The Teacher

Thanks L00b, I can definitely see why withholding artwork, even in cases where that is my right, might spell the end for working with a particular client – and that the preferred outcome would be to keep the client happy. You're right: going forward I could use some professional advice. Is there somewhere you would recommend? Thank you to everyone who has posted – I appreciate your comments.

Thanks John, It's not just the passwords. In fact the passwords aren't what I'm most concerned with (I should have clarified this in my original post). I may stand to lose the client anyway: I don't think there's another reason they'd be asking for the raw materials / master files unless they plan to edit the job themselves. That's fine – they're free to hire any designer they please, but all I want to understand is whether I have to give up files when there was no prior agreement. All I'd be doing is making life easier for another contractor who would be paid to use my work.

Thank you! That's interesting – and useful. They already have the PDF – what they're requesting is the AI, PSD and INDD files used to create the PDF.

Thank you for the replies so far. Is that the case though? It seems a bit like buying a car, then asking to be shown how to make it. Just to clarify: I've built a website for a client. The end result is live, and the client has access as a user to change, add or remove elements on the site as discussed. They are free to download any of the exported image files on the site (such as JPEG, GIF and PDF files). The client asked me to build a website, create image assets, and I've done exactly that. Should they wish to change hosting, I would assist them. The end product is theirs to access freely. What the client is now asking for, along with all passwords, are the raw materials – if that makes sense: the layered PSD, AI and INDD documents used to create the exported images you see on the website. Putting aside that some files contain fonts, which can't be shared with the client due to license restrictions, in my experience it's unusual for designers to hand source files over – at least not without a fee or prior agreement. Just trying to figure out where I stand.

I don't expect anything – as I say I'm new to this. The companies I've worked for previously (as an employee) would never hand over source files for design work (such as Photoshop or Illustrator files); all I'd like to understand is whether I'm obliged to hand over files and passwords if no contract exists. Just to be clear: if a client wanted to change hosting I'd always assist them – I'm not seeking to lock them in. But I would prefer to retain source files of image assets that I created, rather than give them up freely for (potentially) another designer to use.

This may be an obvious question, but I'm new to this and still learning. A client in the UK passes web development work to me as a freelancer. The websites are live and everyone is happy, but the client has requested all artwork files and domain access. Presumably they want to perform minor edits or updates themselves without paying for my time in future. Even though the jobs are finished I don't want to lose control of the things I've created – potentially missing out on future work. We have no contract (naive I know, I'm shaking my head as I type this – it won't happen again), but from my understanding I'm not obliged to hand over passwords or files unless an agreement exists with my client – is that correct? Thanks in advance. EDIT Just to clarify: I've built a website for a client. The end result is live, and the client has access as a user to change, add or remove elements on the site as discussed. They are free to download any of the exported image files on the site (such as JPEG, GIF and PDF files). The client asked me to build a website, create image assets, and I've done exactly that. Should they wish to change hosting, I would assist them. The end product is theirs to access freely. What the client is now asking for, along with all passwords, are the raw materials – if that makes sense: the layered PSD, AI and INDD documents used to create the exported images you see on the website. Putting aside that some files contain fonts, which can't be shared with the client due to license restrictions, in my experience it's unusual for designers to hand source files over – at least not without a fee or prior agreement. The passwords aren't what I'm most concerned with protecting, it's the master and development files used to create artwork. I may stand to lose the client anyway: I don't think there's another reason they'd be asking for the raw materials / master files unless they plan to edit the job themselves. All I'd be doing is making life easier for another contractor who would be paid to edit my work.

Thank you TJC1 and Chez2, this is helpful. I'll give it some more thought.

This is probably a simple and common issue, but it's one that's vexed me all the same: I work part-time, and my employer deducts tax and national insurance through the PAYE system. I will soon be in receipt of payments for additional freelance work (unrelated to my employer). These payments are monthly and of a consistent value – it's unlikely I will need an accountant to sift through receipts. I will also be renting a room in my property. From my understanding I need to register as a sole trader, but how does my additional income affect my PAYE payments? Do HMRC automatically take into account PAYE when I file self-assessment returns, or do I need to notify them separately? Thanks in advance.

Hi Hannah, If you specifically want to train as an art teacher for secondary school you'll have to leave Sheffield, since no art-specific PGCE courses run here. You could study a CertEd, but that would only qualify you for teaching in colleges - not schools; a secondary PGCE would allow you to teach in schools and FE colleges. It's difficult to advise you here: only you can decide what direction to take. Just bear in mind that if/when you start teaching, you will not have time to develop your art: as a full time teacher you will spend 40 hours per week at work, and probably 10-20 hours planning and marking every week. Of all the teachers I've worked with I can think of just two who produce artwork or freelance on the side, and they're both part-time. Approach a supply agency such as PK Education, and sign up as a cover teacher. You don't need experience, but you must be willing to travel. You'll cover a wide variety of subjects in various schools. I'd strongly urge anyone thinking about teacher training to work on supply if possible. In terms of teaching lessons and managing behaviour, FE is far easier than secondary. The planning, marking and paperwork is much the same. CertEd, though you need to be in a teaching post. It's always worth volunteering, getting involved in youth and community groups, going on supply etc... any experience you can get potentially puts you ahead of the next candidate. Level 4 is said to be more academically rigorous but, if you've already completed a degree, you'll find level 3 and 4 much the same. It is not a difficult course to complete, and it would potentially look good on an application form if you're looking to gain some experience.

From your comments it's obvious you've both worked in or around the education sector, and have a broad knowledge of what a teacher's working week involves. Then again, maybe not. Lecturing positions at The Sheffield College start between £18-23,000 depending on experience and qualifications. Lecturers with significant experience may be able to earn up to £35,000. Associate lecturers can expect to earn between £12-21 per hour, depending on the role, but they are often employed on short-term or zero-hour contracts, which means they are not entitled to holiday or sick pay and have very little job security. An increasing number of lecturers used by The Sheffield College - and many other education institutions - are employed in this way. Support staff start on £13,500; very few earn over £18,000.

My partner wants to be a midwife and is in the process of applying for courses. For the last two years she has taught in secondary schools, volunteered for nine months in a women's refuge supporting vulnerable adults, and spent a few months delivering an educational programme for young offenders. She has a degree in sociology and recently spent 6 weeks shadowing on an NCT antenatal class. However what she really needs is direct contact with a working midwife, ideally to spend some time shadowing, but someone willing to speak to her would be great too. If anyone here is a midwife, or can help put her in touch with one, please get in contact.

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That's fairly close to the reality for many teachers I suspect.

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