Product strategist helping brands like Urban Outfitters, Miu Miu, Loewe & Acne Studios shape what’s next. I read culture, spot shifts, and turn them into future products, stories & experiences. Ask me anything on trends, branding, or product vision 👀

Victoria Diaz

Hej! I totally get you ,Freelance is hard. Yes, you get to work on own terms and avoid toxic work environment but it has all kind of challenges. I also agree that many companies (the big ones) do not fully trust freelancers when in need of relevant or strategic solutions.

Here a few actions that so far helped me to build a trustful and longterm relationship with my clients:

#1 Honesty. Be honest with your clients from day 1. By honesty I mean do not promise them hard to fulfill deadlines or results. If asked your opinion be open and honest with your answers, your clients will appreciate it the most. Be honest with your self too, ask yourself, if the work that you have done freelance is worth attention and if you are proud of it.

#2 Be present: be responsive and answer their mails or messages promptly, don’t become hard to get ghost because then you loose connection and trust.

#3 Set boundaries: agencies don’t work 24/7 so you as an individual shouldn’t. To set healthy boundaries with build trust. Set a working schedule that work for you and your clients (think of clients on a different timezone). Such working scheme will also prevent burnout and will maximize creative productivity.

#4 Think in long terms: whenever asked to rate a task offer two price options with one option being a single task and a different fee for 2+ tasks. using your critical thinking bring new tasks you could do for your clients. Offer services they might not know they need.

#5 Testimonials: gather testimonials from your current and previous clients quoting them on their journey working with you. Testimonials from well known companies will attract other well known companies. Never be shy about the results you make and things you make happen. Share, teach, expand. Also gather with colleagues so you get a real picture of what companies are looking for in role like yours.

Babe, I hope some of my advices are helpful. Here a few links that might be useful and inspiring building your freelance career:

The British Council Creative Economy champions global creativity by fostering connections and collaborations across cultures. Through its resources section, provides invaluable insights, support, and opportunities for creative professionals worldwide, facilitating growth and innovation within the creative industries.

The Inclusive Design Guide by The Inclusive Design Research Centre provides comprehensive insights into inclusive design principles, emphasising accessibility and diversity. Covering various domains such as digital interfaces, architecture, and product design, it offers practical strategies to create environments and products that cater to the needs of all individuals.

Creative Lives in Progress, is an inclusive creative careers resource on a mission to transform the way emerging talent access, understand and connect with the industry. It is great place to start your creative journey.

Hej! I totally get you ,Freelance is hard. Yes, you get to work on own terms and avoid toxic work environment but it has all kind of challenges. I also agree that many companies (the big ones) do not fully trust freelancers when in need of relevant or strategic solutions.

Here a few actions that so far helped me to build a trustful and longterm relationship with my clients:

#1 Honesty. Be honest with your clients from day 1. By honesty I mean do not promise them hard to fulfill deadlines or results. If asked your opinion be open and honest with your answers, your clients will appreciate it the most. Be honest with your self too, ask yourself, if the work that you have done freelance is worth attention and if you are proud of it.

#2 Be present: be responsive and answer their mails or messages promptly, don’t become hard to get ghost because then you loose connection and trust.

#3 Set boundaries: agencies don’t work 24/7 so you as an individual shouldn’t. To set healthy boundaries with build trust. Set a working schedule that work for you and your clients (think of clients on a different timezone). Such working scheme will also prevent burnout and will maximize creative productivity.

#4 Think in long terms: whenever asked to rate a task offer two price options with one option being a single task and a different fee for 2+ tasks. using your critical thinking bring new tasks you could do for your clients. Offer services they might not know they need.

#5 Testimonials: gather testimonials from your current and previous clients quoting them on their journey working with you. Testimonials from well known companies will attract other well known companies. Never be shy about the results you make and things you make happen. Share, teach, expand. Also gather with colleagues so you get a real picture of what companies are looking for in role like yours.

Babe, I hope some of my advices are helpful. Here a few links that might be useful and inspiring building your freelance career:

 champions global creativity by fostering connections and collaborations across cultures. Through its 

, provides invaluable insights, support, and opportunities for creative professionals worldwide, facilitating growth and innovation within the creative industries.

 provides comprehensive insights into inclusive design principles, emphasising accessibility and diversity. Covering various domains such as digital interfaces, architecture, and product design, it offers practical strategies to create environments and products that cater to the needs of all individuals.

, is an inclusive creative careers resource on a mission to transform the way emerging talent access, understand and connect with the industry. It is great place to start your creative journey.

Many brands I'd like to work for do not trust freelancers. They will not tell it openly but I can feel it. How can I build trust as a solo? Thank you Victoria!

Victoria Diaz

How to be trusted as freelancer?

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Victoria Diaz