10 Red Flag Warnings Freelancers Shouldn't Ignore

10 Red Flag Warnings Freelancers Shouldn't Ignore

Author: Alvalyn Lundgren June 6, 2021 Duration: 19:08
It's no fun being trapped in a bad working relationship with a difficult client. We can put filters in place to screen out prospects who aren't a good fit for us, but what do we do when things begin well but go sour in the middle of a project? It's important to recognize the "red flags" and deal with them so that you can maintain a comfortable working relationship with your client. I break out 10 red flags that can pop up before and during a project. Why should you be aware of warning signs? Because these types of problems can impact you creatively and affect your ability to stay in business.

Alvalyn Lundgren guides the conversation on the Freelance Road Trip Podcast, a space built for independent creatives navigating the winding path of running their own practice. This isn't about abstract theory; it's a practical companion for designers, illustrators, and photographers who feel the constant push and pull between their artistic drive and the realities of invoices, clients, and sustainability. Each episode feels like a candid conversation from the passenger seat, tackling how to protect your creative energy while building a business that doesn't burn you out. You'll hear honest discussions about pricing your worth, finding clients who respect your vision, and setting boundaries that allow both your work and your well-being to thrive. The whole point of this podcast is to merge that innate creativity with actionable strategy, moving beyond just getting by to building something genuinely fulfilling. Tune in for a blend of mindset shifts and concrete steps that help you steer your freelance journey with more confidence and clarity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Freelance Road Trip Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Use Creative Briefs To Build Trust [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:45
Are you using a creative brief, also know as assignment or design brief, in your project development process? A brief can help you build trust with your clients for a variety of reasons. In this episode I share what a br…
Cultivating Limitless Success [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:08
How you think affects how well you do creatively and business-wise. What you think either hinders or promotes. We all struggle with limiting beliefs and negative thinking, but we don't have to embrace them. In this episo…
How The PRO Act Will Make Life Worse For Freelancers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:02
The PRO Act, which is now included in the massive infrastructure bill, and the Worker Flexibility and Small business Protection Act, will make things very difficult for freelance creatives if it becomes law with the ABC…
Budgeting Smarts For Freelancers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:26
Money is a necessary tool in business and life, and freelancers can embrace the budgeting process creatively. Budgeting is good stewardship, and enables you to maintain momentum when your income fluctuates month to month…
Contracts, Spec Work, and the Friends & Family Plan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:26
Freelance creatives can often get stuck on smaller problems, odd requests, and indecision. To that end, I offer insights to questions listeners and readers have asked regarding working on spec (speculatively), contracts,…
Does Formal Design Education Matter? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:53
A young designer asked me if formal education makes a difference in becoming successful. Having earned a degree, and having taught part-time in a design program for 25 years in addition to my design work, I have some bia…
Why the PRO Act Should Scare You [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:20
Freelancers of all types should be concerned about pending labor legislation. The ABC test to determine independent contractor vs. employee status in California's independent contractor law is being pushed forward nation…
Things They Don't Teach You In Design School [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:22
Talent, passion and a portfolio will get you through school, but you can't build a business on them. There's a gap between school and making a living. The gap exists even if you didn't attend design school. Now more than…
For Better Results Add Pliability To Your Planning [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:32
Things don't always go the way you planned, especially when it's more than just you involved. Clients and colleagues will surprise you. Responding well whether you're in the middle of favorable or unfavorable happenstanc…
Should Freelancers Work With Family and Friends? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:43
Friends and family should not be in your "ideal client" description. Why? Because all sorts of unexpected things happen that can suck your time, stress you out, and make you wish you'd never said "yes." In the episode I…