Hi Laura.
I understand where you are now. Its rather unfortunate that there are such clients. But you have to be firm and stand your ground, or, like i just read in an earlier post by “BZ”, every next client will “include an infinite maintenance in your package.” [ For some reason i still can’t stop chuckling at that statement ].
I assume you’ve heard the statement “customers do not know what they want”, right? Well, some customers tend to ride on this sentence like a 10-year old child using the fact that he is still young to make his mother breastfeed him. These type of clients are looking for “perfect” in your work, in the sense that when they themselves see it, they will be like “WOW”. They never know when to say “Ok, this will work.” They will want you to change something every time, as long as it’s free. I want YOU as a fellow designer to put a cork on that bottle. By giving them at least two or three free revisions, you let them understand that, though your work may not be perfect, you know what you are about. Only a client, who understands the value of your service and how important it is to him, will pay more.
I know. This will be a client-repellent – at least the ones you will surely not wanna work with, But it helps you brand your service as different from the rest.

I’m a Designer that has a broad skillset: Website design, video editing and post processing, animation and print design. How do I sum that up in a name?

Hi, Oskar. Great question. You should still file taxes with your country of residence. 🙂

Thanks, Sandeep. We’ll work on it for future episodes!

Freelancers can also get a side hustle to earn them extra income, like create an ecourse or an ebook.

Another mistake that freelancers make is that when they get a windfall, from maybe a good gig, they spend it all,rather than saving some for the future. Great post.

Great article, I’ve read this several times as I keep coming back to it when I’m looking for ideas and inspiration. Thanks for writing it. I particularly like the 12 month planning / scheduling of every detail. I’m going to try this for the rest of the year.

I’m very much into the idea of doing less and that less is more. The advice on shutting down the tabs and email is great. Simple but so effective. I’m currently dividing my day into two blocks: 8am-12pm – lead gen, then gym / lunch. 1pm – 5pm – content (instagram, podcast, articles).

My question for you would be, what are your typical high value tasks?

Thanks
Steve

I´m struggling with my name too right now.
I was thinking of “Rocket brothers” (my favorite song)
Then I moved to Rocket Garage.
What do you think, genius out of the lamp?

Many clients take things too far/changing minds throughout work etc! Yes quality not quantity, but that works both ways, i will make sure the brief is crystal clear from any client and ask every question in the book otherwise, i have my own PDF sheet for a client to write the brief, with structured elements modified to each type of job. (The better outline you get = optimising time = better hourly rate = smart designer)

You wouldn’t install a bathroom on the left, have your customer walk in after and say hmmmm i prefer it on the right, can we try that, but originally agree to put it on the left. Yes that is an extreme comparison but same ethos, get a written brief, a deposit and do the job as asked.

Also any “Good” designer should be able to provide quality in relation to a brief, thus revisions would be kept minimal.

Full time employed designers are on a daily rate regardless so your being paid all the time whether its a revision or new job. Freelance designers do not get the same luxury but are self reliant and set the rate of pay. Just be smart, approach things methodically and ask all the right questions.