Why You Should Stop Calling Yourself A Freelancer - RD289

<p class="p1">I had a conversation recently with fellow designers over how we refer to ourselves. This conversation started when one designer asked another why they referred to themselves as a freelancer? We then talked about the impression and stereotypes associated with the word freelancer. In the end, the designer acknowledged that it was in their best interest not to use the term freelancer anymore when referring to themself. And it would be best if you did the same. Stop calling yourself a freelancer.</p> <h2 class="p1">Why you should stop calling yourself a freelancer.</h2> <p class="p1">There’s a stigma associated with the term Freelance or Freelancer. In <a href= "https://resourcefuldesigner.com/episode17">episode 17 of the Resourceful Designer podcast</a>, I discussed how calling yourself a freelance graphic designer could hurt your business. I shared a story of when a company approached me for an in-house position. I turned them down, but I shared the name of a designer I knew would be perfect for the job.</p> <p class="p1">The company’s CEO later told me the designer I told them about had all the right qualifications. However, The title she used on her resume was <a href= "https://www.resourcefuldesigner.com/being-a-freelance-graphic-designer-could-hurt-your-business-rd017/"> Freelance Graphic Designer</a>, and they were looking for someone more serious than that for the position.</p> <p class="p1">She didn’t get the job because she listed herself as a freelancer. I know it’s crazy, but it’s true.</p> <p class="p1">You see, the term freelancer is popular among designers. When I was in school, my classmates and I talked about how great it would be to be a freelancer. But outside of our sphere of peers in the design industry, the term freelancer is not as familiar. Or maybe I should say it’s not as “prestigious” as we like to think it is.</p> <p class="p1">The term freelancer is akin to being quick and cheap, which reminds me of episode 71 of the podcast <a href= "https://resourcefuldesigner.com/episode7