How do I price my freelance work without underselling myself?

Former agency designer turned full-time freelancer for 6 years. Pricing is the hardest part, but I got you. **First, never compete with Fiverr.** Those $20 logos are mostly overseas workers or templates. Different market. Don't even look at those prices. **Calculate your minimum rate:** 1. What did you make at the agency? Let's say $60k/year 2. Divide by 2080 (work hours/year) = $29/hour 3. But freelancers have overhead, taxes, no benefits 4. Multiply by 1.5-2x = $45-60/hour minimum **Now think value, not hours:** A logo might take you 10 hours. At $50/hour = $500. But that logo is worth WAY more than $500 to a business. This is why flat project rates work better. **Realistic 2024 freelance design rates (US):** - Logo design: $500-1500 (small business) / $2000-5000 (larger companies) - Brand identity package: $2000-5000 - Social media templates: $300-800 - Website design: $1500-5000 **For your first few projects:** Start at 70-80% of market rate to build portfolio and testimonials. Then raise rates with each new client. **Never do:** - Spec work (free work hoping to win) - "We'll pay you in exposure" - Hourly for creative work (you get faster but earn less) **How to get clients paying real rates:** - Position yourself as specialist, not generalist - Show agency experience - Have a professional website - Network with other freelancers - Referrals from past agency clients (check your contract first) You have 3 years agency experience - that's valuable. Don't act like a beginner. Price like the professional you are.