Freelancing as a creative under an ECD that I’m struggling with.

They have a very narrow idea of what the “right” answer is. But they don’t direct up front. Just react to work.

That would be manageable, but there aren’t reviews to hear those reactions. Just skipped slides/minimal feedback relayed to us.

It’s demotivating. And you can’t learn. Others clearly feel that way too.

Do I speak up and risk no more rebooking…or take the L and not rock the boat because…money?

likesmart
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

I’ll probably get roasted for saying this, but if you’re freelancing they’re not interested in teaching you. You’re a hired gun, and if you’re truly CD level (and not someone who self-promoted) you’re expected to perform at a certain level.

With that out of the way, sounds like this ECD might just be bad at giving direction and feedback. A lot of them are.

likesmart

This is the correct answer.

likesmart

Totally hear you all. You’re right. Hired gun - do the gig and don’t invest. Ego and desire to impress / make great work is certainly always going to be a factor.

For a bit more clarity of the situation - I’m not CDing on these projects, others are (though they’re not empowered to CD, more project manage for the ECD). And with the learning comment, it was more about trying to understand why the ECD thought something was right/wrong (it can be quite inexplicable and the Leads don’t even know)…so developing/starting again can be such guesswork. Just wastes so much time/energy.

But certainly at a broader level, you also don’t want to be arrogant enough that you stop learning. Who knows what they might know about their client/sector that could be valuable in future?

like

Hopefully you listen to the feedback you're getting here. Though it does sound like you're pushing back. But maybe I'm reading it wrong.

People are trying to help you, listen to them.

Speaking up will do you no good.

Would you rather get paid or be right?

likesmart

The magic of freelancing is that you know that there is a time to end. Finish your job and walk away. And get a better one. At this point in your career, you are a Creative Director, and not every opportunity will be a learning experience.

They hire freelancers at this level to do the job. not to train it up.

You can learn a lot about a bunch of things freelancing. about time management, efficiency, finances... if you expect a mentor to learn the craft, then freelancing might not be the best for you now.

like

Just roll with it. This is very common, even with full time employees, and as a freelancer there’s not much you can do about it without hurting your chances of being rebooked or referred.

There are tons of ECD’s out there that can’t manage. Dare I say this is the norm?

like

Speak up. Name names.

like

If you’re a freelancer, you’re contracted to help your client - not to learn from them. If you’re at CD level, yes, you are expected to own the work. That is true whether or not leadership is competent. Some ECDs are not competent. You can (and should) ask for clarity on feedback that isn’t clear. You can’t force it. If you’re not happy with the client, don’t work with them again.

like

Freelancer is just there to do the work. Do the work. Learn from the ECD on what not to do to. This is a good education that will make you more valuable.

like

Most places with let you go if you speak up as a freelancer. gold

One point I haven’t seen here yet: as a freelancer, you might not be working on the most important work. The ECD is likely busy and would prefer to spend 10 mins making notes in your deck instead of booking an hour meeting to go through everything with you. If you were a full timer working on something more important, it’s possible the ECD would have a totally different approach.

They are using you and paying you for it. Is what it is. No ego allowed.

I don’t know, how about learn from this person? Maybe they know a lot more than you do? They clearly have a lot more experience.

Related Posts

Currently a US consultant with a pitch in the Proptech space looking to digitalize part of the home buying process that’s currently still very manual. I’ve had calls along the value chain with strong reception over the past few weeks. Anyone with Proptech investing / operating experience looking to chat?

like

Would you recommend downtown Dubai (marina) or Al Maha desert resort for a couple of days after the Maldives

like

Hi Fishes, I would like to know if any team here gets MacBook.

Anyone here have experience on the client side? Pros? Cons? I would like to move to a place where I can dive deep into one brand instead of half a dozen at the same time. Would be nice to understand what a work/life balance feels like as well.

like

Referral Altert - Software Engineer - Python(MakeMyTrip)
MIN 1 YOE
dm for referral

Post Photo

Is there concept of bench in product companies

like

Clients look at me like I’m the agency research person and all I can think is “I want no part of your shitty concept testing because that’s not real research that will ever lead to anything insightful

like

Salary Benchmarking :

What are the pay levels for a Senior Consultant or equivalent positions across different management consulting firms in India?
(We join as Consultants in Deloitte post Bschool, and it takes 2-4 years to get promoted to an SC)

I can start. For most people, Deloitte USI pays 25 - 34 LPA (Fixed) + 10% variable

likehelpful

Is the notice period for AVPs 3 months in hsbc?

like

US Police or HK Police ?

likefunny

At a small firm, place went through layoffs a few months ago. Been on the bench for a Month. Just feel I’m waiting for the doom invite to drop into my cal now. Sigh.

like

Weird question alert: When did your daughters start “developing?” Noticing signs in my soon to be ten year old, which is a little concerning, as my sister has huge...tracks of land. Would rather my daughter didn’t have to deal with what I remember she had to. Anyone remember?

like

23F, work location is not really a consideration rn but curious to hear which neighborhood is better to live in, FiDi vs. Kips Bay?

like

How much does Infosys pay to a JL5 and JL6 for onsite? After how many years after joining do they send abroad? Infosys

like

How does the pre-tax parking benefit work at kpmg? There isn't much detail on ssc or benefits connection but it seems like it is on the honor system vs a separate account like FSA?

Hi, please help me getting 11❤ to unlock dm. Thanks!

like

How much are firms currently looking to hire within the advisory practice given there may be signs of recession? Will it be easy to internal transfer to MC with an above average rating?

like

Probably worst time but I’m looking to relocate to AUS from Canada - thoughts on this occurring in next 12 months giving hiring environment? Hard to tell without being there on the ground

like

Has anyone tried out faking a language or framework on your resume and making it through without having much knowledge in it , did it work out ? Can it work out as I think languages are not that difficult to pick up if you know some other programming languages really well.Thoughts ?

Additional Posts in Advertising

Weekend chatter. What movie makes you cry every time you watch it? And what scene? I'll start: perks of being a wall flower when he calls his sister when she's at the party

like

Working with another agency on a project and think I'd rather work there. Protocol for reaching out to someone to pick their brain? Email? LinkedIn message?

like

Facebook shutting down Oculus Story Studio... VR dead?

like

‘And I would rather be anywhere else, but here today...'

Post Photo
like

Love the role and opportunity, but anyone ever turn down a job offer because their prospective office looked like crap? Think 1980's old school office.

like

Got laid off. Just started at the agency. Was so excited because it’s a great shop. Now what?

likehelpful

Looking to learn more about the people behind the agencies. Could anyone tell me who’s actually driving the best work at:

-WK
-Droga5
-Martin
-Goodby Silverstein

Feel free to call out any top talent from an agency not listed above.

likefunny

Having the clients love an idea you had to fight to present is a bittersweet win- you feel validated, but also wish your team backed you from the start...anyone else experience this?

like

Are Droga or Anomaly open to sponsoring work visas for mid-senior folks outside of the US?

like

Like this post if you want to TP one of Sir Martin's houses with me.

like

So Q1 has been abnormally weak for agencies across the board, right? Is it fair to say Trump is finally starting to effect the economy?

like

How much of your job is actually solving a business problem with creativity, and how much of it is just providing corporate self care to wealthy clients who hate you?

likesmart

I feel like I am not good at what I do... but don’t see myself doing anything else.

like

VMLY&R merged with Geometry, to develop the "most powerful commerce capability and ad agency at global scale", who's worked with them because this seems like a stretch based on my experience with both.

likefunny

Anyone hiring a UX Designer in Atlanta? I know someone who got laid off

like

Hey. An observation. Every post and comment on here for the past month has been negative as fuck. Yes, life is rough right now. But advertising as a paying job is hilarious and we should all take a beat to remember that.

like

Any great resume-writer recos? I need help!

like

Did anyone else 'fishbowl' cars in high school?

like

Agency producers- 3D animatic vs animatic vs boardomatic? Which medium do you think tests better in research?

like

Year in search was a little off the mark, no?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal