The Value Of Our Creative Work

The Value Of Our Creative Work

Author: Alvalyn Lundgren January 20, 2022 Duration: 14:42

One of the things that is often disregarded is the value of creativity, and especially the value of creativity to business. There's the mindset that, "You're doing what you love to do. It's creative, it's fun. You shouldn't expect to be paid much for it because your payment is in the enjoyment of what you do." That's true to some extent — we should enjoy our work. The thing is, though, that we need to look at what we do as having value beyond just the enjoyment. In Episode 101 I state the case that commerce and media need what we creatives do.


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
How to Have Better Client Meetings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:29
If you're a freelancer, client meetings are inevitable. Whether online, by phone, or in person, meetings are necessary for getting united around common goals and purpose, determining next steps and responsibilities. But…
How To Start Freelancing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:20
The way you'll create a sustainable freelance business is by focusing on the long term, pursuing valuable clients and projects, and systematizing your efforts in marketing and management. The first thing to embrace is th…
Reasons To Start Freelancing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:06
We're in a prime time right now to build and grow. The freelance economy is booming. In the US, freelancers and independent contractors have contributed almost $6B to the economy. The climate is encouraging for businesse…
Help! I Need More Clients [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:52
To stay in business freelancers need clients, and we're commonly asking where to find more clients. The obvious freelance platforms and talent agencies aren't always the best choice for a variety of reason, and they shou…
Mindset Shifts Every Freelance Creative Must Make [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:33
To succeed in business as a freelance creative requires shifting from functioning solely as a creative — an illustrator, a designer, a photographer, a copywriter, an artist — to functioning as the owner of a creative bus…
Resumés and Portfolios For Freelancers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:47
You're a freelance creative. Do you need a resumé? That depends on how you find clients. For freelancers who promote their creative services to clients directly, the portfolio is what attracts. In this episode I share th…
Are You A Freelancer Or A Business Owner? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:03
Have you encountered opinions that if you're a freelancer you don't have a real business? Or that you shouldn't call yourself a freelancer at all because it means you're a misclassified and employee who's being taken adv…
Who's In Control? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:52
If you're a freelancer you're not an employee. Yet many independent contractors position themselves as an employee for all practical purposes when working with clients. This approach can end up costing you in a number of…
Sales Taxes, Income Taxes, and Freelance Creatives [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:14
One aspect of freelancing is that you get to deal with different kinds of taxes. In this episode, which is sparked by a conversation with one of my coaching clients, I discuss income taxes and sales taxes, and your respo…
How To Protect Your Work During A Creative Review [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:17
As a follow-on to a recent episode, I go in-depth into why and how it's important for both our clients and us to ensure our work isn't used before it's ready. Creative reviews — those work-in-progress presentations with…