_{This weeks Hussle Topic is all about how to price yourself as a creative}

Yo Hussle fam,

Let’s get real for a second—pricing yourself as a creative can be one of the hardest parts of running your business. Whether you’re a designer, photographer, or freelance artist, figuring out what to charge without undervaluing yourself or scaring off clients can feel like a balancing act.

When I first started out, we were often just handed a budget to work with, so we’d adjust our projects to fit within that number. But as the business grew, the tables turned, and we started getting asked, "How much does it cost?" With no real experience in pricing, we used to throw out numbers and figure it out as we went along. Sometimes we ended up with more than expected, and other times, way less (in hindsight).

Today, I’m breaking down how to price yourself as a creative—and actually get paid what you’re worth.

One pricing strategy that works well is offering three different price points. The key here is to guide your clients toward the middle option, which is where you want them to land. Here’s how it works:

Doing it this way, your client is likely to choose one, not none.

Hussle Action - Present the first option as a very basic offering, almost too minimal to be desirable. This makes your middle-tier package much more appealing, and clients will feel like they’re getting a better deal without going all-in on the premium option.

Pricing isn’t just about how many hours you’re putting in—it’s about the value you bring. Clients aren’t just paying for your time; they’re paying for your creativity, expertise, and the problems you solve. Are you helping increase their brand visibility? Are you bringing their vision to life? Think beyond hours and focus on the outcomes you provide.

Hussle Action: Write down exactly how your work impacts your clients’ businesses. Whether it’s helping them grow their audience, improving their branding, or solving a unique problem, understanding this will help you justify your rates.

Don’t be afraid to talk to your peers about how they price themselves. Sometimes the best way to figure out where you stand in the market is by discussing rates with other creatives who are in the same industry. They can give you insight into what’s working, where to set your pricing, and what clients in your field are willing to pay.

While pricing can sometimes feel competitive, there’s plenty of work to go around, and sharing knowledge helps everyone. The world is big enough for everyone to have their own audience. Plus, your peers might be able to give you tips on how to handle tricky clients, what pricing structures have worked for them, and which industries are willing to pay more.

Hussle Action: Build relationships with your peers and start the conversation about pricing. You’ll be surprised by how much you can learn by sharing your experiences.

Here’s a crucial point: Not all jobs are created equal. A major corporate campaign is going to have a bigger budget than a small local business. You shouldn’t have a flat rate for all types of work. Instead, adjust your pricing based on the size and scope of the project.

Hussle Action: Create different pricing tiers for different types of clients and projects. This gives you flexibility and ensures you’re not undercharging on bigger jobs or overpricing for smaller ones.

Want to know the secrets behind pricing yourself effectively? Learn from those who’ve done it before. Watching interviews with creatives you admire, reading industry reports, or even following case studies can give you insights into how others are pricing themselves—and why. They might share gems on how they navigate client negotiations, structure their contracts, or handle revisions.

But remember, it’s important to keep in mind that what works for one person might not work for everyone. Pricing is different in reality—it depends on your location, your industry, your experience, and your specific client base. But gathering knowledge from others helps you build a stronger foundation.

Hussle Action: Take the time to watch interviews, listen to podcasts, and read about your industry. The more knowledge you have, the more confident you’ll be when it comes to pricing yourself.

There will be times when it makes sense to offer a discount—like for a charity project, a cause you believe in, or to help out a friend. But don’t get into the habit of discounting your work just to land more clients. It can devalue your brand and set a precedent that’s hard to shake.

When you do offer a discount, make sure it’s strategic. For example, offer a discount in exchange for something valuable—like a case study, a testimonial, or referrals. This way, you’re still getting value even if the project isn’t at your usual rate.

Hussle Action: Set clear boundaries for when and why you offer discounts. If you’re giving a lower rate, ensure that you’re still covering your costs and not devaluing your future work.

When it comes to pricing, confidence is everything. You need to believe in the value of your work and not shy away from charging what you’re worth. Pricing is more than just making money—it’s about honoring your craft, creativity, and the journey that’s brought you here. But it’s also a delicate balancing act. Don’t try to sprint before you’ve learned to walk. Build yourself up, grow gradually, and ensure you have the experience and portfolio to justify your rates.

Pricing can feel tricky, but with the right approach, you can set rates that reflect your true value and attract clients who appreciate the work you do.

Stay hussling,

Ibrahim

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_{I’ve found that curiosity is one of the keys to growing in this industry. The moment you stop learning, is the moment you stop growing so every week in Curiosity Corner. l share a bunch of random books, youtube videos, music I listen to and more that have and still help me develop both personally and professionally. Have a look and let me know your thoughts!}