Things Creatives Are Tired Of Hearing
Do you know someone who works in a creative field? Maybe a freelancer or an entrepreneur who works from home? A small business owner? You probably do. And since you do, I would very highly recommend you watch this short video on why asking one of these people for free work is downright crazy.
Now I'm not the "how dare you utter that" police, because people can say whatever they want. In fact, I am actually the queen of foot-in-the-mouth syndrome (it happens to the best of us). That being said, I love a good satire... partially because all sarcasm has a lick of truth behind it and that's the kind of humor I enjoy (aka teasing). My readers today can rest easy in knowing that this is all meant in good fun, but I hope some of these open your eyes to the ridiculous requests people make of creatives. Here it is... a long overdue sassy post:
1. I just have this little project, and it would probably take you five minutes. It'll take me all day! Do you think you could do it instead? Anyways, you like doing it, don't you?
Would you ask your hairstylist to cut your hair for free since it'll only take them five minutes? Especially since they like doing it? How about your plumber? Electrician? Babysitter? Or anyone, really, who offers a service they enjoy doing? Asking a favor of someone because they have a skill (that they're normally paid for) that you don't, makes you look very presumptuous.
2. Do you get paid for that? How much money do you make?
How much do you make?
Yikes. Such private, personal info.
That's rude, guys.
That's a really rude question. And tacky.
3. So is that just a hobby, or a real job?
Did you know that scores of people make over six figures a year from their own home? Of those people, many started their businesses from just a hobby. I know more than a handful of ordinary people who have done this, yet it's often not considered "real work."
Just because someone genuinely loves what they do, doesn't mean it's not a viable job. Also, what defines "real job?" Moms don't get paid monetarily, but I'm pretty sure they have a "real job."
Some of us would rather work to live than live to work, and just because our work isn't defined the way you define it, doesn't make it less than any other "typical" job.
4. I want something new and unique.
This is then followed up with visual examples of 'exactly' what they want. So, actually, you want to plagiarize that person's exact site/product/style? Oh, okay.
5. If you do this and I like it, there will be lots of follow up work and exposure.
Sadly, this happens to almost all freelancers who are trying to get exposure without having to pay an arm and a leg. Schemey people out there know freelancers can get desperate, so they play this line and never hold up their end of the bargain.
6. Please, don't spend more than a few minutes on this.
...until they come back with some "little tweaks" that obviously turn into revision, after revision, after revision. These people are so sneaky!
7. I know you don't do this for other people, but can you make an exception for me?
Nope.
Side note: this is my favorite gif of all time.
8. Don't worry about the cost, I'm willing to pay!
Until they get the bill, and then they suddenly don't remember saying they were willing to pay that much. Or they weren't actually willing to pay to begin with.
Annnnd this is why deposits are the freelancer's best friend. Helps weed people out!
9. Clients who want their freelancers to know every creative skill known to man.
Must be a rockstar at: marketing, social media management, web design, graphic design, photography, Adobe Creative Suite, photo editing, editing, copywriting, coding, UX, content development, styling, PR, email campaigns, sketching, wire-framing, etc...
Word to the wise: If you want someone who is a rockstar at something, they won't be a rockstar at EVERYTHING. Each of the areas I listed above are often separate job titles and specific areas of study and/or expertise. Creatives, like many other jobs, do not know about every other creative function known to man. As they say, "the jack of all trades is the master of none."
10. I don't know what I want, but I'll know it when I see it.
If you can't articulate it, I don't know what you want or where to even start. Please don't waste people's time with this ridiculous phrase. That's like having someone with a different body type go try on wedding dresses for you. It's a waste of not only your freelancer's time, but yours too!
11. I'll give you some products in exchange for your services.
Again, would you pay your plumber with a pack of gum? This one happens in blogging particularly often and can be really annoying. The only time I find this one acceptable is when a brand sends you a product with little to no requirement from you. I've received products from brands who are just hoping to get the word out authentically via influencers who may genuinely like something so much they'll share about it. (More on the topic of bloggers + sponsored content coming soon)
12. When the client delays the deadline they gave you:
There you have it, friends. Just a few of the silly things creatives and freelancers hear on the regular. It's okay. We're used to it. And we talk to other creatives and laugh about these silly comments. That being said, keep a few of these in mind the next time you're tempted to ask your web designer friend to "help" you build a website.