(And How to Say “Yes” More Often)

We recently asked our creative community:

What’s the #1 reason you’d say no to a freelance gig?
Here’s how you voted:

• Low pay / unrealistic budget: 54%
• Vague or chaotic brief: 23%
• Bad gut feeling: 14%
• Timeline is too rushed: 9%

No surprises here, but these numbers say a lot about the evolving freelance landscape. Let’s unpack what these results tell us about the state of creative freelancing, and how you can future-proof yourself, your reputation, and your sanity.

1. Low Pay / Unrealistic Budgets (54%)

It’s clear most freelancers are drawing the line where it hurts most, the wallet. With the cost of living up and the creative industry more competitive than ever, it’s heartening to see freelancers value their worth.

But it’s not just about the dollars, it’s about respect. An unrealistic budget often signals a client who undervalues time, skill, and craft.

Actionable tips:

• Know your minimums. Set a “walk-away rate”, the number below which you simply don’t accept the project.
• Communicate your value. Frame your pricing around outcomes, not hours. “This design will help you convert leads” is stronger than “I charge $80/hr.”
• Stay flexible, not desperate. If a client can’t afford your full rate, offer scaled options: a shorter edit, a smaller scope, or phased delivery.

How Artisan helps:
Artisan advocates for fair market rates across the creative and digital industries. Our recruiters work closely with both talent and clients to ensure budgets align with skill levels, so you’re never in a position where you have to justify your worth.

2. Vague or Chaotic Briefs (23%)

A chaotic brief is the creative’s version of quicksand, it sucks you in slowly until you’re stuck, overworked, and underpaid.

This stat shows just how much freelancers crave clarity. A detailed brief sets the foundation for good work and good vibes.

Actionable tips:

• Ask the right questions upfront. What’s the goal? Who’s the audience? What’s the format, tone, and key message?
• Use your own briefing template. It not only keeps you on track but shows professionalism.
• Clarify revisions. Confirm how many rounds are included, and what counts as “scope creep.”

How Artisan helps:
Our team acts as the bridge between creative talent and clients, making sure both sides are crystal clear before a project even begins. We help define deliverables, timelines, and expectations, so freelancers can focus on the fun part: the craft.

3. Bad Gut Feeling (14%)

Sometimes, your intuition just says “nope.” And that’s worth listening to. A bad gut feeling often comes from subtle red flags: poor communication, unrealistic urgency, or a dismissive tone about creative work.

Actionable tips:

• Pay attention during early chats. If they’re vague, avoid contracts, or talk down your process, take it seriously.
• Check client reputation. A quick LinkedIn search or chat with your network can reveal a lot.
• Document everything. Emails and agreements protect you if things go sideways.

How Artisan helps:
We vet clients before you even meet them. We’ve worked with Australia’s top agencies, studios, and brands for nearly three decades, so when we present a freelance role, you can trust it’s with a reputable, creative-friendly business.

4. Timeline is Too Rushed (9%)

Creatives can thrive under pressure, but unrealistic deadlines lead to burnout, mistakes, and poor work. The 9% who voted for this likely know the toll of last-minute panic projects.

Actionable tips:

• Ask for buffer time. Include “client review” time in your schedule.
• Charge a rush fee. If it’s urgent, it’s valuable and should be priced that way.
• Be honest about your capacity. Saying no to one rushed job often opens space for a better one next week.

How Artisan helps:
We work with clients to set realistic project scopes and timelines. You’ll know the expectations before you say yes, giving you the power to plan your work, not panic through it.

The Bottom Line

Freelancers today are setting boundaries and valuing balance, and that’s a sign of a healthy, maturing industry.

At Artisan, we believe the best creative partnerships start with clarity, fairness, and mutual respect. Whether you’re looking for your next freelance project or need guidance on pricing, portfolios, or positioning, we’re here to help you say “yes” to the right gigs and “no” to the wrong ones with confidence.