You know those quick creative projects you can knock out in a day or two?
They’re fun, fast, and satisfying.
But then comes the big one: a long-form project that stretches over days or even weeks. And here’s the truth—long-form projects are not just a bunch of short ones stuck together. They’re a whole different beast.
I learned this the hard way.
Early in my voiceover career, I landed my first long-form project: an audio version of an ophthalmology article for a professional journal. About 30 minutes of finished audio. At the time, that was many times longer than anything I’d tackled before.
Up until then, my jobs took an hour—tops. Suddenly, I had a 30-minute script of dense medical text. I underestimated how long it would take me. So, I worked late into the night, cramming to reach the unrealistic deadline I’d given the client and as a result, delivered audio that showed how exhausted I was. The client wasn’t thrilled, and I had to re-record. Ouch.
That project taught me lessons I wish I’d known sooner. Today, I can do the same job in an afternoon—with better energy, better editing, and a better result. And if you’re stepping into long-form work (whether voice, writing, design, animation, or film), here’s how you can avoid the pitfalls I stumbled into.
Pitfall 1: Underestimating the Time
Why it matters: Long projects always take more time than you think.
How to avoid it: Break the project into manageable chunks. Create milestones and celebrate small wins. Also, this helps you fit it in around all the other tasks you have to do.
Pitfall 2: Burning Out Too Soon
Why it matters: A sprint at the start leaves you sloppy and tired at the end.
How to avoid it: Pace yourself. Treat creative work like a workout—short, focused sessions beat one frantic all-nighter. Tools like Pomodoro timers or blocked-off “deep work” hours help maintain energy.
Pitfall 3: Losing the Thread
Why it matters: Without a compass, your project drifts off course and loses clarity.
How to avoid it: Anchor to the brief. Choose 3–5 keywords that capture the project’s essence (tone, audience, purpose) and keep them visible. Before you deliver, ask: Does this align?
Pitfall 4: Client Misalignment
Why it matters: If you and the client aren’t checking in, small misunderstandings snowball into big rewrites.
How to avoid it: Build in regular checkpoints. Map out when you’ll deliver updates and what you’ll show. This creates alignment and keeps the client engaged without micromanaging.
Pitfall 5: Chaotic Systems
Why it matters: Losing files or missing deadlines damages trust faster than anything else.
How to avoid it: Use consistent file naming, automated backups, and a clear deliverables timeline. Even a simple shared calendar makes a world of difference.
The Takeaway
If you can deliver short, punchy work, you can also succeed at long-form projects—it just takes a little more structure and strategy. With pacing, systems, and client communication, long projects stop being overwhelming monsters and become opportunities to create something deep, polished, and lasting.
So if that big project comes your way? Don’t be afraid to take it on.
You’re more ready than you think.
And if you like mixing creative freelance tips with a dose of fitness, check out my podcast Freelance Fitness!
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