The life of a freelancer can be unpredictable — and let’s be honest: that’s why we love it! — but sometimes that can lead to overwhelm, disorganization, and chaos. To combat those feelings, we suggest implementing systems into your life and work that incentivize consistency, reduce stress, and eliminate the obstacles that stand in the way of getting things done. We’ve compiled a list of ten practices that will position you for greater success in your life as a creative professional. Stay savvy!
1. Keep your digital presence up to snuff: Most of your fans, potential clients, and community will first engage with you online, so it’s important that you treat your online presence as a living thing. Websites and social media profiles require long-term care and maintenance — and the same goes for any place that you exist on the internet! Stay up to date, Ponyboy.
2. Stay on top of your budget: Even if it’s as simple as a spreadsheet in Numbers or Excel, tracking your income and expenses in real time will give you a clear and consistent picture of how much work you have or need — and it’ll make tax time a breeze! Bottom line: you’ve got to keep an eye on your bottom line.
3. Learn how to overcome rejection: We know it’s kind of a bummer to talk about, but the more you can get comfortable with rejection as an undeniable presence in your life as an artist, the quicker you’ll be able to move through those feelings. Remember: for any opportunity you don’t get, there are 100 reasons as to why. The odds would say it isn’t personal.
4. Always have a contract: It’s always best when everyone’s looking at the same map. Cover your bases and hold all parties accountable by outlining the nature of your work, performance, or relationship in written form. Include the scope of work, costs, and timeline. Google is chock full of sample contracts and agreements if you need a template to get you started!
5. Know your competition: Your goal is to be so singular in who you are, what you do, and what you offer that you stand apart from all of your competition. In the arts, of course, there is a lot of competition. If you can articulate what makes you the expert in your niche and communicate that wherever your brand lives, folks will take notice.
6. Use the right tools: Do the things you use everyday actually serve you? Think of the supplies, equipment, and software you use to conduct the business of your art as items in your toolbox. Everyone’s needs are different, but if you hone your collection over time (trial and error), you’ll have a mastery of each tool and greater efficiency in your overall operation.
7. Save and back up your work: In the cloud. On an external hard drive. Whatever your preference, do it often. Don’t learn this lesson the hard way!
8. Stay in the know: Just like your digital presence, your base industry knowledge should be approached (and cared for) like a living, evolving thing. Read books and trade publications, download podcasts that speak to your field, and attend workshops and classes. Staying viable and relevant relies on an ongoing understanding of the landscape in which you operate.
9. Balance work and life: Easier said than done, but boundaries help! Boundaries may take the form of a regular schedule, but if that doesn’t work for you and your business, at least try unplugging for a few hours each day. We think you’ll be surprised about what that can do for your mental acuity.
10. Keep the hustle alive: Some days bring three new opportunities and several hours of deep productivity. On other days, responding to a few emails is an accomplishment. Take pride in your forward momentum and forgive yourself for any setbacks. Do what you can to stay engaged, inspired, and hungry. Don’t get comfortable. Get after it.