We’re redefining the power of freelance talent with a collective of highly-skilled specialists, at your disposal.
With over 300 freelancers in our network, we are in no shortage of uncompromising talent and while we’d love to tell you about every single one of them that might just take some time. So hang tight and in the meantime we are happy to introduce you to a few of them.
August’s featured freelancer is Joshua Steadman owner of Steady Film Productions has over 15 years of experience with clients in the Raleigh area and beyond. As a photographer and a motion director, Josh channels energy: whether it’s a doc on an Israeli athlete and his Olympic dreams or a spot advertising a new Krispy Kreme doughnut. Josh loves of learning and telling stories. We asked him a couple of questions about his experience as a freelancer and hope you enjoy reading his insights below.
What do you do?
I create moments in still photography, and in my motion work, I try to extend those moments and give them life, by adding other surrounding details, or by moving the camera, and adding music or voiceover to tell a story.
What is your “exit” story? Why did you decide to freelance?
In my previous salaried job, I took my position as far as I could, but wanted to do more. When I left and began running my own business, I really found my calling. Those skills I learned at that salaried job are also what I rely on daily in the freelance world.
Share how freelancing has been great and/or how it has been hard.
The ebb and flow of freelancing is tough to ride. The cliché of “feast or famine” is pretty true to real life, and it’s been valuable for me to learn how to say, “no, thank you” to certain projects. Meeting other freelancers has been incredibly valuable. My best friends are also people I’m competing against on at least a few bids a year. A huge test in freelancing is how you react to competition, and cultivate your own personal brand in the face of that challenge. For me, it’s been a chance to become more connected with the people around me, and find friendships through shared experiences and interests. It’s such a great feeling when you can find joy in a good friend’s winning of a bid, even though you are losing the gig. It’s very freeing.
What is some advice you would share with clients on how to best work with freelancers?
Expect them to be organized and keep to your deadlines. Also, make sure you share both your own expectations for the project, and how often you’d like them to communicate about that project.
What is some advice you would share with soon-to-be or wish-to-be freelancers?
It’s a long game, for sure. Just keep grinding it out, and enjoy the process. Also, make friends with your contemporaries. They’ll likely be hiring you or recommending you for jobs in a few years.
Josh is just one of many exceptional freelancers we have in our network. Freelancers like Josh are the reason that Uncompany exists and why we can provide UNRIVALED talent to our clients.