I make videos that amplify your brand's visual identity and values | Croak the man-frog who likes ripping people to pieces 🐸🌊😱💔
The best freelance advice I can offer is to run the other way. Still here? Ugh. What I mean is, don't chase the same work as everyone else. When I first moved to Chicago six years ago, I had raised my rate in anticipation of a higher cost of living. To my surprise, every notable studio and agency I spoke with asked if I could reduce my rate to varying degrees (some almost by half). Some requests were manageable, essentially bringing me back to my previous rate. Others were completely out of the question. I remember speaking to a motion designer at a meetup. Through our conversation, they learned my day rate and told me, "You're never going to work on big brand projects at that rate." This comment put everything into perspective for me. Why should that be the case? Why is it that for the biggest brand names with the most money—be it the studios or the companies they serve—are the ones that try to negotiate the lowest prices from creatives? The answer is simple, and it applies to studios and freelancers alike: EVERYONE wants those big names on their reel. EVERYONE is chasing the shiny object. EVERYONE has this crazy idea that if they can just get a recognizable logo on their reel, it will be the game-changing, price-raising milestone they've been looking for. But it inevitably leads to creatives competing on price. Because I wasn't willing to compromise my rate for notable brands, I instead explored the outskirts of Chicago and partnered with many great smaller agencies that didn't blink at my rate. There are many places out there looking for top talent that are out of reach—not by cost, but by the fact that no one is looking for them. My motto has always been, don't chase Coca-Cola or Nike. Find new brands and work with smaller studios to build the next big brand. No one cares what logos are on your reel; they only care if you're making the work that will level-up their project. ---------------------------------- ➕ Follow for more like this. Or ring the 🔔 to be notified. #freelance #motiondesign #motiongraphics #videoediting #animation
I love much much smaller, long term clients over the big name fussy, PITA clients - all day every day. Except for Cartoon Network. They were awesome!
I find I really enjoy working directly with local companies. I usually do animations for their engineering, or marketing team which I find really rewarding. Most of my work is direct to client rather than through a studio or agency. My personal goal isn’t to have Nike or Coca-Cola in my reel either. It is to make a living and help others do the same with ethical hard work. I enjoy working with small businesses as much as the large ones.
There was a Kevin Smith podcast smodcast 263/264 "yo, choe" episode name 2 parter (nsfw). The summary of the lesson taught in this particular episode that's best left for the solo ride home or in ear , is thusly " don't be afraid to go ridiculous". The artist on the interview gave a story on how his base prices attracted no attention. He started just randomly bumping up any 1 piece and the higher he went the more interest arrived. It was better and more elaborated on, that's general run on it.
Paul, I love your mind: “ There are many places out there looking for top talent that are out of reach—not by cost, but by the fact that no one is looking for them. My motto has always been, don't chase Coca-Cola or Nike. Find new brands and work with smaller studios to build the next big brand. No one cares what logos are on your reel; they only care if you're making the work that will level-up their project.”
Yes to all of this! I went to “film school,” learned Hollywood VFX techniques and camera tricks, and the clients that got me through college were Real Estate Agents. I went on to make video ads for optometry clinics and dermatologists. Never thought I’d be here but I love the work I get to do!
THIS. I’ve never chased those big prestige jobs and (with the exception of a few months at the beginning of the pandemic when everyone shut down) I’ve always stayed busy.
The same goes for finding said work. Applying for job posts like everybody else makes it hard to stand out. Finding other ways to build relationships and get into companies through side doors is much more effective.
Yas Paul Danhauser 🐸 ! Keep it up, the rates, the good work, all of it waaaay up!
Dude, exactly. I try to tell creatives this all of the time. There is a mountain of mid-level work out there that will pay you better and not drive you mad. Big brands can work with whoever they want. Wait for them to come to you.
senior nuke compositor and VFX supervisor
4moI'm always told my rate is too high, and yet I keep working.