A cautionary tale for you…

A creative freelancer, let's call them Sam, starts out in the business.

They don't really know much about industry rates, they're just happy to get some work.

A big brand approaches Sam for a job.
Sam is overjoyed.
It's a fairly big project with a decent amount of work.

The big brand offers Sam an amount.
This amount is a big amount to Sam who is only just starting out.
(The amount is not enough for the scope of work, but Sam doesn't know this)

Sam accepts the job, thrilled to be adding a big brand to their client list and to be making some money.

A few years go by, Sam becomes more experienced, learns about industry rates and starts pricing their services accordingly.

The big brand comes back to knock on Sam's door.
More work of the same kind is required.

Sam looks back at the rate they accepted back then and is shocked.
They ask for more money on the new project.

The big brand doesn't understand why the price has changed so much.
Sam tries to explain that they didn't know better at the time and that these are the appropriate rates for the job.

The big brand ghosts Sam and goes elsewhere.

....

Don't be like Sam. Know your worth, even if you're only starting out.

Also don't be like the big brand and try to take advantage of inexperienced freelancers. 🙃