As freelancers, how do we decide between steady gigs and opportunities for growth?
Recently, I found myself discussing this very dilemma with a fellow performing artist. He was weighing two contracts: one was a steady gig he'd built over time, and the other was a fresh opportunity with higher pay but less long-term certainty.
Naturally, I suggested he negotiate a rate increase for the consistent job he'd been doing for two years. After proving his value over that time, it's reasonable to ask for more. But like many freelancers, he felt uncomfortable with the idea. Sound familiar?
For those of us who set our own rates, this discomfort is common. As artists and entertainers, we rarely have a clear industry standard to fall back on. Instead, we face a series of tough questions:
What is the client’s budget?
What is my expertise worth?
Will someone else do it for less?
Is this amount worth my time and effort?
And of course, there's the fear: If I ask for too much, will they just move on to someone else?
Negotiation as a Creative Professional
As a multi-disciplinary professional, I’ve faced these same doubts. I’ve learned that while gigs can provide “quick money” to keep cash flowing, they can also prevent us from putting energy into bigger, more meaningful projects. So, I’ve started to ask myself a key question: What is the most profitable use of my time in the long run?
It’s never an easy decision, but the principle I’m trying to live by is to prioritize opportunities that honour my worth and allow room for growth. Sometimes, this means turning down regular gigs to focus on something that offers more value in the long term.
Actionable Tips for Freelancers
If you find yourself in a similar position, here are a few strategies I’ve found helpful when negotiating rates:
Get comfortable with money talk. It's not natural for everyone to feel at ease discussing their worth, but the more you do it, the more comfortable it will become.
Be honest with where you're at. Even if you aren't the most experienced in a field, you still hold value. Everyone starts somewhere, so be honest with yourself and your client, but remain confident.
Do your homework. Know the going rate for similar services in your industry to have a solid baseline. Use Google. Ask peers.
Value your expertise. If you’ve been delivering high-quality work for a client over time, don’t hesitate to ask for more—it’s a reflection of the value you add.
Communicate clearly. When negotiating, explain the reasoning behind your rates and how they align with the value you’re providing.
You're Worth It!
At the end of the day, my hope is that clients recognize the full value artists and freelancers bring to the table. And for fellow creatives: I encourage all of us to embrace a commercial mindset when negotiating. The cost of living today is at a historic high, and we deserve to make an income that reflects this inflation, the same as everyone else. Valuing your time, energy, and skills isn’t selfish—it’s smart business.
Comments