Over the winter months I had a run of freelance work that was a saving grace financially. I was working on 3 projects simultaneously and making a decent supplemental income. Now, when I need the money the most, the work has seemingly dried up.
One local designer I know had an interesting idea. He's worked in big agencies in the past and was always frustrated that he was making a pittance compared to the billings on the accounts. He went freelance, and charges big-boy prices for big-boy projects. He wants other creatives in on the secret.
At this time his model is in beta form, and I obviously can't divulge the idea behind it. It begs the question though, why do we need agencies to facilitate selling our creative? How can creatives establish themselves as "go-to" guys for big, expensive projects? Why can't a collective like Superbeast tap into this model? Seriously, people posting on this blog are CD's, CW's, AD's, Editors, designers, developers etc. We have all the makings of a crack-staff of willing creatives. Why aren't we helping each other make dolla dolla bills yo!
9 comments:
This isn't another one of your half-baked pyramid schemes is it? If it's not, I call Creative Director!
If it is one of your half-baked pyramid schemes, I call Creative Director!
Dammit Burk, I'm trying to inspire thought here...
...and figure out a way to build a new garage and buy a new water heater.
Big companies love big companies and a "proven track record" and an "office" and "shiney guys in suits".
I know what you're trying to do, I just don't want to talk about how we'll do it, I just want someone to tell me how. So tell me, how will we do this so I don't have to talk about how we'll do it?
I could really use a nice set of knives.
You're right Falch, but small to mid-tier companies that expect great work often can't afford the big time dudes. Still their budgets would make all of us feel like millionaires.
There are numerous examples of people in this very town that live off of this model to successful results. Furthermore the trend of smaller shops and boutiques that reel in amazing accounts speaks to what I'm talking about. A buzz can compensate for the lack of "big" in my opinion.
Cut out the fucking middle man all ready.
My question is how can we?
With guns! Or blunt instruments. Or, worse yet, caustic words!
Do I really need to win the lottery to sell ideas?
We have all of the pieces in place here on this very blog to entertain the idea of bidding on work. Aside from the tax issues of such a venture, I would trust any of you more than the handful of agencies in this town that win such work and act like they did something amazing once they got it.
I think we have to wait until we're old and comfortable and scared before we could do it. And then we'll be too old and comfortable and scared to do it.
We could always try caustic words and blunt objects.
When we do it, can we only have one account person?
Post a Comment