A few things..
I don't like the term "freelancer"..its an excuse to become a doormat. You own a company, even if you are one person. Your website should reflect that. The difference between owning a motion graphics design company and doing freelance motion graphic design should net a higher rate. It even sounds better. Again, even if its just you, start to think of yourself as a company. The change of speech from "my company would like to work with you" from "I am available for freelance work" makes a difference, perception is key.
You say you have been doing this for 5 years..so have you been upping your rate? You have 5 years of experience now, you need to move to a new bracket of work. The biggest pitfall is creative artists stay in their bracket, afraid to move out, they are just happy to have clients. As you progress in your career, you will outgrow clients, your asking price will cause existing clients to need to move on. If you don't progress, you just attract more of the same clients, at the same rate. Think bigger and tackle potential clients you would not have even approached 5 years ago.
Listen to my podcast "Media Artist Secrets" in iTunes. The process of marketing and branding yourself is a hugely creative and fun task. It's a skill and art that needs to be developed. Become a creative marketing ninja and read business books and learn to pimp yourself anywhere and everywhere. The more chances you take, the bigger your circle of contacts is, the more often you'll get great opportunities. Donald Trump no longer focuses on 3 story condo buildings. He's moved on. He has a unique thirst to take it to the next level, ready or not. The creative people who have this desire become very successful, it does not even depend on skills often, its tenacity and drive. The day you decide IF you want to take on the client (as opposed to you NEED to take on this client) is when you start to make progress.
Fire grinders. If you feel a client is constantly taking advantage, cut them loose. Don't be happy just to be working. Aim higher and find clients the same quality as you are. If you are waiting for checks, and doing work upfront while your client takes their time, they do not respect you and they do not deserve your services. Years ago when I turned away grinders and people who were at a lower level business-wise ("I'd rather starve" was my mantra) was when my creative career really kicked into high gear and I have been doing great ever since, especially last year and this, even in a down economy.
You drive ALWAYS needs to be HIGHER than your talent. If you talent is HIGHER than your drive, you will just join thousands of creative artists who are struggling.
FInally...download the song "You Get What You Give" by New Radicals...that song always get me going! ;)
Frank
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Franklin McMahon / Host
CreativeCow.net PODCAST
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