Had a chat about this in the summer during a work chat — it annoyed me then, and it annoys me now. I don't like it when people disingenuously use the word "opportunity" as a tool to gaslight creatives into doing work freely or cheaply.

In the creative industry, the term "opportunity" is often tossed around with little regard for its true impact on professionals like myself. At 30 years old, in the early prime of my career, I'm past the point of chasing so-called "opportunities" that offer nothing more than empty promises. This misuse of the word has become a tool for exploitation, pressuring creatives to work for free or at rates that undervalue their skills.

I have bills to pay, a life to live, and meaningful work to create. It's time to address the devaluation of our profession and demand the respect and compensation we deserve. This isn't just about money; it's about acknowledging the value that creatives bring to every project and industry.

The Misuse of "Opportunity"

Too often, "opportunity" is used as a euphemism for unpaid or underpaid work. Clients and companies present projects as golden chances for exposure or portfolio building, but in reality, they're leveraging our talents without fair compensation. This practice undermines the years of training, experience, and creativity that we bring to the table. It also perpetuates a culture where creative work is seen as less worthy of proper payment compared to other professions.

The promise of exposure doesn't pay the bills. While getting your name out there can be valuable, it shouldn't come at the expense of your financial stability or self-respect. The hope that unpaid work will lead to future paid projects is often a mirage, creating an unsustainable model where creatives are expected to work for free indefinitely.

Why Creatives Deserve Better

Our work fuels industries across the board. Every agency, brand, company, website, building—you name it—relies on creative minds. They need our insights, our vision, our hands, and our emotions. Every fiber that has honed who we are contributes to their success because they can't emulate or produce it themselves, even with AI at their disposal.

Creativity cannot be automated. While technology advances, the human touch remains irreplaceable. Artificial intelligence can mimic patterns but lacks genuine creativity and emotional depth. Authenticity matters, and original ideas and expressions are what make creative work impactful.

The Personal Toll

I'm not sorry for being a bit angry and maybe even ungrateful because these feelings are valid. Constantly battling for fair compensation takes a mental and emotional toll. Engaging in projects that don't align with our passions or compensate us fairly detracts from pursuing meaningful work. Time is a finite resource, and spending it on undervalued work is not only demoralizing but also unsustainable.

Photographing a food brand that has no relevance to my niche is not an opportunity; it's work I'd rather not be doing over photojournalism, music, and portraits. Accepting irrelevant work can steer us away from our true passions and career goals. Focusing on projects that resonate with us leads to better outcomes and professional fulfillment.

Redefining "Opportunity"

If the opportunity is so great, PAY ME.
Professional work deserves professional pay—it's as simple as that. Fair compensation reflects respect for our skills and time. An opportunity should not be a one-sided benefit but a mutually advantageous engagement where both parties value each other's contributions.

We need to stay true to ourselves. Accepting work that doesn't align with our niche or passion dilutes our brand and can hinder our growth. Quality over quantity should be the mantra. By focusing on meaningful projects, we not only enhance our portfolios but also maintain our integrity and satisfaction in our work.

Moving Forward

For creatives, it's essential to set boundaries and recognize our worth. We shouldn't be afraid to assert ourselves and decline offers that don't meet our standards. Seeking genuine opportunities that offer fair compensation and align with our career paths is crucial. Building a community with fellow creatives to share experiences and advice can provide support and strengthen our collective voice.

For clients and companies, it's time to offer fair compensation and recognize that quality work requires appropriate pay. Valuing creative input and understanding that our skills are essential to your success will foster genuine partnerships based on mutual respect and benefit.

Conclusion

The misuse of "opportunity" as a means to exploit creatives needs to stop. Our skills, time, and passion are valuable commodities that deserve recognition and fair compensation. Let's keep it real—if you value what we bring to the table, show it. An opportunity that doesn't pay isn't an opportunity—it's exploitation.