How much should I charge for graphic design work?

[Michaela]

I'm a graphic design student, and a kid I know who is trying to become a rapper (I mean he gets gigs and he's pretty good I suppose) had told one of my good friends he's looking for someone to do some designs for him and she mentioned that I'm studying in that. He told her to let me know and contact him and he'll pay me. Incase he asks how much do I charge.... I have no clue. I've never done work for anyone, so I'm asking for maybe some examples? I'll probably be doing like logo and maybe a FB Timeline cover and maybe posters or cd cover or something? I've done all that stuff for internships but I would have no clue how much to "charge" someone. I don't want to say a lot of money, but I don't wanna do super cheap either, a profit would be nice.

So confusing but thank you!

[Jay]

Pose that question on Google, like how much should you charge for graphic design work ?
You will find out that way .It also depends on how good you are or not for that matter.You have not posted any of your work so we can't judge your work on that basis.Do the Google search.

[Charles]

Keep your price low because the experience you get will far offset the few extra dollars and much less work. You will be able to brag about your experience on your resume when applying for jobs. That's when the experience really pays off.

[Matt]

Depends on your skill level, where you live, and what all exactly you are designing. Are you just designing and he is printing? Are you going to have to take photos or is he going to supply them. When you begin think how many hours its going to take and say what you would want to make hourly. When I went to graphic design school I told myself I would work for $15 a hour and based a price off of how many hours I thought it would take. Dont ever do work for free or cheap because that is what you will be valuing your work and skills at. Unless its for a non profit because it makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. You will hear people tell you that you should do it for free or cheap because youll get experience or a portfolio piece unless your employeer is Paul Rand what experience are you really getting out of it? That is what school is for, experience and portfolio pieces. Or get an internship where you will learn from professionals. So in the end dont sell yourself cheap. On a side note dont work for any aspiring rappers or bands they have no money and they expect a lot for nothing.