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Stop Trying to Pay Freelancers in Exposure
Becoming a freelancer, even as a side gig, is probably one of the most terrifying and exciting leaps of faith you can make. The freelancing world presents a lot of freedom: freedom to do what you love, be your own boss, and work on your own time.
Unfortunately, that freedom also comes with a steep price tag.
When I began freelancing, as both a fine artist and writer, I was prepared for the struggle of finding clients. What I wasn’t prepared for was just how many people would expect me to work for free.
Did I say “work for free”? Sorry, I meant to say “work for exposure.” Oh, well, it doesn’t matter because they’re actually the same thing.
If you’ve been lucky enough not to be propositioned for what I call “exposure work,” or you just don’t see a problem with it, let me tell you a story.
Several months ago, I got a message on my Instagram account, where I sporadically post pictures of my art. My art account is pretty tiny and not somewhere I’ve invested a lot of energy into marketing my services. So, to get a message from a woman inquiring about my art was pretty exciting.
“Hi! The portrait you did of the baby is so good! Do you take commissions?”
