16. Don’t say: “I can’t pay you, but you’ll get a lot of exposure. Is that ok?”

Why? Designers like a little publicity as much as the next guy, but it won’t pay the bills. Freelance designers, in particular, have none of the benefits of traditional employment — they pay their own taxes and insurance, buy their own equipment and supplies, often maintain a home office, etc. All of those costs (not to mention regular living expenses) have to be taken into consideration when designers set their rates. So doing a job for free or for non-monetary compensation usually just isn’t a viable option.