Is Freelancing A Dirty Word?

When first striking out on your own as an independent contractor, probably the first word you use to describe yourself is freelancer. This is still how I refer to myself but I am aware that some independent designers believe that identifying yourself as a freelancer can negatively impact your business. Whether you call yourself an independent contractor, small business owner or freelancer, we all pretty much do the same thing in a general sense which is running our own business. However the word ‘freelance’ can inspire negative thoughts in the minds of our loved ones and unfortunately in the minds of the apprehensive potential client.

In my experience, here are the misconceptions (by family, fiends and clients) of calling yourself a freelance graphic designer.

The Misconceptions:

•  Freelancers don’t pay attention to personal hygiene (I shower at least once a day).

•  Freelancers work in their underwear (I personally have never done this).

•  Freelancers only work 2 hours a day and watch tv the rest of the time (I recently canceled my cable because I haven’t watched it in weeks).

•  Freelancers are just unemployed creative types too lazy to get a real job.

•  Freelancers are snooty (aka won’t create a logo for $50 or better yet, for free).

•  Freelancers are always free for lunch, impromptu meetings or mid afternoon gossip sessions (many, if not most freelancers try to maintain “regular” business hours)

•  Freelance designers can churn out a design within a moments notice (cramming in a new project at the last minute isn’t an option for many freelancers with a full work load).

•  Freelancers are obligated to design for free for family members (been there, done that).

The Reality:

While some of these freelancing misconceptions might be true, a vast majority of freelancers are very professional individuals who run their businesses in the same way that a large agency might. Customer service, hard work and bathing are the foundations of a successful freelance graphic design business (bathing might be negotiable). In order to survive as freelancers, we have to be more skilled at running a business as opposed to a large agency because freelancers are in charge of everything regarding their business. I doubt a web developer at the top ad agency down the street has to write code in addition to invoicing clients, generating leads and accounting all while working on his or her assigned projects.

In Conclusion:

I write this post with a hint of sarcasm because there are misconceptions about every job. Keeping these misconceptions at bay and informing our family, friends and potential clients about our practices is vital to our success as freelancers and our state of mind. We’re a professional, talented bunch and we should be treated as such and the only way for this to happen is to inform friends, family and clients about our work practices (in a nice, cheery way of course) no matter if you call yourself an independent contractor, small business owner or freelancer.