The Late Invoices Show

• #100 | What 2025 Taught Us as Freelancers & THE BIG 100!

  Sign-up to our newsletter for a FREE budget calculator! - https://linktr.ee/lateinvoices?utm_source=linktree_profile_shareThis one’s special — Episode 100!As the year comes to a close, we sit down to reflect honestly on 2025: the wins, the losses, the lessons, and the moments that forced us to pause and rethink everything. We answer a series of questions that unpack how the year really felt, what surprised us most, and how our mindset, work habits, and creative direction evolved along the way.We talk openly about hitting our highest revenue month as freelancers, but also the inefficiencies that held us back at times, convincing ourselves we were busy while avoiding the work that actually moved the needle. We reflect on projects we’re proud of, decisions we’d change, and the importance of not outsourcing the parts of the work you genuinely love.This episode is about perspective: championing your own work, putting yourself out there even when it feels uncomfortable, and understanding that results only come from effort you actually put in. We close things out with a quick-fire Christmas Q&A and a look ahead to 2026, including a few goals that feel slightly scary to say out loud.If you’re a creative reflecting on your own year... or thinking about what you want next, this episode is for you.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro02:54 - If you had to sum up 2025 in one word, what would it be?03:41 - Out of 10, how would you rate this year work-wise – and why?05:17 - What’s one thing you did this year that Past You would be shocked by?14:02 - What was the biggest “win” for the business this year19:58 - Which project are you most proud of and why?22:24 - What’s one goal you actually hit this year – and one you absolutely didn’t?24:12 - What was your favourite episode of the podcast you recorded this year – and why?26:59 - What was your biggest “L” of the year, and what did it teach you?33:28 - Was there a moment this year where you thought, “What on earth am I doing?”38:21 - If you could redo one decision from this year, what would you change?40:29 - What’s one big, slightly scary goal for 2026 that you almost don’t want to say out loud?43:51 - Quick-fire Christmas Q&ASTAY CONNECTED WITH US!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lateinvoices/⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠: https://linktr.ee/lateinvoices?utm_source=linktree_profile_shareSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3LHl6iPM84u6L0oBsPWrYb?si=9TzClF-5RZm7GmodEFgElQ

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• #099 | What We Wish Clients Knew

  Sign-up to our newsletter for a FREE budget calculator! - https://linktr.ee/lateinvoices?utm_source=linktree_profile_shareIn this episode, we dive into a conversation every creative wishes they could have openly: what we really want clients to know.We break down the realities of delivering work and hearing nothing back, how a simple “this is great” can fuel us to go the extra mile, and why clear communication from clients is one of the most underrated parts of a successful project.We also talk about the importance of separating money from your values. Understanding when to stand firm on your boundaries, your rates, and the principles that guide how you work. From urgent vs non-urgent project expectations to how clients can empower better work by giving true creative freedom, we unpack the behaviours that elevate projects… and the ones that quietly derail them.If you’ve ever wished clients understood the creative process better, or you’re a client who wants to improve your relationships with creatives, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and hard-earned lessons.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro08:21 - Communication & Expectations15:45 - Clients & Pricing17:40 - Urgent VS Non-Urgent Work23:40 - Creative Freedom on Client Projects31:00 - Most Chaotic DeadlinesSTAY CONNECTED WITH US!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lateinvoices/⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠: https://linktr.ee/lateinvoices?utm_source=linktree_profile_shareSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3LHl6iPM84u6L0oBsPWrYb?si=9TzClF-5RZm7GmodEFgElQ

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• #098 | How to Charge Usage (Properly)

  Sign-up to our newsletter for a FREE budget calculator! - https://linktr.ee/lateinvoices?utm_source=linktree_profile_shareIn this episode, we dive deep into one of the most misunderstood and most important parts of being a professional creative: usage licensing. After Matt was offered a shocking £300 for out-of-home usage (billboards, buses, the Underground… you name it), we decided it was time to break down what usage really is, why it matters, and how to price it properly.We unpack the different types of usage: Out of Home, Point of Sale, Social, Web and explore how context changes everything. A small startup asking for usage is very different from a multimillion-pound brand doing the same.We also talk about how usage slots into your overall business structure, alongside feedback rounds, payment terms, and policies. If you don’t set usage expectations, clients will happily use your work for years while you only get paid once.We cover practical tools and resources creatives can use when working out usage fees, plus why having a strong network of agents, producers, and experienced freelancers is invaluable when navigating what’s fair vs. what’s laughable.Finally, we wrap up with some red flags to look out for, and finish the episode with a Q&A from listeners. This episode is essential for any photographer or videographer who wants to charge properly and protect the value of their work.AOP: https://www.the-aop.org/information/usage-calculatorCameron's Twitch Livestreams: https://www.twitch.tv/camincontrollMatt's London Camera Division: https://londoncameradivision.comCHAPTERS00:00 - Intro08:52 - Bad Usage14:58 - Usage Types Breakdown19:55 - Pricing Usage35:00 - Tools for Usage39:49 - Avoiding Red Flags45:43 - Usage Summary47:55 - Listeners Q&A!STAY CONNECTED WITH US!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lateinvoices/⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠: https://linktr.ee/lateinvoices?utm_source=linktree_profile_shareSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3LHl6iPM84u6L0oBsPWrYb?si=9TzClF-5RZm7GmodEFgElQ

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• #097 | Surviving the Winter Slump

  Sign-up to our newsletter for a FREE budget calculator! - https://linktr.ee/lateinvoices?utm_source=linktree_profile_shareIn this week’s episode, we’re diving into the reality of navigating the colder, quieter months as a creative, and why your environment, routines, and mindset matter more than ever.We start by talking about the importance of having your own creative space. Whether you’re working from home, a warm office, or a buzzing London coffee shop, the place you create in can completely shape your productivity, your motivation, and your sense of community, especially during winter when energy is low and projects slow down.We also get into the guilt that comes with losing momentum. Those quieter months can make you feel like you’re falling behind, but the truth is: the year balances itself out. Busy seasons always return. Learning not to punish yourself for slower phases is part of staying in the game long-term.Finally, we break down the practical side of winter: revisiting your business systems, removing old processes, updating portfolios, tightening workflows, optimising websites, and making sure your business runs clean so you’re ready for the next wave of work.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro13:10 - The Winter Slump21:37 - Community & Accountability27:27 - Experiment with projects29:08 - Guilt of Losing Momentum & Productivity34:40 - Revisiting Your Business SystemsSTAY CONNECTED WITH US!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lateinvoices/⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠: https://linktr.ee/lateinvoices?utm_source=linktree_profile_shareSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3LHl6iPM84u6L0oBsPWrYb?si=9TzClF-5RZm7GmodEFgElQ

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• #096 | Why You Should Never Compromise Your Creative Standards

  Sign-up to our newsletter for a FREE budget calculator! - https://linktr.ee/lateinvoices?utm_source=linktree_profile_shareMario Elementza Newsletter: https://mariomatteo.comThis week, we’re talking about building the version of yourself you refuse to compromise on.We break down what it means to truly become the creative you envision, not just in skill, but in standards, mindset, and the projects you say yes (and no) to. We talk about setting minimum levels of engagement for your pricing, understanding that your rate isn’t just a number, it represents the level of quality and creative integrity you’re willing to put your name on.We also get into the psychology of business and reputation, when it’s okay to bend your rules for a client, and when saying “no” actually protects your value long-term. We discuss the difference between discounting for loyalty vs starting new relationships on the wrong foot, and the power of positioning yourself to attract clients who meet your standards.Finally, we explore why personal projects are the foundation of discovering your highest creative standard. It’s in those projects that you find the version of yourself that sets the bar, and once you’ve experienced that, you’ll never want to compromise again.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro02:26 - Building a version of yourself that you don’t compromise on14:30 - Personal projects allow for your true standard of quality20:05 - Clients budgets & expectations21:41 - Professional identity & being findableSTAY CONNECTED WITH US!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lateinvoices/⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠: https://linktr.ee/lateinvoices?utm_source=linktree_profile_shareSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3LHl6iPM84u6L0oBsPWrYb?si=9TzClF-5RZm7GmodEFgElQ

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