I consider myself a creative person. I love collaborating with people on a project, brainstorming – you know having the common goal of designing and making something awesome. I also enjoy being my own boss. I’ve done some freelance work for a couple years. I can definitely say that I genuinely enjoy the experience. However, there are perks with working independently or with other technical people.

Of course, there are downsides. Ah, why am I always so bitter? Hahaha. I can definitely relate to the posts on Clients from Hell:

Client: “I don’t like the type.”
Me: “What don’t you like.”
Client: “I don’t like how it goes all to one side.”
Me: “You mean ranged left.”
Client: “Yes, yes, arranged left.”
Me: “How do you want it?”
Client: “To be the same on both sides.”
Me: “Justified?”
Client: “I don’t have to justify anything for you. I own the fucking company.”

Here are tips to help make the experience more enjoyable:

Make sure you are in constant communication with your client (email threads, chats, texts, phone calls, physical meetings – everything).

Don’t do extra work – when I say that I mean, don’t waste your time creating things that your client hasn’t seen or approved of. They may like what you have done, but that is not a guarantee. Remember, you have been hired, under contract, to do what they want. I know, it sounds terrible, but it’s true. It’s fine to take creative liberties here and there, but don’t overdo it.

Only work for client who has a definite plan or outline of what work needs to be done. This basically means, don’t work with people who are just “winging” it.

Ensure that your commission is worth the amount of time and effort you put into the work. No one wants to get underpaid! Plus, it’s illegal.

Back to the first point, speak up when you have an issue with what they are doing. Although, you are supposed to work under them. You still  have the right to stand up for yourself if you feel like you are being taken advantaged of, etc. Don’t let your clients push you around like a child labourer! 😛

Verify that your contract is legit – not taken off of Google. You never know when you have to refer to it again. Make sure that the employer is only entitled to your work if it is completed. Don’t let them makes changes to the contract without writing up a new one!

All in all, work with people who are organized, know their goals 100%, and have realistic expectations. It sucks to learn the hard way 🙁

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