I found this exchange of ideas and information about contracts very enlightening. I'm just at the point of deciding whether or not I need to use one, therefore people's expression of their points of view helped me to figure out my own. I've had a few bad experiences, including one where the client never even came to see the finished portrait. It became obvious there were money problems, but she simply would not communicate with me and then moved out of state. Unbelievably she writes every couple of years to say she'd like to get it! Another time I did a mural and ended up almost losing money because I didn't have a contract that addressed additional charges for changes directed by the client.
I think my problem is that I lack the confidence to present myself as a professional. In time I believe that will change, but in the meantime, using a contract would help me send that message to the client. I tend to be too nice in person. A contract could act as my 'bottom line'.
Thank you Peggy and Stanka for sharing your contracts and for inspiring my confidence! Thank you to everyone who shared because it was helpful in sorting through the issues involved. I think it can work either way...you just have to know what is right for you.
-Margaret
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