Translation of Images

[ontherails]

Hi, I took up a translation task last thursday. The deadline was monday morning. The file to be translated was in power point format and the client wanted the file back in the same format. However, when I started translating (on saturday), I realised that there were some pictures with embedded texts. The translation software I use (trados) could not read it. So, I wrote a message to my client asking what to do but did not get a reply till this morning. So, I sent the file, with all writings in text format translated. Just in case, I translated the embedded texts in a seperate word document and attached it to the powerpoint file. This morning the client asked me to create target language versions of the 2 pictures. One of the pictures is very complicated, with irregular and uneven characters. I did my best and recreated the second picture by using paint but couldn't do the same for the complicated picture. I think it requires a photoshop expert, who can easily guess the fonts and formats of the source image.

So, my question is, what happens in this kind of situtation. Does the translator have to translate just the translatable format and leave the rest or does he/she have to recreate everything in the target language no matter the format?

Thank you in advance.

[petra_r]

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Ozan U wrote:

So, my question is, what happens in this kind of situtation. Does the translator have to translate just the translatable format and leave the rest or does he/she have to recreate everything in the target language no matter the format?

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Unless otherwise agreed otherwise, the client will expect everything to be translated.

Didn't you look at it before you accepted it? It is absolutely vital to always check and then discuss such matters with the client before accepting the contract.

[ontherails]

Thank you for the quick reply. Yes, I should definetely have discussed this matter beforehand. However, I thought all the document would be translatable, on trados not even if on power point. But, I asked about this issue 2 days before the deadline but did not get any reply till the deadline. Now, I have recreated one of the pics successfully. The other one is complicated and requires a photoshop expert. I think the clients should also inform the translator about the content expected to be translated. At least, they can notify that the file contains uneditable pictures that requires compentency on other fields such as image editing, photoshop etc. 

But, it is for sure that I will be more careful next time before accepting the offer. Thank you for the suggestion.

[petra_r]

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Ozan U wrote:

Now, I have recreated one of the pics successfully.

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Can't you at least translate the text on the second image onto a word document so the client isn't left with a partially translated document?

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Ozan U wrote:

 think the clients should also inform the translator about the content expected to be translated. At least, they can notify that the file contains uneditable pictures that requires compentency on other fields such as image editing, photoshop etc. 

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Clients often don't know. They have a document and they want it translated. They don't (and can't) understand the details of what we as translators have access to (Photoshop for example)

It is our job to go through the document and ascertain what we can and can not work with software-wise.

[ontherails]

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Petra R wrote:

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Can't you at least translate the text on the second image onto a word document so the client isn't left with a partially translated document?

I've already done that and I wrote it in my first message:

"So, I sent the file, with all writings in text format translated. Just in case, I translated the embedded texts in a seperate word document and attached it to the powerpoint file."

To make it more clear, I opened up a word document, wrote down every word and expression written in the images, and listed their equivalents next to them.

As you say, the best solution is to check the file A to Z beforehand and ask about uneditable contents before accepting the offer, so that there wouldn't be any dispute subsequently.

[prestonhunter · Accepted solution]

Ozan:

Many of the questions you are asking are things that are up to you. Or they are between you and the client.

Upwork is NOT a "translation service."

Upwork does not have special rules about translations.

If a client sent you graphics files with text on them, you could send text files with the translations, and a note telling the client to have their graphic designer use your text files to create the new graphics.

You could also simply close the contract on your end and not do the work. If you do that, there is nothing that the client could do to stop you. Your JSS would probably take a hit. But Upwork's user interface allows freelancers to close a contract at any time. If you closed the contract, the money would go back to the client and he could choose somebody who is right for the job. There are LOTS of translators on Upwork. If you don't do this task, somebody else can be hired to do it.

[ontherails]

Thank you for this enlightening explanation.