Is This Fair? Someone is taking credit for my work.?

Question

I am freelance graphic designer and recently I got my biggest project ever and well it involves alot of illustration artworks for a calendar and it will consist of diff designers from diff countries's artwork so I was really excited about that. Frankly, I NEED THE MONEY more than the glory. I do not wish to be a full time designer, Im doing it now as a living till I get the job that I want. I got my cheque off from this project but now my client who is the middle party for this project (she liaise straight with the client in US) told me to put in each artist's name of the artwork. And she will be using her own name (not her company's - its her company btw) on MY artwork. I understnd that when I got paid as a freelancer, my work become's the company's property but I feel so sore when she s putting her own name on my artwork. I need the money more than anything else and I know I wont open my mouth to say anything coz I get most of my big projects from her. Shd I b feeling sore abt this?

Answer 1

It's the golden rule. If you've got the gold, you make the rule.

Most people who start their own businesses do so for just this reason. What hurts more is when you see really bad stuff get published for nepotism or other reasons. You know your stuff is better, but it's gets kicked to the curb because of politics.

Answer 2

You must do great work! No-one would want to take credit for work that isn't top notch! I had the same type of thing happen recently, in the form of a proposal. Although, I won't get paid, so you are in much better shape. I think you need to think it over very carefully, for the future. I hope you can come up with a solution that you are happy with. With this client, this is the way the deal was formed. Future clients may be willing to work a different deal, that you feel better about.

Answer 3

Take the punches and roll with them.

Sneak/hide your name somewhere into the picture though, so that you can take credit later if you need.