Since when did the definition of “freelance” become, “Unemployed starving artist?” Does anyone know how this happened? I discontinued using the term “freelance,” as it relates to my business and occupation a few years ago when I discovered that it has, “I’m a starving artist,” written all over it. In conversations with non-industry people the word unknowingly had negative implications of the success of my business. Was it the way I was SAYING it? Was it the tone in my voice? Was it just the people I was talking to that just didn’t understand?
Here is how the conversation would go. (P.S. it’s just a tad exaggerated, but you get the idea.) haha.
PERSON: “Well, what do you do for work?”
ME: “I’m a freelance graphic designer.”
PERSON: OOOOOOh (surprised look)… gotcccchhha. (cue the Oh-man-I’d-hate-to-be-in-your-shoes facial expression)…Well, my great aunt is part of the small business networking club and surely she can get you more work. Do you want her card?”
ME: “Oh that is really kind of you, thank you, (trying to recover the SOUTH headed conversation), but my schedule is really full.”
PERSON: “OHH! (surprised look again) WOW! So, you’re successful then?!?!?”
(awkward)
ME: “Ummmm, uhhhh…hmm…Yea, I guess so.”
Haha. That’s a tad awkward, right? After I had one too many of those types of conversations I discontinued using the word “Freelance” all together, and changed it to, “I own my own graphic design studio.” I have found that for some reason the change in language and presentation has saved me from having to recover a socially awkward and uncomfortable situation. It surprises me how wording things can change so much in a conversation.
Have you ever used the word or something similar and got the same response? How do you describe what you do to people? Do you have a one-line description decided upon a head of time?
+ - 26 comments
ellie - When introducing myself as a photographer, I would often add the fact that I was 17. That threw some people off and they were just concerned with how old I was and not the fact that I produced decent work. I started introducing myself as a wedding and couple photographer, gave my business card, chatted for a bit, and then if it came up, told them that I was a senior in highschool. Then, I got the “oh my goodness! you are super good for your age!” instead of the sympathetic nods. Works like a charm.
Luke Copping - I think a lot of freelancers could benefit from changing their frame of mind on this – I have been thinking about it a lot lately too, “freelance” does seem to carry a new negative connotation these days – especially when put in relation to the shaky economy and that many creatives who had full time positions are now freelancing by necessity rather than those who freelance by preference and choice. It is starting to change the cultural perception and definition of freelancing. I too have been moving away from using that language in how I present myself.
Caytlyn - This is great advice actually, I haven’t run into this situation yet, but thanks for the heads up so I know what to avoid. The problem I run into most as a student is not getting “freelance” work, but just people asking for me to do work for free! Don’t get me wrong I love helping friends out, but sometimes with all the projects I am working on for classes it’s hard to take on more work that I don’t get paid for. I am sure this is mostly my fault (I need to work on being able to say no) but at the same time it’s tough to turn down a “real” project that could be used in my portfolio. I understand this is an entirely different topic…any advice though?
Abigail Bradshaw - The worst things I did when starting out were talk about my age (I was 21) and say the word freelance. Now, I leave the age out of it and I use “independent creative” – because I do more than just design. I also tailor my description of myself to the people that I’m talking to, depending on the setting.
Leith Chamberlain - SO true! Using the word “freelance” is a deathblow to the independent designer/photographer, etc. It also connotes willingness to work “in-house” in someone’s cubicle, under florescent lights while muzak plays, for an hourly wage…deadly! I prefer “Independent Designer” or “Owner of Leith Design Group.” This also tends to make people who are “looking for a favor” think first before asking for your professional services for free.
Anda - LOL. I love this.
kelly lane - haha this cracked me up! Good seeing you in Vegas!
Jennifer - I thought this post was a bit funny…well…because I just had this very conversation myself. Statistics show good freelancers (good being the key word) can make upwards of $40,000 take home a year.
Why is good the key word? Because “good” freelancers, understand they run a business be it under a sole proprietership, LLC, or partnership. They dress for success, they schedule, they understand they are in a business, what their limitations are and when to outsource.
There are two other sides to this coin as well. (I won’t delve into one lest I start an argument, but I am sure you know what it is.) The corporate greed doesn’t help either, you know the “dumbing down” Hey, we have this contest, enter your work. Oh and if you win, you’ll get mentioned (like that was ever an option) as your prize and oh yeah, we get to keep your work. It’s not hard to see how things started looking so bad -and a good graphic designer knows to stay away from these type contests.
Allegra Villella - Haha, soo true! Maybe it’s because I’m young and still in school, but when I tell people I’m a photographer they ask me, “oh, so what do you want to do with that?” …. I’m already doing exactly what I want to do with that, thank you
Great post!
Gabby / En Route Photography - The same things happens to me ALWAYS!!! But I also find that when I say that I have my own photography company (which is true) they tend to think that I’m running a multimillion dollar corporation… haha rather that than a starving artist! ;D
Catriona - lol this is soooo true! I work freelance in the TV industry. So when I tell ppl I am a freelancer I get the same looks. Then I’m like ‘yeah but I have been in full time work since I graduated from film school, in fact I have to turn down jobs just to get a holiday!’. There is no choice but to be a freelancer in my industry! The only person that was an employee at my old company was the receptionist and the boss! The 45 other full time hard working ppl were all ‘freelancers’. It’s ironic because you have to work so much harder! Every time you email that invoice through you know you have earn it!
erin aka eef - I just recently noticed this negative connotation–I used to freelance in college (4+ years ago) and I don’t feel like it had a negative connotation at all. I just started freelancing again this year and I’ve definitely noticed people think it just means “unemployed” now! =\
Michelle Taylor Greene - Great post & food for thought! After reading this, I immediately removed the words, “self-taught & freelance” from my About page on my website. I didn’t realize freelance was synonymous to starving artist. Yikes! The power of words… gotta love it! By the way, you are an amazing & inspiring graphic designer… continue to shine!
Yvette Gioia - Stopped saying I am a photographer…people seem to think we are a dime a dozen these days…I am a Fine Art Portrait Artist. Huge difference…This is usually followed by, “do you have a studio?” which thankfully I do…but if I did not have a retail space…I would still refer to a home studio as a studio…with my head held high…gotta be confident and believe in yourself…or no matter what you call it…they wont believe you.
Marcie - I’ve never really thought of the term “freelance” having a negative connotation. I could see how some people could view it that way, though! I’ve always viewed it in a more “free to choose what I create” type of light! I do have a question for someone who’s maybe wanting to go down the freelance/self-taught route of graphic design….where would be a good place to start? I’ve been interested in possibly pursuing a career in graphic design, but with my husband and I’s work schedules, school would be a little difficult at this moment. Is there anything, apart from online schools, that I could start doing from home to help that get started?
alexandra - haven’t encountered this yet but i recently left my fulltime job to waitress and work on perfecting my craft and every time i tell people what i’m doing they’re like “OH! wow! good for you?” and then immediately change topics.
Victoria - I never really thought “freelance” sounded negative but I can totally see what you mean. Especially to people that think you need to get a “real” job. Thanks for posting this! My boyfriend and I are both freelance so I’ll definitely keep this in mind : )
Victoria
Forever Fashionably Late
Annie - My new boss used to work as a photographer and asked to see my work and showed me his. He has photographed the likes of Whoopi Goldberg, whereas mine I kept excusing as “art”. He didn’t understand…
Wonderful Wednesday!! Take inspiration from failure! » Alex Beadon Photography - [...] Freelance=Unemployed starving artist?!?!? – A great post by Promise Tangeman, I can so relate! [...]
Nate Eaton - Great post Promise. It’s an important reminder that different terms mean different things to people depending on their background.
I think some of the stigma against “Freelance Graphic Designer” or “Freelance Photographer” or even “Freelance Writer” is that so many other professions have adopted using the term “Freelance” as well. So when average Johnny Q. Public hears it, it’s lost real meaning and becomes synonymous with “unemployed”.
I heard someone say once though (and I don’t remember who, otherwise I would attribute it to them) that you shouldn’t introduce yourself as just a graphic designer or just a photographer because that means so many things to people. Like Yvette said earlier about calling herself a “Fine Art Portrait Artist”, that helps distinguish what you do and makes it more tangible.
So instead of saying, “I’m a graphic designer,” it’s better to tailor my response to the listener. For instance, “I create apparel designs for retailers and non-profit businesses,” or “I help increase e-commerce for businesses by improving their website design.”
Or even for you Promise, with the work you do with Sitehouse, you could say, “Part of what I do is help other creatives promote their services on the internet.”
Again, excellent post. Sorry that I got a little long-winded.
Tell Brian I said hello.
Daisy - I have started saying I’m a portrait photographer, rather than a photographer….amazing the difference. And my confidence in saying that grows with each job, slowly but surely. Several years back I would say I did photography on the side….and I always felt people weren’t taking me seriously.
To Jennifer: Gosh, yes, the “contest” angle has driven me nuts for years!!!! And people always want to tell you about these contests as if they hold such amazing opportunity. Love it. haha!
Required Reading 3.2.2012 | Luke Copping Photography - Blog - [...] • Has the interpretation of the word Freelancer changed into a negative one? | Freelance = Unemployed Starving Artist?!? [...]
Christina LeMarr - THANK YOU for this post! I’ve been trying to find ways to market myself verbally, and to also market myself mentally! You do get strange looks when using the term “freelance”. After two lay-offs (with-in two months of each other) I’m taking my chances and building my own design business. Like with anything, it takes time and LOTS of patience. Thank you again, your posts help keep me motivated and inspired
Natalie Cleveland - My Nana is a children’s author. She said at writing conventions they tell you that you should be able to explain your new book in the length of time it takes to get from one floor to another in an elevator. I think the same should apply to the “What do you do?” question. Great post. I’m working on my 2 sentence explanation now….hmmmm…. **thinking**
Josie - Definitely! people always jump to conclusions with how to “name” a job. when I worked in retail if I just said “oh, I work for Gap” I’d get “ooooooh, well are you going to college”, but if I said “I’m a visual manager for Gap” I’d get “oh! that’s SO cool, what exactly do you do?”
and now, if I say, “I work from home” I get the “oh… well are you guys going to start having kids?” but if I say “I sell vintage and handmade clothing online” I get excited talking.
People are so funny!
PS. I super adore your work, you’re very inspiring!
Andrea - I had never, ever thought about that before but that makes total sense. I’ve always said freelancer because I didn’t want to sound bigger than I was but now I think it’s time to let go of the self-limiting thoughts and embrace a new title! Thank you