Steve Veltkamp wrote:

> Let me wade in from the opposite point of view, risking 
> the wrath of everyone.
> 
> I am an independent webmaster service business who does 
> use associate designers, and the way I work is very 
> similar to what was described. I have a client 
> proposal, have freelance designers submit an idea, and 
> present it to the client. Then whichever design the 
> client chooses, that designer gets the work, I get a 
> marketing commission on the base rate.

Well I wouldn't call it wrath, but I certainly disagree with your method of 
selecting a designer. You portray it as a good thing for the designer, I see it 
as taking unfair advantage of hungry designers struggling to get new business.  
Don't tell me that the unsuccessful sketches are simply discarded. The client 
is going to like the color of one, the type font of another, and the layout of 
the third, and I guarantee you that the final site will contain elements of all 
three. Since when is the ability of the designer to work well with the client 
and produce a quality site that will enhance the business, decided on the roll 
of the dice on some sketches ??

Why don't you select a designer, give them the order, let them research the 
clients needs, and then THEY submit a few different sketches ?
Sounds to me like you have a shotgun approach to website design.

I assume these designers all have a portfolio and that should be enough to 
gauge their talent. If they don't have one - get them to do some sites for non-
profit
organizations. The non-profit needs the help and your designer needs the 
showcase.

You say that you have sold the order and now all you need is a designer. It 
sounds to me that you have done a lousy job of selling and are hoping the 
designer can clinch the deal for you. No offense.

Capt. Ron
http://www.novagroup.org

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