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- If You Could Start Over... and Do You Have 'Pain in the Butt' Clients? 🎬
If You Could Start Over... and Do You Have 'Pain in the Butt' Clients? 🎬
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I would love to get your feedback! 😅
As a creative, if you could hit the reset button and restart from your young, eager 18-year-old self, would you do anything differently? |
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In the year 2024, the world is heavily digital, but is film photography a missing art? One could argue that with the proper color grading tools, digital could be made to emulate film, making film a replaceable art. Thoughts? Comment or email us!
This YouTube video by Mike Gray was a joy to watch!
👋 Hey, it’s Gene.
I started a Discord where I keep all of my inspirational screenshots, informational videos/photos. It’s like a digital book that I can use as a reference when I am stuck creatively.
I am NOT opening my private library (as of now) as I think every creative should have a trick up their sleeve. However, I do want to encourage creators to stay organized and not assume they will remember a certain tool, look, or idea. Write it down because you may not act on that, though, until months or years down the line.
Freelancer 1 on 1 🫡
7 Key Tips for Dealing with Difficult Clients (That You Should Know But Not Everyone Does)
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Set the Tone Early
Before things go sideways, establish clear expectations from day one. Lay out your process, timelines, and deliverables in detail. When clients know what to expect, there's less room for confusion or unrealistic demands.Don’t Be Afraid to Say “No”
Sometimes, you have to push back. Politely declining requests outside of scope or unnecessary last-minute changes can save your sanity and keep the project on track. You’re not a yes-man, you’re a professional.Document Everything
This one’s crucial. After every meeting or conversation, follow up with a recap email summarizing what was discussed and agreed upon. It keeps things crystal clear and gives you something to refer back to if things get messy.Stay Cool, Even When They Don’t
Clients can be frustrating, but it’s important to maintain composure. Losing your cool gives them power over you. Instead, keep calm, stay respectful, and diffuse tension with professionalism.Charge for Extra Work
If a client starts piling on more tasks, don’t shy away from discussing additional costs. Your time is valuable, and scope creep is a common way difficult clients take advantage. Protect your bottom line by clearly communicating the need for a revised fee.Pick Your Battles
Not every issue needs a confrontation. Sometimes it’s better to let small things slide, focusing instead on the bigger picture. But when something is affecting your workflow or the quality of the project, address it directly.Know When to Walk Away
Some clients aren’t worth the trouble. If the relationship is becoming more toxic than profitable, it’s time to cut ties. Know your worth and prioritize clients who respect your work and boundaries.
Remember, managing difficult clients is about protecting your time and mental well-being. These strategies can help you keep control of the project while staying professional and confident.
Thank you for reading! Please share with a friend!
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*Cinematographer & creator of DPG Cinema.