How Mainstream Freelancing Can Be Failing Creative Professionals (and what to do about it)
In recent years, freelancing has become a popular career choice for many, offering flexibility and independence. However, the mainstream freelancing landscape often falls short for creative professionals. While freelancing platforms and advice cater to a broad audience, they frequently overlook the unique needs and challenges faced by those in creative fields such as design, writing, photography, and more. This article explores how mainstream freelancing is failing creative professionals and what can be done to bridge this gap.
Table of Contents
What Are Considered Creative Professionals
Creative professionals encompass a wide range of individuals who use their artistic talents and creative skills to produce original and imaginative work. These professionals include visual artists, such as painters, sculptors, and illustrators, who create visual art in various mediums. Designers, including graphic designers, interior designers, and fashion designers, also fall into this category, as they develop visual content, plan interior spaces, and design clothing and accessories. Writers and editors, such as authors, copywriters, and editors, contribute to the creative landscape through their work in literature, marketing, and content refinement.
Photographers and videographers, musicians and performers, and digital and multimedia artists are also integral parts of the creative professional community. Photographers capture still images, while videographers record moving images for various purposes. Musicians compose and perform music, and actors, dancers, and other performers bring characters and stories to life. Additionally, digital artists, animators, and game designers create digital content, from animations to video games. Marketing and advertising professionals, such as creative directors and brand strategists, develop campaigns and brand strategies. Craftspeople, curators, and event planners also contribute significantly to the creative industries through their specialized skills and expertise.
Mainstream and the Creative Professionals
Mainstream platforms and tools are typically designed with a one-size-fits-all approach, failing to provide the specialized features and support that creative work demands, even when freelancing platforms and advice cater to a broad audience, they frequently overlook the unique needs and challenges faced by those in creative fields such as design, writing, photography, and more.
Creative professionals often find themselves navigating a freelancing environment that is not tailored to their specific requirements. Additionally, the compensation models and client education on these platforms do not adequately reflect the value of creative services, leading to undervaluation and exploitation. To address these issues, it is essential to recognize the distinct needs of creative professionals and develop solutions that enhance their freelancing experience. Below are a few points of why mainstream might be failing with creative professionals in our opinion and what can be done to “fix” that:
1. Lack of Value Recognition
One of the significant issues creative professionals face in mainstream freelancing is the lack of recognition for their work’s value. Many clients and platforms treat creative services as commodities, often prioritizing cost over quality.
Why It Fails:
- Undervalued Work: Creative work is often seen as easily replaceable, leading to a race to the bottom in terms of pricing. This undervalues the skill, time, and effort that goes into producing high-quality creative work.
- Client Education: Clients frequently lack understanding of what constitutes quality in creative work, leading to unrealistic expectations and undervaluation of professional services.
What Can Be Done:
- Educate Clients: Creative professionals should take the time to educate their clients about the value of their work, explaining the processes and expertise involved.
- Showcase Expertise: Building a strong portfolio that highlights past work and successes can help demonstrate value and justify higher rates.
2. Generic Platforms and Tools
Mainstream freelancing platforms and tools are often designed with a generic approach, failing to cater to the specific needs of creative professionals. These platforms typically lack the features that can help creatives showcase their work and manage their projects effectively.
Why It Fails:
- Lack of Specialized Features: Generic platforms often lack features like portfolio displays, high-resolution image uploads, and collaborative tools essential for creative projects.
- Inefficient Project Management: Many mainstream tools are not equipped to handle the nuances of creative project management, leading to inefficiencies.
What Can Be Done:
- Use Specialized Platforms: Creative professionals should consider using platforms and tools designed specifically for their fields, such as Behance for designers or Procreate for digital artists.
- Customized Tools: Investing in project management tools tailored to creative work, like Asana or Trello with custom templates, can improve workflow efficiency.
3. Inadequate Compensation Models
The compensation models on mainstream freelancing platforms often do not reflect the true value of creative work. Fixed-rate projects and competitive bidding can undermine the earning potential of creative professionals.
Why It Fails:
- Fixed Rates and Bidding Wars: These models can lead to underpricing, where creative professionals are forced to compete on price rather than quality.
- Lack of Royalties and Residuals: Unlike other industries, creative work rarely benefits from residuals or royalties on platforms, limiting long-term earning potential.
What Can Be Done:
- Value-based Pricing: Creative professionals should adopt value-based pricing strategies, charging based on the impact and value their work brings to the client rather than just the hours spent.
- Negotiate Terms: Freelancers should negotiate terms that include royalties or residuals where applicable, ensuring they receive ongoing compensation for their work.
4. Limited Exposure to Quality Clients
Mainstream freelancing platforms often attract clients looking for the cheapest option rather than the best quality. This environment can be detrimental to creative professionals seeking to build a reputation for high-quality work.
Why It Fails:
- Quality vs. Quantity: Platforms focusing on low-cost solutions can dilute the market for high-quality creative work.
- Client Misalignment: Creative professionals often struggle to find clients who appreciate and are willing to pay for quality.
What Can Be Done:
- Selective Platforms: Join selective freelancing platforms that vet both clients and freelancers, ensuring a higher quality of work and clients.
- Direct Marketing: Creative professionals should invest in direct marketing efforts to reach quality clients, such as networking, social media marketing, and attending industry-specific events.
5. Inadequate Support and Resources
Mainstream freelancing platforms typically do not provide the necessary support and resources that creative professionals need to thrive. This includes lack of access to legal, financial, and educational resources tailored to their unique challenges.
Why It Fails:
- Limited Educational Resources: Many platforms do not offer advanced resources or training specific to creative fields.
- Lack of Legal and Financial Support: Freelancers often navigate legal and financial aspects alone, without specialized support.
What Can Be Done:
- Seek Specialized Resources: Creative professionals should seek out resources and communities that offer specialized support, such as legal advice tailored to intellectual property or financial planning for freelancers.
- Continuous Learning: Investing in continuous learning and professional development through workshops, courses, and industry conferences can help maintain a competitive edge.
Table: Common Challenges and Solutions for Creative Professionals in Freelancing
| Challenge | Why It Fails | What Can Be Done |
| Value Recognition | Undervalued work and client misunderstanding | Educate clients, showcase expertise |
| Generic Platforms and Tools | Lack of specialized features | Use specialized platforms, customized tools |
| Inadequate Compensation Models | Fixed rates, lack of royalties | Value-based pricing, negotiate terms |
| Limited Exposure to Quality Clients | Clients seeking low-cost options | Join selective platforms, direct marketing |
| Inadequate Support and Resources | Lack of tailored legal, financial, educational support | Seek specialized resources, continuous learning |
List: Top 5 Tips for Creative Professionals to Succeed in Freelancing
- Build a Robust Portfolio: Highlight your best work and successes to attract high-quality clients.
- Invest in Specialized Tools: Use tools and platforms designed specifically for your creative field to enhance productivity and showcase your work.
- Educate Your Clients: Clearly communicate the value and process of your work to help clients appreciate your expertise.
- Adopt Value-based Pricing: Charge based on the value and impact of your work rather than just the hours spent.
- Engage in Continuous Learning: Stay ahead in your field by investing in professional development and learning opportunities.
FAQ
- How can creative professionals ensure secure internet connections?
- Investing in a reliable VPN service helps ensure secure and private internet connections, especially when using public Wi-Fi.
- What financial tools are recommended for creative professionals?
- Financial management tools like QuickBooks and FreshBooks help in tracking income, managing expenses, and invoicing clients.
- What strategies can creative professionals use to build a strong online presence?
- Maintaining an updated LinkedIn profile, regularly posting on social media, starting a blog, and engaging with online communities are effective strategies.
- How can creative professionals plan for unexpected situations?
- Having contingency plans for accommodation, transportation, and work arrangements, and keeping a flexible schedule can help navigate unexpected situations.
Conclusion
The general freelancing market often overlooks the specific needs of creative professionals. To address these gaps, creative freelancers should adopt targeted strategies to enhance their career paths. Utilize specialized tools designed for creative work, educate clients about the value of your services, and implement value-based pricing models to ensure both sustainability and growth. These methods will empower creative professionals to not only manage but excel in the ever-evolving freelance environment.
