they were able to salvage any of your materials for use for the party. If they don't answer, I'd let it go. If they answer that they were able to use the card-sized image, then I'd think you can put it into your portfolio, specifically stating that it was a card. I would not hold out for the tickets, myself, but that's a gray area....whatever you're comfortable asking for. If it cost them more in time, stress, and emergency last-minute graphics work, they may not be inclined to honor that. I'm not sure I would, especially if I had to scramble the day before an event --- in addition to everything I was doing for the event --- and find a design or designer.

So sorry this happened to you. I know that sick feeling and wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. But look at it this way: You'll probably never, ever make this mistake again!

On a side note, have you ever thought of working with http://99designs.com as a designer? I've used them for a bunch of stuff and it seems perfect for those who are just picking up some money on the side doing fun little projects.

[kitten]

Thanks for the sympathy guys! Interesting link, Puglogic, I'll check it out :)

[puglogic]

Good luck Kitten. Here's the link for designers: http://99designs.com/designers
It's not a permanent solution (you're not going to make a zillion dollars on it, in other words) but it's a great way to continue to build a portfolio.

[Tussiemussies]

Sorry Kitten that you had to go through this. My husband is a graphic stylist and also works on the side so I understand when you have those quick deadlines how easy it becomes to make a mistake. : ((

[redfox]

I wonder if taking the graphic artist out to lunch to thank her for the opportunity, and acknowledge up front that this round didn't go as planned.

It happens... especially with no workaround or re-do time. I encourage you not to take it personally... The project lead did not give you adequate time, and I bet she's mad at herself more than anything.

Keep it light and open hearted, commiserate that the project didn't go as planned, and express your enthusiasm for the symphony as well as your openness to volunteer again. Then, let it go...

[kitten]

Good idea about doing something to make up for it - I can't get away from the office for lunch, but I can have something delivered to them. Thanks, all, for the sympathy and suggestions!

[Mighty Frugal]

I work on the graphic designer end.Often we have art work from ad agencies and have this problem-or other problems. And it gets quite frustrating due to our tight time constraints-everything comes in late and the press keeps screaming for our files. So I think the graphic designer wasn't really angry at you but at the situation. I agree sending her something would be really thoughtful-even a coffee gift card with a 'thanks for all your help!' It goes a longggg way and if you ever do find yourself in a predicament they would be an ally

[Mighty Frugal]

oh wanted to add I know that sick feeling and sorry you are going through this. I agree to casually inquire if they were able to use your art work.

[profnot]

I would send them an invoice that states there is no charge for the work. I've made mistakes and I've decided to take responsibility both professionally and financially this way. Sucks, but I made the error.