Ask any creator what the worst part of their job is and nine times out of ten they'll answer with, "getting paid".
From deciding your rates, to compiling an invoice, to chasing said invoice for the next 3-6 months, it’s a chore from start to finish. Especially as stereotypically if you have chosen a career in the creative industry, numbers may not be your strong suit (speaking for myself here).
Working for free is not a viable or enticing option for many (and rightly so!) and so figuring out the payment process is a necessary evil. Lucky for us, other like-minded people have made it their mission to simplify the process and help their fellow creatives get that bread.
Image by Talenthouse Creator Max Zhuravlev
One such handy tool is a Rate Calculator for Freelancers created by Maz Hedgehog. The spreadsheet helps you to work out your monthly outgoings and then suggests an hourly rate, taking tax, savings and holiday time into account. There's a UK specific version that has UK tax information included, and a global version which you can change to any currency ya damn well like.
I created a rate calculator for freelancers!
— Maz Hedgehog (they/them) (@MazHedgehog) October 25, 2021
It estimates (UK) tax and everything
It's much cheaper than an accountant and hella easy to use https://t.co/l2NKLFP7D1
The calculator is available on Maz's website and she asks for a low contribution in return.
Another of our favorite freelancer platforms is aptly named Fuck You Pay Me, and allows creatives to see what others in the industry are getting paid for similar campaigns, and brands to reduce the opportunity for exploitation.
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As stated on their website “your bank would never accept ‘exposure’ as payment. Neither should you.”
The creator economy, for all its many benefits, can be harsh to those just starting out. Even seasoned pros can often get caught out, with many being underpaid and overworked. By putting the power back in the hands of creators, tools such as these create a community of support, knowledge and fairness. Remember, there is power in numbers.
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Tell us what you think!