Life as a Freelancer

Clients & projects come in all shapes and sizes.

Sniper: these are the ones that are quick hits, one-offs, clients that come fast, and leave just as quickly, rarely or never heard from again.

Foxhole: you are in the trenches with these, deep in the weeds of details. And there is a LOT of work to be done. It is fulfilling and it encompasses your days for awhile. But once the season is done, you all can rest easy & prepare for the next wave.

Comrade: brands, companies or individuals you have a running, long-term relationship with. You can depend on them for steady work & collaboration, and they can depend on you. You finish each other’s sentences, and you can anticipate their needs before they do.

As a freelancer/consultant, you want all of these types of clients in your network. Each fill a specific logistical & financial role in your business.

They also fill a creative & professional need for you.

Because no matter the size or shape of the project or client, you still give it your all, 100%.

Some people disparage freelancers as “not having skin in the game”, or “always with one foot out the door”.

Yes, we all chose this path for it’s flexibility and independence.

But that doesn’t mean we don’t put 100% into the work every single time, whether or not there will be more business in the future.

How would we survive if we didn’t provide consistent, high-quality work to ALL of our clients?

Industries are small, people talk.

I’m getting weary of the dismissive attitude toward freelancers & consultants, that they are only in it for themselves and churn & burn through clients.

Um, you are right, we ARE in it for ourselves. We have bills to pay too. And there is this pair of boots…

But we are also in it for the product, the creative process and seeing the end result walk down the street.

We will always be your comrade, no matter what.

PS: yes, this IS a real video game...