In an effort to promote the website FreelanceArtProducer.com, we have started Freelance Friday. The purpose is to promote the freelancers on the site so as to gain more attention for them and the others trying to get hired. This week we welcome, Steve Brower, a Senior Content Producer in Michigan who is brings years of experience to his clients. To learn more about Steve, his experience and how to reach him if you have a project, check out his profile on FreelanceArtProducer.com.
How long have you been in freelance?
What time is it? No, seriously… this is my very first dip into the freelance pool. And I’m not just dipping… I’m jumping in head first!!
What made you decide to choose freelance?
I’ve been on the agency side for almost twenty years. and I really think that freelance Art Production is the future of our craft. I see agencies reducing or eliminating their art Production staffs. I think the days of large, in-house teams are drawing to a close.
As a freelancer, you see the inside of many different agencies. What one thing do you think they should consider changing?
Stop considering “Digital” assets as some mysterious voodoo. The internet may be unique in the way it offers targeted messaging, but it’s still populated with still imagery or video. The photos we produce to run in a magazine are no different than the photos we run on a website. Sure, the file specs may be different but you still need excellent composition, lighting, etc.
What do you think a freelancer brings to an agency that a person on staff may not otherwise be able to provide?
A fresh viewpoint. When you’re part of a larger machine, you begin to see every project through the prism of that machine’s habits. It’s not a conscious thing, but you might worry less about whether the chosen photographer is right for the project, and more about the problems you’re having getting approvals set up with particular team members or other logistics. Freelancers have to deal with the same issues, but the creative product is always the biggest focus.
What advice do you have for someone just entering the freelance world?
I’m too new to give advice on freelancing, but I can give advice on this… educate yourself on licensing and usage. The explosion in Web content has opened up a huge potential to misuse intellectual property in the form of street art and other seemingly innocuous applications. Lawyers aren’t chasing ambulances anymore, they’re scouring the internet for unreleased IP.