Being a freelance videographer, or freelance anything for that matter, is a lot like being a rogue warrior with no sense of direction, but a will and drive to find and complete new missions. There is almost never a set schedule, no constant income most of the time, but yet somehow, the bills get paid and you still have time to grab a beer or two with friends and talk about how you were able to sleep in until 10:00 am while everyone else was already awake for a few hours. Sure you might not be the guy in your group of friends with the nicest car, the biggest house or largest paycheck, but having a sense of entrepreneurship and accomplishment is something that no one can ever challenge or take away.
While being a freelance artist there are highs and lows, like most jobs I have held in my young career. But one aspect of being a freelancer that most other positions cannot provide is a true test of character. Yes, many careers paths may take you on a journey and test your patience, talent and even mental strength, but nothing truly compares to the life of a freelancer, in my humble opinion. Now do not get me wrong, I believe most people work very hard for their living and would never take that away from them, but when put into a position where you must create your own income to provide for your family or self, there is no other feeling like it. It is a bit more than just getting up and going to the same cubical day in and day out.
In a profession like video production where it is viewed, and rightly so, as a luxury and not a necessity, it is difficult to demonstrate ones talents consistently in order to constantly be adding clients. There are just as many times when a potential client has come to me asking about video as there are instances where I have contacted or provided examples to companies as to why they should hire me. Many of them enjoy and fantasize the idea of having a video of their company, popular Youtube channels or flash animations for their website, but when it comes down to finalizing your contract, that is where it all starts to crumble in front of your eyes. You start to feel like the kid on the playground that is picked last to play baseball, or worse yet, not picked at all. And this is where, as a self employed “struggling artist”, your heart, motivation and drive truly get tested.
As many things in life though, with every downside and struggle, there is usually a flip side to it all. A sunny side. A happy side. A client impressing, money making machine side. And when you least expect it, it will smack you in the face, take you on the best roller coaster ride of your life and leave you looking back pondering to yourself, “Did that just happen?” Luckily I have been a recipient of this side just as much, if not a little bit more, than the dark side of freelancing. My opportunities have taken me to work alongside famous fitness trainers, UFC Heavyweight champions and editing footage from around the world including the likes of Kenya, Canada and Fiji. This is where freelancing truly shines. The diverse catalog of clients and projects that has taken me on a fun and exciting trip over the years never seems to get old. Even building and managing my own Youtube channel has turned into an exciting aspect of my life and career, which is now a successful Partner channel with Youtube.
As much fun as it can be, the fact of the matter is that it is still a job and just like all other jobs, it needs to be taken seriously if you want to be successful. And sorry to burst and bubbles or dreams here, though I should not be repeating anything that most people do not already know. Your talents can take you far in life, but sometimes who you know and how you carry yourself can get you further. And I do not mean go out and kiss everyone’s butt out in the world just to make connections, though sometimes it may help, I mean that you need to surround yourself with the right people. And not only in your field, but in life. Having a supportive family and group of friends is always a huge added bonus and giant boost in personal morale. And the best thing about friends is that you can always find new ones if they do not support you! Finding a new family might be a tougher task.
If you are reading this as someone who always wanted to be their own boss and venture into the world of freelancing, I hope this article shed a little light on the subject and has pointed you in the right direction. And if you are currently a fellow freelancer feel free to share any comments on your own personal experiences.
-Matt P
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Tags: editor, family, freelancer, friends, life, love, making, money, of, raos, story, video
