A note on boundaries

If I’m staying up until 4 o’clock in the morning cramming on a project or sending emails, its not a project problem or a client problem.

It’s a me problem.

⏰ More specifically, a time problem.

Since I work full-time, I focus on my freelance work after typical working hours. Usually during evenings and on the weekend.

At the outset of any new project or partnership, I try to make this explicitly clear. I also establish the fact it will take me at least 24 hours to respond to any email and I can’t accommodate ASAP requests.

Clients and partners who demonstrate they understand these boundaries also show a great deal of respect and empathy while working through the creative process alongside me.

And the effect of well-placed boundaries goes far beyond the client-creative relationship.

They’re even more essential at the project-level.

Understanding what’s appropriate for the industry, what can (and cannot) be accomplished within the given timeframe, and what limitations are naturally present for the platform of the work (audio, video, social media, print, digital, etc) are necessary to keep everyone playing in the same sandbox together.

Because you can’t push the boundaries if you don’t know where they are in the first place. 🙅🏻‍♀️