Spoiler alert: It’s not just the money. Clarity and trust matter big time too.

The Freelancer’s ‘No’ — What’s Behind It?

When freelancers turn down a gig, it often surprises clients. On the surface, it might look like someone simply didn’t want the work, but in reality there is usually a clear reason behind the decision. Earlier this year we ran a poll to get to the bottom of it, and the results gave us a very honest snapshot of what pushes creatives to walk away.

A majority, 54 percent, said the number one reason they say no to gigs is low pay or an unrealistic budget. Almost a quarter of freelancers, 23 percent, said they walk away when a brief is vague or chaotic. Fourteen percent said it is usually a bad gut feeling that makes them turn the job down, while 9 percent said an overly rushed timeline is their biggest dealbreaker.

What this tells us is that money matters, of course, but it is not the only factor. Freelancers are looking for fairness, clarity, and trust in their professional relationships. Those elements are just as valuable as a competitive rate.

Low Pay and Unrealistic Budgets (54%)

Pay is the foundation of any working relationship. If the compensation does not reflect the skill and effort required, the relationship is off to a bad start before it even begins. Low or unrealistic budgets send a message that a freelancer’s work is not valued, and once that trust is broken, it is nearly impossible to repair.

From the client side, trying to save money by underfunding a project can backfire quickly. Unrealistic expectations damage morale, cause stress, and can even harm a brand’s reputation in the creative community. Word travels fast, and freelancers share notes about which clients respect them and which ones do not.

This is where Artisan comes in. We work with clients to set fair and realistic budgets from the beginning, helping them attract the right talent and set projects up for success. Paying fairly is not just about money, it is about trust and professionalism.

Vague or Chaotic Briefs (23%)

If freelancers see a brief that is unclear, missing details, or constantly shifting, it is usually a red flag. A chaotic brief almost always leads to scope creep, frustration, and wasted effort. Freelancers want to start a project with confidence, knowing exactly what the deliverables are and how success will be measured.

A clear, structured brief is like a roadmap. Without it, the project becomes guesswork, and nobody wins. For clients, investing time upfront in a well-prepared brief saves enormous amounts of time and money later on. For freelancers, it builds trust and commitment.

At Artisan, we act as the translator between client and creative. We make sure briefs are clear, expectations are realistic, and freelancers know exactly what they are signing up for before they commit. That means less confusion, fewer revisions, and better outcomes for everyone involved.

Bad Gut Feeling (14%)

Freelancers often rely on their intuition when assessing a project or a client. Experience teaches them to pick up on small signals that something might be off. Maybe communication is inconsistent, maybe the scope keeps shifting before the project even starts, or maybe the payment terms are unclear. These are all warning signs that the project could become a nightmare.

Walking away from a gig because of a bad gut feeling might sound subjective, but for many freelancers it is an important way to protect themselves. Choosing the wrong project can mean wasted time, late payments, or unnecessary stress.

That is why many freelancers prefer working through trusted recruiters like Artisan. We act as a buffer, ensuring that the clients we put forward are professional, serious, and respectful. Freelancers can focus on the creative work without worrying that the rug will be pulled out from under them.

Timeline Too Rushed (9%)

Deadlines matter, but there is a big difference between a challenging project and an impossible one. When a client expects a high-quality brand identity in three days or a campaign overhaul overnight, freelancers know they will have to sacrifice either quality or their own wellbeing. Neither is sustainable.

Reasonable timelines are in everyone’s best interest. Clients who allow time for proper research, development, and feedback get a much stronger final product. Freelancers who are given realistic schedules can balance their workload, deliver their best work, and avoid burnout.

Artisan regularly advises clients on project timelines to make sure expectations are aligned with reality. By setting schedules that respect creative workflows, we help ensure projects are delivered on time and at the quality both parties want.

How Artisan Bridges the Gap

When you step back and look at the top dealbreakers, they all point to the same themes: money, clarity, and respect. Those three factors are what separate a dream project from a nightmare gig.

At Artisan, we make sure pay and briefs are transparent and fair. We encourage open communication between clients and freelancers so that gut-feeling dealbreakers are minimised. We work with clients to establish realistic timelines that allow freelancers to do their best work without burning out. Most importantly, we advocate for creatives, making sure gigs are structured in a way that works for both sides.

A Positive Next Step

Freelancers, if you are ready to find gigs where you are valued and respected, we would love to connect with you.

Employers, if you want to avoid losing top talent by offering poor briefs or undercooked budgets, it is time to partner with Artisan. Together, we can build creative partnerships that work for everyone.