Re: My ADD is really bad lately!!

[Patte Rosebank]

Distractedmomma, besides my “real” job in Front-of-House at a live theatre, I also do freelance work as a performer, voice artist, and costume designer. Here’s what I’ve learned:

Professionalism depends more on your attitude than on payment. I’ve been in shows that were paying, but about as unprofessional as you could get. I’ve also been in some non-paying shows that were run as though they were full-Equity productions. So approach each job as though you were a professional.

I know paperwork is kryptonite to the ADHD brain, but you really have to stay on top of it, as you go along. If you let it build up into a huge pile, it’ll be that much harder for you to do it.

Get all contracts in writing. They should clearly define exactly what you’re going to do, how much it will cost, the delivery date, and your policy on refunds (especially for cancellations on short notice). They should also state who owns the rights to your work, and how it can be used. You don’t want to do all that work taking the photos, and then have the client use them for some sort of marketing purposes, without crediting you and paying you royalties. Or get reprints from some other source without your knowledge or consent.

You should also scope out the place ahead of time to plan positions and lighting needs. And be sure to arrive well ahead of the start of the event! As for remembering it, use a written notebook and/or a Smartphone and a timer (to make sure you leave with plenty of time to get there) and write it on the side of your hand, to really make sure you remember!

As for payment, there are two ways to approach it. Both involve setting up a separate bank account, just to hold any payments in trust (untouched) until the client signs off that the work is completed to their satisfaction, and they release you from any further obligation, now or in the future. That way, in the unlikely event you have to refund their money, you’ll still have it.

One is to get all payment up-front. The other is to get a deposit of 50% of the price for your services up-front, and the rest before you hand over the finished work.

As you build more experience, put together a portfolio of your best work, and ask clients to write a testimonial/reference letter. Both of these methods will inspire confidence in potential clients.

Good luck!

REPORT ABUSE