“The rough draft is just you, telling yourself the story.” – Terry Pratchett
This famous quote resonates deeply when it comes to a topic I’ve been wanting to discuss: no one needs to see your working files. This is true for any creative field where the final product is some form of deliverable—whether you’re a designer, photographer, writer, or any other kind of creative professional.
Your working files are your playground, your safe space for experimentation. In some industries, like photography, it’s common for clients to ask for RAW files, but this type of request can happen in nearly any creative field. And while it may seem like an innocent ask, I firmly believe you are entitled to push back. Here’s why.
Why Your Working Files Are Off-Limits
When a client hires you, they’re paying for your time, expertise, and, ultimately, the final deliverables outlined in your contract. What they’re not paying for are the rough drafts, failed experiments, and trial-and-error processes that got you there. These working files are part of your intellectual property and should remain yours.
The request for working files is akin to asking a chef for the list of ingredients they considered using but ultimately didn’t. The final dish is what matters—and in your case, that “dish” is the polished deliverable.
How to Handle Client Requests for Working Files
It’s not uncommon for clients to request your working files, so it’s important to know how to handle this situation tactfully. Here are a few approaches that have worked well in my experience:
- Be Firm But Polite: Reiterate that the client will receive the deliverables agreed upon in your contract (always use a contract!). Let them know that working files are not included in that package.
- Offer Them for an Additional Fee: If the client insists on having the files, you can offer them—for a fee. Pricing working files as an “add-on” is often the best way to discourage these requests, as many clients won’t be willing to pay extra for something they don’t really need.
- Clarify Rights and Usage: Make sure your contract outlines how the final deliverables can be used, and that any modifications to the work should be made with your consent. This will protect both your creative integrity and the quality of the final product.
Why It’s Important to Protect Your Creative Process
Sharing your working files can lead to misunderstandings about the creative process. Clients may see incomplete ideas or rough drafts and make judgments that don’t reflect the final quality of your work. Protecting your creative process means maintaining control over the narrative of your work and ensuring that only your best efforts are seen and appreciated.
In conclusion, don’t feel pressured to hand over your working files. They’re part of your creative process and intellectual property, and it’s completely within your right to protect them. When in doubt, lean on your contract, stand firm, and offer additional services at an additional cost if necessary.
Final Thoughts
Setting boundaries with clients can feel uncomfortable at first, but it’s essential for protecting your creative work and process. Remember: You are being hired for your expertise and the final product—not for the messy drafts that led to that result.
By maintaining a firm stance on this, you ensure that your intellectual property remains yours while delivering a polished and professional product to your clients.