Expert: DJ Murphy - 9/20/2007

Question
This might sound bad to you, but I am in some need of advise!

I am a fourth year architecture student at Texas A&M University and am in need of starting an internship in January.  In order to do this I have to interview with many firms and should have an impressive portfolio.  I have been given guidance a couple years ago as to what I should do, and have not forgotten most, but my problem is that I do not have time.  I work a 40 hour a week job and spend about 80 in the studio.  The rest is sleeping when I can.  

I have talked to my roommate and he has access to Adobe Photo shop CS3 and enjoys working with Photo shop, just has never done anything for professional levels.  I am asking his help to create me a portfolio giving him a 3 week deadline.  I will be able to supply him with an endless amount of renderings, projects, pictures, etc. so that he would be able to complete the task.  I planning on leaving most of the decisions up to him and he would come to me for a final proof.  

My question to you is about pricing really.  Because he has never done anything professional, i.e. for profit, how much should I charge him?  I am not sure what to expect and he is not either.  I think he is talented but questions himself as we all do.  I also do not have a lot of money but am willing to spend some to get a portfolio and saving me time from having to do it.  How should I charge him?  He suggested hourly but I think it could get to pricey and do not want to be paying for dishonest work (paying for the time he just sits and does nothing).  I was thinking more of a flat rate and it would be more or less based on the level of satisfaction that I get.  

This is going to benefit the both of us in more ways than one but I really have no clue where to start!  My three weeks starts today because I need this no longer than October 10...so the time is ticking!  Do you have any suggestions?  Also, do you have any suggestions at all as to how I can get the portfolio layout?  I.E. landscape or portrait, color or black and white, bold statements or subtle, use as much space on the page as possible or more modern with lots of blank wasted space?  

PLEASE help me where you can and I thank you very much for your time even if you cannot help!  

Answer
Hello.........not really in my area of expertise.....but offer this as a couple of possibilities.  First you could call a professional print/layout design shop and get a quote from them.  Second if you don't want to do the first....agree upon a per hour rate [$20 to $25] per hour and a maximum fee of say $500. [or whatever number you feel is reasonable.]  You don't want to have this become an issue with a roommate....as you still have to share the same space until graduation!

Use portrait layout....it is easier to visualize....color works...but if you have something dramatic use black and white to feature it....format it like you would like to see it....and white space is good.  If you can ask one of your professors for a sample of any others that he/she has seen, then that might also give you an idea of how to format it.

All the best,

dj murphy
galleryONEmain.com