If you are a freelancer, the minimum amount of money you need to earn and to file a tax return is $400!
"Why is the number $400? While you may not owe any income taxes, as a freelancer, you must pay self-employment taxes in addition to regular income taxes. Self-employment taxes start if you earn $400 or more. Therefore you must file a tax return if you GROSS $400 OR MORE.”
NO is just as important as YES. I know it's hard to hear when you have bills to pay and a reputation to keep but saying yes to every project or new venture could actually be the death of your momentum.
BUT while the time does seem to slip away, it's easy to become sedentary. It's easy to get into a routine with your 3 clients, put your head down, and not see the light of day. I find it harder for artists to make boundaries since they have finally been released to work on the art and projects they have been most passionate about.
You know the feeling when you finally arrive at a beautiful place that so many people have described to you just to realize it's more beautiful that you expected?
Your expectations were low, maybe you already scooped out all the Instagram photos and Yelp reviews. But once there, once in the sight of such greatness, you realize it's better than expected.
“We can each define ambition and progress for ourselves. The goal is to work toward a world where expectations are not set by the stereotypes that hold us back, but by our personal passion, talents and interests.”
Expectations are everything. You can leave a really successful project unhappy just because your expectations were unrealistic. A client can leave a meeting with you incredible impressed because they expected "artists to not be professionals".
What are you doing to extend expectations of your clients, projects, stereotypes, and yourself? Have you taken the time to objectively consider what your expectations are and what your audience or client's expectations might be?
Your view of your outcome and success depends upon your expectations. This is one of the few things you are in control of as a freelance artists. And only you can decide what those are and only you can manage them.
3 MAJOR CHECK POINTS you should make time for:
1. What do you want out of this project or from my audience?
2. Am I sabotaging my own success by having unrealistic expectations?
3. Have I made my expectations clear to right people, including myself?
There will be days when you need to work alone. There will be hours needed in a noisy meeting or reception to share your work. You have to balance and indulge both climates. But it takes discipline and consistent practice.
