Doing pro bono (”for the public good”) work has a variety of advantages, including the chance to do something good for someone else, network in your community (or in the online business and design community), possibly get a tax break, and build up your portfolio. Today, we’re taking a look at smart ways to do pro bono work, and later this week we’ll cover some ideas for pro bono design that go beyond a brochure or pamphlet.

Image: Keattikorn / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Choose clients carefully. If you have a vastly different style and overall vision from the client you’ve chosen, you’ll just end up frustrated.

Communicate. Don’t assume that because you’re working for free, the client will love all your ideas. It’s still important that you discuss clearly what you’re looking to do and what your client wants.

Be professional. Multiple versions of creative briefs that outline what you and the client want can help you ensure that your work is mutually satisfying. You’ll have the timing, target audience, and the client’s most important needs drawn out, among other things.

Promote. Now that you’ve completed this graphic design project, see if you can draw some media attention to the work, and make sure your name/credit line and that of the organization are known. This will benefit both you and the client.

For more tips on being smart about pro bono work, check out this article about tips for designers and pro bono clients or this link to various pro-bono-related articles.

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