RFP: My Two Cents.

A request for proposal is an interesting subject to me. I find it to be a useful tool because it allows one to in a sense, go shopping for clients. Of course at the same time the clients are shopping for illustrators/designers when the put one out. This differs from the normal way I am used to freelance work. In my past experience jobs come when someone you know knows a guy who is looking for an illustrator to do X. Otherwise someone recommends you to the person and they email you about it out of the blue.

Now don't get me wrong, these kinds of jobs are great, and they give you exclusive access to jobs that other designers my not even be aware of. It also is a bit of an ego boost when someone recommends you. The downside though is you don't always know what you're getting yourself into. The terms of the job aren't always spelled out, and sometimes you get far into negotiation before realizing you don't want to work with the client or the terms aren't satisfactory. It's also harder (for me anyway) to turn down someone who came looking for you, or who you contacted yourself.

What I like about RFPs is that they put everything on the table. You can look at a database or hear about  such-n-such job and then go look at the RFP. You can decide whether you want to take on the job before you contact anyone, so you don't have to feel like you are turning down a client. Besides that businesses that put out an RFP give a more professional feel, and seem more likely to adhere to terms. Though an RFP does not guarantee that a client is more professional than someone who contacts you out of the blue, it gives you a chance to research them before making contact, so you can hopefully choose clients that are more business oriented.

A more business oriented request that deals in specifics leaves you more room to make clear what services you provide. Telling a client the difference between a designer and an illustrator and why the terms and rights for each are different can be a hassle. Clients who aren't used to working with designers/illustrators may feel that they are trying to pull a fast one on them when they get into the legal technicalities.