What every creative freelancer needs to know
As a female voiceover talent based in Montreal, I spend a lot of time thinking about workflows, creativity, and client relationships. But today’s topic is one that affects every creative freelancer — whether you’re in audio production, video production, marketing, advertising, or any service-based business:
How do you increase profits… without grinding harder?
No extra clients. No extra hours. No extra hustle.
The answer isn’t sexy — but it’s powerful:
Reduce your expenses.
And not in a frugal, penny-pinching way.
I mean fixing the leaks you don’t even know you have.
Revenue vs. Income vs. Profit — and Why Most People Mix Them Up
When I started my voiceover career, I didn’t think about finances at all. I just wanted to book sessions, send clean audio, and keep my clients happy.
But running a creative business — means understanding three basic numbers:
Revenue
Everything that comes in: project payments, retainers, usage fees.
Income
For many solo freelancers, revenue ≈ income (depending on your business structure).
Profit
What matters most.
It’s the amount left after expenses.
And this is where freelancers get stuck.
Most creatives obsess over earning more:
✔️ more clients
✔️ higher rates
✔️ longer hours
✔️ more projects
But often the fastest way to earn more isn’t by adding work — it’s by keeping more of what you already earn.
Expenses Matter More Than You Think
Not just the obvious ones like equipment, rent, or insurance.
I’m talking about the sneaky expenses — the ones silently draining your profit while you’re busy doing great creative work for clients.
Examples of quiet money leaks:
- Interest or late-payment fees
- Old software subscriptions you forgot existed
- Storage platforms you don’t use
- Duplicate services (two VPNs… it happens!)
- Tools you bought five years ago “just in case”
Individually, they don’t look like much.
Collectively? They can cost hundreds or thousands per year.
Money that could have gone toward:
- a new microphone or interface
- training or coaching
- upgraded video equipment
- a break, a vacation, or simply less stress
And let’s talk about stress, because it’s real.
Financial stress:
- shows up in your focus
- shows up in your decisions
- shows up in your creativity
When money is tight, everything feels like it has to be perfect just to keep a client. That pressure kills creativity faster than a bad brief.
And here’s the part nobody wants to hear:
A downturn is coming.
Not if.
When.
Clients will slow down.
You might get sick.
Expenses will rise.
Life will happen.
Profit isn’t just about money — it’s about freedom.
Creative freedom.
The freedom to say no.
The freedom to avoid burnout.
The freedom to choose work you’re proud of.
Even if you hire an accountant, you still need to understand the basics, because you make the decisions that shape your business.
Understanding your numbers gives you:
- clarity
- confidence
- control
- and the ability to create from a grounded place
4 Practical Steps to Increase Your Profit Without Working More
Here’s where clarity turns into action.
1. Schedule a “Money Date.”
Once a month — or quarterly — set aside 20 minutes.
Print or download your business transactions, then sort them into:
- essential
- optional
- unused
- outdated
No guilt. No judgment. Just clarity.
(And yes — doing this with a good playlist really helps.)
Cancel everything that doesn’t serve you.
2. Understand Your Money Flow.
Review your last year:
- Which months were strong?
- Which months were slow?
- Which expenses actually helped you grow?
- Which ones created only inbox clutter?
Most importantly:
Know your PMVI — your Personal Minimum Viable Income.
This is the real number you need each month to live and operate without stress.
3. Build a Savings Buffer.
Aim for:
- 1 month of expenses
- then 2
- then 3
Treat savings like a recurring bill paid to “future you.”
Future you will be very grateful.
4. Set Rules for New Expenses.
Before buying anything, ask:
- Does it solve a current problem?
- Will it save time or increase revenue?
- Do I already own something that does this?
Buy with intention, not FOMO.
Your profit — and your creativity — will thank you.
You Don’t Need to Hustle Harder to Earn More
You don’t need more clients.
You don’t need more hours.
You don’t need more stress.
The smartest business strategy is intention:
✨ Being intentional with where your money goes
✨ Being intentional with what you keep
✨ Being intentional with how you structure your creative life
Because money clarity is creative clarity.
For more insights on freelance life, fitness, and creativity, you can tune into the Freelance Fitness podcast. And if you’re looking to partner with a female Montreal-based voiceover artist for video production, audio production, marketing, or advertising projects, feel free to connect with me here on LinkedIn.
Leave a Reply