The problem designers will face early in their freelance careers is navigating the waters of how to get paid for things. There are so many potholes, nightmare scenarios and snake-oil business people vying to get free work, that when combined with the “you must first build your résumé while not getting paid” notion, that is wrongfully being accepted as normal practice today, it can seem impossible to understand how to protect yourself.

Here are 10 tips on how not to get screwed by clients.