Money is one of the most important things to understand, when starting any type of business. And especially when starting out as a freelancer. You have to accept that it doesn´t matter what type of client you approach, someone will always be prepared to bid under your proposed offer.
Being an illustrator, artist, and graphic designer you know that many people will ask you to work for almost nothing. And sometimes for free. Unfortunately this is normal. But if you actually do work for free, what´s in it for you? What will you gain from it? One big lesson I learned very quickly was, to never do work for less than what you´re worth, simply because your client told you, it would give you more exposure. You definitely need to learn to say “no” sometimes. So here are my tips on how to start your freelance career without underselling yourself.
Accepting an opportunity
Well let’s say, that you’re still willing to do the work for free, to get exposure. You need to ask yourself the same questions again: What´s in it for you and what can you gain from it? If you create a logo for a company for free, I would argue it´s a very bad offer. No one will ever really know you have done the logotype, unless they ask the very person who was your contact when you created it. Or, if they happen to stumble upon it, on your own portfolio. And what are the odds for that. Minuscule.
Building your portfolio
Let´s say you are just getting started and need to build your portfolio, with logotypes, to show potential clients. And of course, at the beginning you are happy to work for very little money, or for free. My suggestion would be, to make an offer to the local football club, to do it for them. Or better, a brand new football or hockey club. Any type of club will actually work. Why not a kids club or a language exchange club? Probably these will have exposure in Social Media and that can definitely help you out.
Why bigger is not always better
Now, why is that so much better, than doing work for a big international brand? Because the big company won´t see you, as someone who they paid a fair price to. For them you are a contractor they can get away with not paying anything or very little because you are either desperate or you don’t know your value as a professional illustrator and designer. And thirdly there are tons of others, just like you.
So, what’s in it for you?
All in all, if you design a logo to build your own brand and portfolio for a small local sports club and it turns out great, you´re destined to have more chances to get new opportunities. For example, from one of the parents whose kids are playing in the club. Whatever comes out of it, chances are much higher, than when you just underselling yourself to a big company.And do you know what, many parents have their own companies or work for big international companies. You never know where you can find your next client. So when they approach you offering a potential project, show them that you would love to do it, but for a decent price.
It is not about being greedy. It´s about feeling you did a good job and received the right amount for it. Taking these steps it will be much easier for you to increase your hourly rate and standard fixed prices and hence get paid accordingly.
And one more thing- dare to lose a client. There will always be other clients out there, remember that.
So that´s why you really have to learn to value your own work. Know your market. And know what´s in it for you. Starts are not easy but with effort and passion, everything is possible!
Some time ago we interviewed Stefan in our section “Freelancer Insides”. Read the complete interview and get to know him!
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Pic: ©Tim Gow
