Lesson #3: Always Cover your Butt

As a creative, your colorful mind is your most vital tool in success and earning your keep. Equally, as an young entrepreneur, your ability make sure you’re not being taken advantage of or that you’re earning proper compensation can be a direct line between success and failure. This is a particular lesson I have learned the hard way.

The first mistake in acquiring a freelance gig is underestimating both yourself, and the time and effort it will take to get the job done. Before agreeing to take a creative gig you should take careful thought and ask around on rates. Make sure you’re not the one shorting yourself. Look at some of your past work, school work, or personal projects and estimate the amount of time it took you to complete the project. From there, start to factor in the expected deadline and take into account when and where you will have time to complete the job at your highest level of quality and productivity.

If you cannot complete the project with a final outcome you can be proud to put your name on, by the deadline they are looking for, do NOT take the job!

It is okay to say no if you believe the outcome will not be something of high quality given the time crunch, but do not underestimate your ability and don’t let that keep you from taking a risk once in a while.

After a price has been calculated, write up an invoice. As an example, if you’re a freelance graphic designer, include the price with exact details of what you will be providing. Follow that with your terms, such as amount of revision, pay method, and your rights as the designer. Not only does the invoice look professional, but it also lays out your expectations in writing and offers you a form of record keeping to log your expenses and work.

At the bottom of the invoice, provide a space for both you and the client to sign making it a documented agreement. This way, God-forbid, the client were to back out or change the rules mid-game you have a signed agreement for further protection.

Learning these business basics on your own can be daunting, I, myself, am still trying to work out my own agreement policy. By asking around for examples and advice you’ll find your way, we can even do it together!