This is how you put (creative) Baby in a corner.

So let me ask you a question.

When was the last time you were told something was going to cost, "X" and you requested a way lower rate? Like half off?

When your vet told you your pet's visit cost $100, did you pay? Or haggle?

When your cashier told you your groceries were going to cost $200, did you pay? Or haggle?

When your roofer told you your new roof was going to cost $4000, did you pay? Or haggle?

When your child's coach told you uniforms were going to cost $250, did you pay? Or haggle?

When the airline said your ticket was going to cost you $175, did you pay? Or haggle

Here's the thing. With most businesses, we accept that having something done is going to cost a certain amount.

And we come up with an ideal budget. An exchange of value.

Sure, we may get a few quotes (air conditioner installation, roofing, moving) but ultimately, we know that in exchange for services we will likely pay an amount between X and Y.

But when it comes to creativity? Business owners are constantly trying to make a deal and get it for less.

Which is ridiculous when you consider that the right creative elements (design, copy, branding) have the potential to make companies MILLIONS every year.

And in fact, I myself have experience creating marketing + content strategies that have helped generate millions in revenue for several companies.

You know what I got paid for every single one of those efforts?

$25 per hour.

Which makes me puke a little, now.

That I had so little faith in myself and my years spent honing these incredible writing and strategizing talents, meant to help others build their dreams.

That HAVE built dreams.

But honestly, this is how I operated for almost ten years.

I called myself a freelancer instead of a business owner.

I stumbled through pricing calls with potential clients.

And I settled for less. Always settled for less.

So why do we as creatives accept this as standard?

Why are we willing to haggle instead of hold firm knowing what we bring to the table?

Over the last year, as I've worked to shift my mindset toward being a business owner, I've set hard and fast boundaries around my pricing.

Pricing I deserve because I know what I bring to the conference table.

Because it's not for everyone.

But guess what?

I no longer want to work for everyone!

I want to work for the people that value me, my work, and the receipts I carry.

And the best part? Is that those people are finding me, too. ❤️