Freelance Wisdom: What 10+ Years Taught Me About Creative Work
Recently, someone outside the creative field asked how I work as a freelancer. While answering, I realized how natural it all feels to me after 10+ years in office, freelance, hybrid, and project-based roles.
So, I wrote this post for those just starting out, maybe fresh out of school, sharing common mistakes and useful tips.
1. Discuss the budget and project details upfront. Start with a small milestone, like a logo animation, to test collaboration before committing long-term. Most clients appreciate this.
2. Always draw up a contract and work either with prepayment, postpayment, or an hourly rate.
A contract is essential—even with long-term clients. It’s not just about business ethics; it’s also about having a clear document to refer to in case of disputes. I don’t work with clients who avoid contracts. I’ve had situations where people said, “Start now, we’ll sign later,” and that “later” stretched out for months. When I was younger and less experienced, I fell for that—and when conflicts arose, I had nothing to back me up. So remember: contract first, then work.
3. Never do the entire project at once, and only show the final result.
It’s much wiser to work in stages and get each step approved. Yes, sometimes clients don’t understand sketches or storyboards. But you can describe your plans in writing, create mood boards or style frames, and explain how the final result will look. Rough drafts are easier and quicker to revise. And while working on drafts, you’re also building the structure for the final product.
4. Even polished work gets revised, so it’s smart to stay flexible.
For example, if your project includes photos, use containers to hold them—this way you can easily swap them out if needed.
5. Deliver projects on time.
It’s better to allocate a bit more time than to be late. If you deliver slightly early, you’ll exceed the client’s expectations. If you deliver late, you risk disappointing your client.
6. Ask the client if they were satisfied with everything and whether they’d like any improvements.
When I worked as an animation director, the artists who offered suggestions or asked if I wanted any changes earned a special place in my mind. I always came back to them with new projects.
7. Ask for a testimonial.
Most clients walk away happy with the work, but if you don’t ask for a review or a thank-you letter, they probably won’t think to write one. Don’t be shy tell them that reviews are important for attracting future clients.
8. Try to create work you can include in your portfolio, not just work for money.
I’ve always aimed for that since the start of my career. It just felt natural to want to do a good job. Recently, I heard that the true secret to sales isn’t selling a lot it’s selling in a way that keeps people coming back.
So, I wrote this post for those just starting out, maybe fresh out of school, sharing common mistakes and useful tips.
1. Discuss the budget and project details upfront. Start with a small milestone, like a logo animation, to test collaboration before committing long-term. Most clients appreciate this.
2. Always draw up a contract and work either with prepayment, postpayment, or an hourly rate.
A contract is essential—even with long-term clients. It’s not just about business ethics; it’s also about having a clear document to refer to in case of disputes. I don’t work with clients who avoid contracts. I’ve had situations where people said, “Start now, we’ll sign later,” and that “later” stretched out for months. When I was younger and less experienced, I fell for that—and when conflicts arose, I had nothing to back me up. So remember: contract first, then work.
3. Never do the entire project at once, and only show the final result.
It’s much wiser to work in stages and get each step approved. Yes, sometimes clients don’t understand sketches or storyboards. But you can describe your plans in writing, create mood boards or style frames, and explain how the final result will look. Rough drafts are easier and quicker to revise. And while working on drafts, you’re also building the structure for the final product.
4. Even polished work gets revised, so it’s smart to stay flexible.
For example, if your project includes photos, use containers to hold them—this way you can easily swap them out if needed.
5. Deliver projects on time.
It’s better to allocate a bit more time than to be late. If you deliver slightly early, you’ll exceed the client’s expectations. If you deliver late, you risk disappointing your client.
6. Ask the client if they were satisfied with everything and whether they’d like any improvements.
When I worked as an animation director, the artists who offered suggestions or asked if I wanted any changes earned a special place in my mind. I always came back to them with new projects.
7. Ask for a testimonial.
Most clients walk away happy with the work, but if you don’t ask for a review or a thank-you letter, they probably won’t think to write one. Don’t be shy tell them that reviews are important for attracting future clients.
8. Try to create work you can include in your portfolio, not just work for money.
I’ve always aimed for that since the start of my career. It just felt natural to want to do a good job. Recently, I heard that the true secret to sales isn’t selling a lot it’s selling in a way that keeps people coming back.
