I really enjoyed this workshop and was looking forward to it, but I felt like I could have gained more from it and there could have been more discussion and debate. What I enjoyed most about this workshop was mainly the topic of decolonizing. I think it is a very nessesary topic that I think gets over looked in the U.K. its a topic that I see being discussed frequently in groups that have/are being colonized but never really in places that are the colonizer. I don't really feel like I walked away from the workshop gaining anything that I wasn't already aware of, it was mainly analyzing the decolonizing zine that the tutor produced and that was interesting and to be expected since that was what the workshop was, but I wish there had been more debate and talk about what we could actively do to help decolonize our university. 

If the workshop happens again for the next skills week I might attend it again to see if it is different, and because I'm  trying to find spaces within ual for this type of activism and discussion but there aren't that many. I also was hoping for this workshop to be a space for us to talk about issues that we have seen/faced within UAL that have to do with the effects of colonization, since I have seen appropriation of native culture here a couple times and wanted a space to bring that up and advice on how to handle those situations. However I did mention it during the workshop but felt like I was being shut down a bit maybe because to people living in england the colonization of north america doesn't seem to be England's fault its more of the U.S. governments fault, but in actuality they are both in the wrong so I think it is a relevant topic to be talked about here. 

I found this workshop really helpful and made me realize that correct use of perspective can make an image really interesting and is something I should work on more. I also think that we should have more drawing basics workshop on the course because drawing is a big element in illustration and I feel that it would help to better our images. 

What is an invoice?

• Its a bill and receipt which you will need for your accounts and your tax return. 

When do I need one? 

• If you are selling goods.
• Working on a contract or freelance basis.
• Register as self employed. 

Tax Info:

• The hobby buffer- 1000 pounds
• Registering as sole trader/ self employed
• October 5th second year of trading
• Don't forget if you are invoicing companies/ small businesses you will show up in their accounts too. 

What do I include?

• A unique identification number (sometimes called a PO)
• A company name, address, and contact info
• The company name and address of the customer your invoicing. 
• A clear description of what your charging for. 
• The date the goods or service were provided (supply date)
• The date of the invoice. 
• The amount being charged
• VAT amount if applicable
• The total amount owed. 

Sole Trader Invoices 

• If you are a sole trader, the invoice must also include: your name and any business name being used, an address where any legal documents can be delivered to you if you are using a business name. 

Limited Company invoice

• If your company is a limited company, you must the full company name as it appears on the certificate of incorporation. 
• If you decide to put names of your directors on your invoices, you must include the names of all directors. 

Pro forma - payment plan - upfront payments 

Making sure you get paid

• Keep your eyes/ ears open
• Listen to trade gossip 
• Talk to other freelancers you know have worked with them. 
• Check their finances on companies house or via credit agencies
• Get it in writing 
• Design briefs
• Deliveries (both you and client agree on what they are) 
• Costs 
• Timelines 
• Quotes (provide quotes)
• Contracts 
• Know your clients internal timeframes/ systems
• Terms and conditions - it is important to have clear T&C’s look at other people in your industry but make sure you understand the language. Don't just copy someone else's and if you find the legal language confusing - get advice. 

Free legal advice 

• UAL has connections with local law firms/ professionals who offer free 45 min sessions

Your terms and conditions should include: 

• Info about delivery/payment terms: when and how you will deliver and how and when you want to be paid (e.g. 30 days from invoice date) 
• Payment options: e.g. credit card, pro-forma
• Minimum orders if applicable 
• The various costs that are or are not included e.g. packaging, insurance, postage, and who is responsible for paying them. 
• Terms on returning your products/ issues with services provided. 
• Retention of title allowing you to retain ownership of goods already supplied until they are paid for (again crucial in sale or return) 
• Retention of copyright especially important as a graphic designer or illustrator. 
• Confidentiality: how you can disclose who you work for/ what business info do you have access to that needs to stay confidential
• Void circumstances in which the contract might be breaches or become void. 
• Your right to charge interest on late payment: you need to make sure that your clients are aware of and agree to your terms and conditions before you start working for them. You can print them on the back of your invoice or price list, include them with a design brief and contract, or have them available on your online shop or website. 

Late payments

• Weighing up if it's worth going to small claims court
• Long winded process
• Expensive

Lots of helpful info here: https://www.gov.uk/late-commercial-payments-interest-debt-recovery 

Apps: Intuit, QuickBooks, Tide, Expensify, Receipts organized, FreshBooks, Kashflow

Email reminders

• Get organised
• Invoice promptly
• Consider sending reminders (week before, due date) 

Takeaways

• Get everything in writing 
• Clear up anything unclear early on 
• Consider payment plans
• Invoice promptly 
• Follow up 
• Know your rights 

If you don't set a payment date when is and invoice late? 30 days 

What percent of interest can you charge on late payments? 

8% plus the bank of england base rate for business to business transactions

What is pro forma? When the goods/ service are paid for upfront rather than on delivery.