Tips I learned in my years as a freelancer

By Eric Maierson

In August, I joined the staff of a production company, ending a four-year stint as a freelancer. Here are just a few things I learned along the way:

Your reputation is everything.
Once you agree to a gig, never back out. (See 1.)
Whenever possible, get paid by the day, not the project.
Some states require freelancers to be paid within a month. Know your rights.
Keep track of your expenses. Otherwise, come tax season, you’ll be left guessing.
It’s better to forgo a project than to take on too many and do them badly.
If you’re too busy to take a gig, refer someone you trust for the job instead. It’s good karma and strengthens your network.
Some gigs are just not worth doing, no matter what they pay.
Saying no to one opportunity is saying yes to other opportunities.
Saying yes to a decent project is always better than holding out for an uncertain great one. Addendum: Some risks are worth it.
Always be networking.
Keep in contact with people when you don’t need anything, not just when you’re looking for work.
Send emails of admiration.
Use a service like Trello.com to keep track of your correspondence.
Unless specifically asked to do so, don’t check in with people more than once every six weeks.
Work comes in gusts. Sometimes the wind is at your back; sometimes there’s a lot of waiting.
When you don’t have a gig, try to relax. This time off is one of the greatest benefits and pleasures of a freelance life.
A new gig will always show up.
Seek out other, more experienced freelancers for advice so that you feel less alone.
Remember Hofstadter’s Law: “It always takes longer than you expect, even when you take into account Hofstadter’s Law.”
For corporate jobs, ask for 30% more than you think they will pay. (See 18.)
Be flexible with your fee. Great gigs often come with a reduced rate for everyone.
Don’t forget to help students. Students today will be employed at companies that hire you tomorrow.
When in doubt, default to kindness.

Eric Maierson is a two-time Emmy-winning video producer and senior editor at Blue Chalk Media. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife, Ellen, and their dog.

Illustration by Julie M. Elman, a professor at the School of Visual Communication at Ohio University, where she teaches design.

MORE NEWS PHOTOGRAPHER STORIES