You’ve done the work. You’ve poured hours into refining pixels, balancing colors, and perfecting the message. The file is delivered, the client says thanks and then silence. No alert, no transfer, nothing.
A 2023 Design Council report found that 68% of freelance designers rank fair compensation as the single most important factor in staying in the profession. And nothing stings more than when the work is already in the client’s hands, but the reward never arrives.
Every designer faces this moment at some point. The late payment. The ignored invoice. The follow-up emails that hang unanswered. But what’s interesting isn’t the problem buy how each designer responds to it.
In today’s post, we sit with a designer who decided to take a different route: no chasing, no begging. Just a quiet refusal to run after unpaid dues.
Heres Ocheme’s side of the Story.
1. How did you come across the client?
A coursemate from my university days connected us. It’s amazing how those early relationships can lead to real opportunities.
2. What kind of design job were you engaged for?
I worked on the art cover design. It was all about translating the client’s vision into something bold and eye-catching.
3. What was the agreed mode of payment: partial, full or pay everything after the job is done?
The agreement was for full payment, but only after the job was completed.
4. Do you think the client was unsatisfied and refused to pay?
Not at all. In fact, the client was initially satisfied with the work and even expressed interest in bringing more projects my way. But things took a turn after he began using the deliverables for personal finance uploads. That’s when the complaints started, unexpected and unrelated to the original scope.
5. Did you try contacting him?
Yes, I did, several times. But after the job was delivered, he stopped responding completely. No replies, no callbacks.
6. What made you decide to give it up?
Over a month passed without a single reply to my messages. At that point, it felt pointless to keep reaching out. I chose peace over chasing silence. It is what it is.
7. Looking back, what would you have done differently and how do you prevent repeat happenings?
I’d insist on full payment before starting any project. Simple as that. Most clients refuse naturally. But we end up agreeing on a 50% upfront payment. This has been the clearest way to protect my time, energy, and work. Lesson learned.
Experiences Are Your Best Friends
Experiences are the best teachers. For this designer, being unpaid once was enough to rewrite the rules. Now, they request full payment upfront—and only ever deliver after at least half has been secured. It’s a boundary built from bruises, and one that has spared them the cycle of frustration.
The lesson? Negotiations should always protect your end. Creativity may be priceless, but your time and skill aren’t free. And this isn’t a rare problem—according to a 2022 Freelancers Union survey, 71% of freelancers report having trouble collecting payment from clients at least once in their career.
A few practical tips for fellow designers:
- Get it in writing: Always have a contract that outlines scope, timelines, and payment terms.
- Request deposits: A 50% upfront payment is industry standard for freelancers.
- Set clear milestones: Tie payments to deliverables, not promises.
- Stay professional, not desperate: Firm boundaries earn respect faster than endless reminders.
- Know when to walk away: A client who hesitates on pay will often hesitate again.
Because at the end of the day, design isn’t just about passion… it’s about being valued!
