What do you do if your creative skills aren't being adequately compensated in a remote or freelance position?

1 Assess Value

Begin by evaluating your current situation objectively. Consider the quality of your work, your experience, and the market rates for similar services. Are you charging enough? Sometimes, creatives undercharge due to a lack of confidence or awareness of the industry standards. Research what others with similar skills and experience are charging. If there's a significant gap, it's a clear sign that you need to adjust your rates. Remember, your prices should reflect not only the time spent but also the value delivered to the client.

2 Set Boundaries

It's essential to establish clear boundaries regarding your availability and the scope of work. When working remotely or freelancing, clients may assume you're available around the clock, leading to scope creep—when the amount of work goes beyond what was initially agreed upon without additional pay. To prevent this, define the scope of each project in your contracts and be firm about your working hours. This clarity protects you from being overworked and underpaid.

3 Communicate Worth

If you're not being compensated as you believe you should be, it's time to have a discussion with your clients. Prepare a case showcasing your achievements, the value you've added to previous projects, and how your creative skills have translated into tangible benefits for them. Approach the conversation with confidence and be ready to negotiate. Effective communication about your worth is key to ensuring fair compensation.

4 Adjust Pricing

If your assessment points to undercharging, revise your pricing structure. Increase your rates reasonably and communicate these changes to your clients with ample notice. Explain the reasons behind the increase, emphasizing the quality of your work and the value you provide. Clients who recognize your worth will be willing to pay for it. For new clients, set your updated rates from the start.

5 Seek Alternatives

When attempts to negotiate better rates with current clients don't yield results, it might be time to seek new opportunities. The freelance market is vast, and there are clients out there who understand the value of creative work and are willing to pay accordingly. Use online platforms, networking events, and referrals to find clients who align with your pricing expectations.

6 Expand Skills

Lastly, consider investing in your professional development. Expanding your skill set can justify higher rates and open doors to more lucrative projects. Take courses, attend workshops, or learn new tools that enhance your creative capabilities. By continuously improving and updating your skills, you make yourself more valuable and versatile in the market.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?