When a client asks to cut costs, it doesn’t automatically mean they don’t value your work — it usually means they don’t fully understand or need what’s included in that value.
Think of it like booking a budget flight — the plane still takes off, but you customise the experience. You skip the vip lounge, priority lines, the onboard meal, the extra legroom. The journey still happens, just… lighter.
So instead of saying no, I usually say, “Sure — let’s see what we can remove.” Because design, like flights, comes with options — time, revisions, thinking, rights, polish. Not just pretty-looking files.
What I usually trim👇100% price → 100% ownershipAs simple as it sounds.
90% priceGlobal → LocalInstead of worldwide use, it’s limited to one country.
80%Forever → Limited time (1 year)You can use it for a set period, then it reverts back to me.
70%Exclusive → Non-exclusiveI keep the rights to my drafts and unused ideas. And reuse them. The Client may not resell, sublicense, or adapt the design.
60%Full timeline → Tight timelineTighter timeline = fewer explorations and refinements. Speed pressures can affect final design.
50%Full package → One logo versionOne logo that will have to adapt to most of the touchpoints.
40%Full process → One revisionInstead of 2-3 revisions you only allow for one.
So next time someone wants to lower the price — don’t lower the value. Just adjust the ingredients 😉