How Much Am I Worth, Anyway?

I recently completed some design work for an annual arts event and the organization didn't have much in the way of a budget to pay for services like mine. I agreed to take the projects on for an extremely low rate because I am an advocate for the arts and it coincided with my schedule at the time. As with any freelance job, there are things that come up that take more time than anticipated and the project becomes more of a money-loser than originally planned. Just how much are my time and design services worth? It makes me ponder.

Granted, there were no extravagant demands made and I wasn't forced into a corner, but I do have to think, "How would an attorney or any other time-compensated professional handle things like this?" I know darn well that attorneys charge for everything they do for a client, unless they're on retainer or something. But, they do charge. Of course, there are pro bono projects that are an important aspect of the give-and-take and giving back nature of the business. I have no problem with that. I just think about how to not get the shaft in my business.

I guess sometimes I have to just eat the loss, which I've done many times in this profession. I like to think that I get smarter from the experience and learn what to do and what NOT to do the next time. I think I do. I also have to look at the big picture and see that by taking on jobs that are more philanthropic than
revenue-making, I am contributing to the value and importance of good design as a whole. At least I hope it's good.

So, sometimes, the worth of intangible work is more than monetary. If I feel good about the project and good about what I'm doing, then I feel that is very profitable. I try to make it a point to allow time for low-budget and pro bono projects because they are important. It is my way of giving back and practicing good karma. I'm not looking to be a billionair designer, anyway.

What do you think? Do you like to give back in your industry? What do you do when you feel you're doing more than what you're being paid for? What are you worth? Do you even care? Please post your thoughts and feelings here as we'd love to hear from you. Mike