General tips

Get an ABN
Register for GST if you make over the threshold within Australia
- GST is NOT charged if you are contracted by an overseas entity
Keep track of your invoices
- Either with a spreadsheet or accounting software
- Rounded.com.au and Xero were recommended
Stick by your rate
- “never budge unless you know it's a super cool gig and theyre nice about it” - derek
“I think one mistake everyone makes when they jump into freelance is saying yes to every job and taking on too much. Take it slow is my advice” - Sam V
- “you gotta live your life like youre already comfortable and that you don't really need it” - Derek
Look over your contracts
- “if someone hands you a contract and you don’t understand it, defs get it checked over, it’s super easy to outsource that and gives you peace of mind” - Sam M
- “its often easier to cycle between a reliable few companies than to constantly take new contacts” - Derek
Project rates are controversial lol. Day rates can be fairer
- “if a client insists on doing it, add a bunch of cushion to it to make sure you don't get stung.. it's caught me out a heap. Changes are never really accounted for” - Sam V
- "nah project rates are for you to rake it in dudes. you always bump it higher to account for your own producing and then you make sure you quote in a range” - Derek
  - “if you have to quote for projects, quote in ranges and be clear that the range is specifically to cover client feedback”
- “the amount of shit ive done for free cos there was no clear line between end of project and extra stuff.....” - Sam M
Take advantage of your time off! Schedule time off, or take weeks off in between projects
- “its so easy to book up and forget that you actually need a break” - Sam M
Set your hours and stick to them, don’t overwork
- “every time ive been upfront about how i work and setting limits, no one has complained. clients will always ask if you can do extra/work on a weekend, theres no harm in saying no” - Sam M
  - “yeah or just ask for 1.5%. and they go okay i acknowledge that or ill work around it” - Derek
How clients respond to your initial emails tells you how good they’ll be to work with
- “the biggest thing is that clients are generally receptive to everything if you set the terms. if they're not, its not worth working with them“ - Sam M
Quote a job using your day rate and add extra days to allow for feedback
- Derek’s process
- “If you’re not 100% confident how long things will take tho, always overestimate” - Sam M
- “yeah i only ever give deals to other creatives and people who i know can pay it back if i need a favour. no agency is ever gonna look out for you so you gotta” - Derek
What if a client ghosts you/complains about your price?
- “theyre more likely to negotiate with you than to back off completely“ - Derek
- “if they do ghost you, thats a huge red flag and probably shit to work with anyway. Honestly negotiating a project always reveals how good a client is to work with and whether they actually respect you and your profession” - Sam M
Suggested working with a few different studios and understanding how they work first
Is freelancing scary?
- “all the worst case scenarios (not being paid, shit clients) are generally the exception rather than the rule, so don’t worry too much” - Sam M
- Talk to friends if you're worried or stuck!
Payment terms
- “i insist on half up front half on delivery for projects with random clients” - Derek
  - “ive had a client refuse to accept the finished product 3 days before delivery before and so they technically didnt have to pay the 2nd half”
- 14 days payment for invoices seems standard
  - Though many places will want 30 at least
Be smart with your reminder emails
- Get invoicing software that reminds people to pay automatically
  - Rounded/Wave do this
- “Write an email yourself that says "this is an automated reminder that invoice X is overdue". gotten me paid so many times” - Sam M