Sticking to your values

In this episode, Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Grace Abell, designer at Abell Design — a brand and digital creative studio.

She says…

“To cut a long story short — I’m a seasoned freelancer who is just getting back into working evenings as I’m caring for twins during the day.

My problem is this: 

As I do not have the capacity for project work, I’m now taking on small tasks from one agency whose fingers are in many pies. I have a set of ethical views which are privately held. These tend to overlap with what this client does, but not always. 

Therefore, I need some tips on turning down work on topics which are icky for me personally, but aren’t icky for other people. The client always asks “are you available?” and doesn’t usually disclose what the task is. This kind of work is often under NDA. 

I’m just very scared I’ll agree to a job based on my availability, then the content will arrive in my inbox and I’ll have to turn it down there and then. 

I’ve considered writing my list of no-gos in a contract, but then I don’t really want my views to be known by every client. I’m not ashamed of my opinions — I just think it’s more professional and mature to keep them to myself. What do you think?”

What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community.
 

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Abell Design website
Frankie Tortora's website
Steve Folland's website
Steve's podcast - Being Freelance

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