Many of us have no problem dreaming big, but when it comes time to take a swing at our big dreams, we do so with reservation and doubt.

Both are great business models, but they are virtual opposites in their approaches. One sinks in, while the other flies above.

Be wary of low-paying clients who tell about their “big plans” for the future, or who ask you to “grow with them.”

Here are four things I’ve learned about creativity since I started my blog in January 2018. 

Are you really on the wrong path? Or have you just not been on the path long enough?

This is a lesson I’ve been learning at the poker table recently.

While I don’t believe all business is a zero-sum game, there is credence to the idea that a sale someone else makes is a sale you don’t make, at least in that moment.

I bought a book about the publishing industry. One line, about 90 pages in, might just change everything for the next phase of my career. 

I’ve been rethinking my personal content strategy recently. As part of this process, I’ve launched my YouTube channel with four in-depth videos breaking down freelance concepts.

Your ideal content strategy can be mapped on an axis with audience size and platform. Take a look at my version.

One person can only remember so much information before they drop the ball. This is a great opportunity for you as a freelancer. 

“What’s your budget?”

“What’s your rate?” 

There’s a lot of opportunity for freelancers to make money contracting to creative agencies, because interestingly enough, the freelancer has a real leverage in negotiations with agencies. 

You have to be aware of this. You have a different goal than the agency, and they have a different goal than the brand. The trickle-down of these goals can taint your workflow. 

We’ve all had needy clients who reach out too often with elementary questions. It’s mind-numbing.

Cheap doesn’t usually deliver on time, respond quickly, or have great ideas. Expensive does those things. 

If a client doesn’t know who you are, you have to do a lot of selling to win their business. There’s a better way.

Clients don’t care if your creative concept or campaign idea is the best idea in the world.

Do you ever wonder how photographers and videographers with half your talent are booking jobs twice as big as yours? Hint: It’s because they know how to pitch. 

Just now, I took a walk around the block to clear my head. On my walk, I witnessed two men in an argument about the ethics of their businesses.