Now, this is a touchy topic—trust me, I get it. It’s one of those conversations that makes most of us creatives a little uncomfortable, but it’s long overdue. Knowing your worth in this world, especially as a freelance creator, isn’t just about setting a number. It’s about understanding what you bring to the table, and that journey can get tricky when you’re working with big businesses, small businesses, or everyday people. The factors are endless—market rates, location, your level of experience, and honestly, how much you believe in the value of your own work.
I’ve been in this entrepreneurial space for fifteen years, across so many mediums—photography, videography, art, graphic design, and more. And let me tell you, one thing I’ve seen time and time again is how undervalued creatives tend to be. And here’s why: we’re in a market flooded with low-ballers. Now, I don’t say this to put anyone down. Some creatives just aren’t confident enough in their skillset to charge what they’re really worth. They’re either just starting out or trying to break in, so they charge bottom-dollar prices, thinking it’ll get them more work.
And it might. But here’s the problem: when the market gets flooded with low prices, it confuses clients and devalues the entire industry. Suddenly, you’ve got potential clients expecting premium work for bargain prices because they’ve gotten used to paying less. And when you decide to start charging your true value—after years of perfecting your craft and gaining experience—people balk at your rate.
Don’t Race to the Bottom
It’s important to understand that competing with price only lowers your value. Think of it like shopping at the mall—you’re not going to buy everything from every store. Some stores have higher prices because they offer something unique, something with undeniable quality. You wouldn’t walk into a high-end store and ask for Walmart prices. So why should you, as a creative, be any different? You are that high-end store.
Let your work speak for itself, and eventually, you’ll attract the clients who understand the value of what you do. The ones who’ll pay what you’re worth because they see what your experience, skill, time, and creative vision bring to the table.
The Reality Check
It’s true—creatives across the board are generally undervalued and underpaid, even though we’re often the ones people turn to when they need something impactful. We shape brands. We make memories last forever. We bring visions to life. But still, when it comes time to pay up, there’s this hesitation, this idea that our work isn’t as essential as other services. So how do you combat that? It starts with you knowing your worth before anyone else does. You’ve got to own it, fully.
Tips to Calculate Your Worth:
- Start with Your Experience – What have you done? Who have you worked with? What makes your approach unique? Don’t just look at years in the game but also the quality of work and the unique perspective you bring. The more experience, the more refined your value.
- Look at the Market, Not Your Peers – Don’t get caught up in comparing yourself to every other freelancer out there. Instead, research what the market values for the type of work you offer. Price yourself according to the value you provide, not just what others are charging.
- Factor in the Intangibles – Your time, creativity, problem-solving skills, and energy—these aren’t things you can put a clear price tag on, but they’re valuable. Every edit, every revision, every late-night brainstorm is part of what you deliver. Make sure your rate reflects the invisible labor behind your visible work.
- Set Boundaries – There will always be someone who can’t afford you, and that’s okay. Every client isn’t for you. Learn to say no when the rate isn’t right. The goal is to work smarter, not harder, and part of that is working with people who understand what you bring to the table.
- Create Packages or Tiers – If you’re finding it tough to stick to one rate, consider offering tiered services. This allows clients with different budgets to choose what they can afford, without you having to compromise your value. Basic, advanced, and premium packages can work wonders.
- Ask for More Than Just Payment – Sometimes, what you need is more than a check. Factor in opportunities for exposure, access to a particular network, or even creative freedom in your work. These things can be part of your worth calculation too.
The Power of Confidence
One of the biggest shifts in my own career came when I finally had the confidence to say, “This is what I’m worth.” It wasn’t easy, and the fear of losing clients is real, but here’s the thing: the moment you believe in your worth, you start attracting people who do too. You don’t have to justify your rate when the right clients come along—they’ll already know why they need you.
Building Your Value Over Time
Your worth isn’t static. As you grow, as you learn more, and as your portfolio expands, so should your rates. Don’t be afraid to revisit your pricing every six months or so. See where you’ve grown and adjust accordingly. Your rate today might not be your rate tomorrow, and that’s okay. As long as you’re consistent in delivering quality and value, there will always be people willing to pay what you ask for.
Hope this helps,
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