Why You Should Give Your Web Designer Creative Freedom (And Why the IRS Agrees)

At Waking Girl Web Design, we pride ourselves on being both designers and contractors. This dual role is essential to our creative process and defines our professional relationship with clients.​

Designers and Contractors: What Does That Mean?
As designers, we bring creativity, innovation, and a unique perspective to each project. As contractors, we operate as independent professionals, delivering specific results without direct oversight on how we achieve them. This independence is crucial—not just for fostering creativity—but also because it aligns with our legal and financial relationship with our clients.​

Understanding the IRS Definitions
According to the IRS, the distinction between an independent contractor and an employee hinges on control (IRS.gov).

• Independent Contractor: An individual who provides services to another entity under terms specified in a contract or within a verbal agreement. They maintain control over how the work is performed, focusing solely on the desired outcome. ​
• Employee: An individual whose work is directed by an employer, not only regarding the outcome but also the means and methods to achieve it. The employer exercises control over both what will be done and how it will be done.

When Client Requests Blur the Lines
When clients request specific methods or exert control over the details of our work, they inadvertently shift our role from contractor to employee. This shift has significant implications:​

• For Us to Be Your Employee, We Would Expect:
  • Market-competitive wages or salary​
  • Health insurance benefits​
  • Two weeks of paid vacation annually (IRS.gov)
  • Employer-paid taxes and contributions

The Value of the Contractor Relationship
Engaging us as contractors offers distinct advantages:​

• Flexibility: You pay for our services as needed, without the ongoing obligations of employment.​
• Cost-Effectiveness: Avoidance of payroll taxes and employee benefits reduces overall costs.​
• Expertise: We bring specialized skills without the need for training or supervision.​
• Quality Deliverables: Our independence fosters creativity, resulting in unique and effective web designs and marketing materials.​
• Software Costs: We cover the expense of specialized tools and subscriptions needed to build and maintain your website, saving you from costly licenses and upgrades.

Maintaining the Proper Relationship
It's essential for both parties to respect the boundaries of the contractor-client relationship. When clients attempt to dictate the specifics of how work is performed, it not only undermines our professional autonomy but also risks reclassification of the working relationship, which can lead to legal and financial complications for both sides.​

By understanding and honoring the distinctions between contractors and employees, we ensure a productive partnership that leverages our creative talents while providing you with exceptional web design services. This clarity allows us to deliver the best results without the constraints that come with traditional employment arrangements.

"Ask me how to get across the river, don’t tell me how to build the bridge."