So you're going with what you did but you want to incorporate one small element that she did...her necklace design... into what you did?

If you're going to use anything original that she did in what you did, talk to her and negotiate a price.
If she wanted $160 for her whole concept, I would guess she would settle for less but be very open and direct in your dealing with her and you should have no problem. Whatever you do, be professional and make sure you are clear, concise and get everything in writing. And give her some design credit. It'll go a long way for possible future collaborations.

 

And next time you tell a group of people you "need someone to do an illustration" for you, be prepared to have someone do exactly what she did. She saw an opportunity to do what artists do, and she stepped up. Spell out whatever guidelines and criteria for submitting works, sketches, full pieces or whatever, in writing.


I told a group of people that I needed someone to do an illustration for me...(that's kinda sorta asking)

Someone actually did a concept sketch of their idea to show me...(you kinda sorta asked and got what you kinda sorta asked for)

but I did NOT ask for a draft sketch from anyone. It was all volunteer...(you kinda sorta asked but maybe didn't expect someone stepping up and wanting to get paid)

 

Depending on how detailed the design is 160$ might be a good price.

If you really need to bargain about it cause you think it isn´t worth the 160$ start with the offering half the price.

Btw: No matter if you asked her to do or not.... if you like what she did you have to pay for it if you want to use it, right?

 

Thanks for the advices. I actually didn't mention it was a job site where people offer their price/portfolio and I pick one person only (base on their skills/portfolio) and then start the job with them.

The sketch was really quickly drawing. In fact it was just two fainted lines and a few shapes. No shading etc. It's like me drawing a cat with a short tail and she drawing the exact cat but with a long tail. Then, Im worried if I re-drew my cat with a long tail she'd sue me and say it was her idea. That's basically it.

 

Yes that's right. Hence I'm asking how much I should be paying for.
I could've just taken the idea and bailed without paying, clearing all evidence but I want to respect her to at least give her some cash though the sketch prob took her less than 2min to do.

 

Just to be clear...

There is some element that she came up with (however vague or sketchy) that you like well enough to use. Correct?

If so, just tell her:

"Hey, I like the "long tail" (necklace or whatever) you came up with and I'd like to use it in my piece. If the whole thing was $160, how much would you charge me to just use this element? And I'll give you credit in the form of 'some graphic elements created by...' "

 

yes, thanks for the sentence.

 

lol sorry if anything I said offended you.

I'll explain it all long story short.

I wasn't actually asking someone to re-create something completely new. I needed a skill that someone elses have that I don't so I went to a site to 'hire' a designer. Obviously many designers who have no skills will say they do so I was waiting to check their portfolio first. Many people showed me their skills and it was horrible (designs done on paint, and fan art artists saying they are professional), this person re-did a drawing of my design when I only mentioned I needed someone (as in to HIRE someone) to assist me. Perhaps I did not explain myself probably because I was too tired and in a rush.

Anyway I'm a professional designer too and before anyone ask why I'd need to hire someone else then. I had too much on hand and needed someone with a skill I don't. I ended up not using her sketch and kept my original idea but I told her if I ever do use her design I'd pay for it. At the end of the day I never asked her for a sketch, I was looking to hire.

 

Haha..I didn't think a question would turn in to a post like this.

Thanks for the post. I do admit I could've handled things more professionally. I think as a designer myself, I've been always the designer and not the client and for the first time from a client's perspective and needing to hire a designer I messed up.

Also, since there was 10-15 people wanting to do the job for me, some people went out of their way to do a rough drawing of my own design on paper to show me what they can do, along with their portfolio. I felt bad and wanted to pay them all for doing that but I'd go broke and most of them weren't that good.

 

Haha..I didn't think a question would turn in to a post like this.

Please...you'd be surprised .

Posts often tend to take on a life of their own and can get a whole lot deeper than this one.

Hope it doesn't make you hesitant to post in the future...

 

As a professional designer, and small business owner, you do not make me sick. It's a matter of business (not personal). She saw an opportunity to make some money, and you weren't/aren't sure she deserves the full amount. I think it's a simple issue of miscommunication.

From a designer standpoint, I sometimes work a deal with customers where I take a "retainer" fee...it varies in price depending on the amount of work...typically, I charge a fee for one project/design, and that covers my fee (time, creativity, etc.) and gives the customer the benefit of being able to come back for retouching/additions/deletions,etc. without me "nickel and diming" them to death.

Just chalk it up as a lesson learned, and the next time you're in that situation, you'll have a better understanding of what to do/ask.