7 Gems for Freelancers
(Editors Note: Brad Watson joins us this week with 7 quick tips for freelancers - gems that are useful for Artists, both Musical & Visual alike)
1. Money Talk$
Avoid negotiating budgets on the phone - if money is brought up always pull the “I’ll get back to you” card- think about it and follow up with an email. if you don’t have a producer or manger, create an alias email and run money talks through that account.
Wow, this project sounds great! Can I catch up with my producer and get back to you?”
PRO TIP - After a phone call it’s usually good practice to follow up with an email recapping everything discussed:
Thanks for the call Thuan! Just to recap YOU SAID xyz...WE agreed upon xyz”
2. U$age
definitions: What are you doing with my work? Where is it going? How long will it be used?
ALWAYS ask what the usage for your project is - not only does this let the client know, that YOU know what you’re talking about but also protects your work and the subjects in it.
“Lastly, what is the usage on this project? i.e. 6-month social media use only?”
3. Work Scope
Always line out the exact services you will be providing and charge accordingly. A prime example of this is quoting a client for example:
$5,000 for a minute video but then being asked to output several social “cut downs” or different ratio exports ie: 9:16 for IG story.
Every move you make and every thought you have should be billed to the client! Most of the time clients will let you know ahead of time exactly what they need, but regardless - it’s good practice to line these things out.
Glad you like the edit Thuan! For additional exports, we will have to quote you per video as our original work scope only allotted for one asset.”
4. Contract$
This one should be obvious but always create a work agreement that the client sings - things to include:
Detailed work scope
Overdue late fees (% charged to the client based on how late payment is overdue)
Deadlines
50% Deposit
Cancellation/Reschedule fees
Usage
5. Keep Track
Get into the habit of keeping track of everything! Some examples outside of daily “to-do” list to keep track of:
Who do I owe?
Who owes me?
How long has it been since the shoot? Is payment overdue?
How much money did I spend on this shoot? On what?
How much time/How many days did I spend on this project?
6. Re$earch
When a new client comes in, do some homework on what kind of budgets they work with. Although this isn’t always black and white, you can get a sense of how much money they typically spend by asking yourself the following:
Is this project “client direct” or is there a 3rd party involved that hired you?
Who did they hire on their last projects?
Do they advertise on popular websites/blogs?
Is there high-profile talent booked for this shoot?
If this is for an outline publication, is there a brand partner involved? IE: “editorial fashion photoshoot for www.spinach-records.com but everyone has to hold a bottle of GILLETTE shaving cream etc but we swear it’s an editorial”
7. $ocials
Keep an eye out for people who have you on their radar - play the game! Share your work, support others’ work, be active!!
PRO TIP - go to a BOSS’ page… see who they are following - often, the first dozen people they are following that YOU DON’T follow - are following YOU and most likely a boss themselves.
