Ok, freelancers. It’s that time of year again to take stock of how we did in 25’. I’ll kick it off. Slow start but finished nicely, with 276k. Hope next year holds steady. How did you do?

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320k. Not as good as the previous 2 years, but given soft market I’m not complaining.

Key for me has been diversifying what I do and keeping a really strong, happy network.

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i think in the 550 zone but i had a steady gig year round on top of double dipping so that won't happen again i assume

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Goat!!🐐

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Why do we do this

likefunny

430

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Mother/father

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I’m at ~275 but I only worked 10 months out of the year.

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These seem like strong numbers. Do you all bill hourly or by project? And are you working mostly with agencies or direct to brand?

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Day rate and all agency side.

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Will end on $650k.

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Please teach us your ways

Maybe like 90... i'm also like, junior/mid and was just not working for half the year so it's nbd i guess

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In 2024, I made around $275k. This year, I made around $50k. Worked for about 2.5 months total.

Anybody else have an awful year? I’m honestly surprised so many people made so much. I thought many creatives were struggling.

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Have to ask…how much of that goes to taxes and health insurance?

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Depending on your bracket and how you file, you’ll want to put aside at least 30% for taxes.

Health insurance on a decent PPO depends on location, income, health and family circumstances but looking at at least $900 p/month for a single adult. Not incl. dental or vision. Might be able to claim some back on taxes.

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Op, are you art or copy?

I could be wrong, but I have this theory that art directors are way more in demand than copywriters rn.

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Damn. I worked probably half the year. Broke six figures. Y’all need to show me your ways.

Drop the ‘associate’.

funny

I want to cry

I’m already crying

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I’ve never negotiated or secured day rate before. Any advice/insights? Currently at $185k and may hit 200 before year is up.

My best year yet, I did $450k 💁🏼‍♀️ mostly as ACD, worked a lot and double even triple dipped for a month, it was a lot of times so might take it easier next year.

Clearly this post attracts all the baller creatives.

Maybe a select few creatives double/triple/quadruple dip and make bank. And then the bottom 98% struggle?

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