Invoice Like a Pro: How to Get Paid Faster as a Storyboard Artist
As a storyboard artist, you know the importance of getting paid on time for your creative work. Learn how to invoice like a pro and avoid late payments with our expert tips.
You spent hours perfecting a 2D animation storyboard for a client, only to be left hanging on payment for weeks. The client finally sends a 'payment is on its way' email, but it's been 30 days since the agreed-upon delivery date. You're out $5,000 and a valuable connection. This is just one example of the financial stress that comes with poor invoicing. In this post, we'll show you how to create a streamlined invoicing process that gets you paid faster as a storyboard artist.
Why this keeps happening
Storyboard artists often struggle with getting paid on time due to a lack of clear payment terms, inadequate contract agreements, and delayed invoicing. Without a deposit system in place, clients may feel less committed to paying for your work. Additionally, not having a contract can lead to misunderstandings about scope, timelines, and payment expectations. When you factor in delayed invoicing, it's no wonder that many storyboard artists face financial stress.
Real example
Meet Emily, a talented storyboard artist who recently lost a $10,000 project due to poor invoicing habits. She sent an invoice to her client 30 days after completing the project, but the client claimed they never received it. Emily had to spend hours on the phone trying to resolve the issue, only to find out that the client had been waiting for the invoice all along. This avoidable mistake cost Emily not only the project but also her valuable time.
The habits that fix this permanently
These are the non-negotiables for getting paid reliably in your profession:
How to implement this step by step
Set Clear Payment Terms
When starting a new project, make sure to clearly communicate your payment terms to the client. This includes setting a deposit requirement and payment schedule. For example, you may require a 50% deposit upfront and the remaining balance on completion of the project. Use a contract template to outline these terms and ensure both parties are on the same page. A clear agreement will help prevent misunderstandings and ensure timely payment.
Create a Streamlined Invoicing Process
Streamline your invoicing process by using a tool like Becflow that sends reminders and notifications to clients. This will help ensure that clients receive and pay their invoices on time. For example, you can set up automatic reminders to be sent 7, 14, and 30 days after the invoice is sent. This will help prevent late payments and reduce the likelihood of clients forgetting to pay.
Use a Payment Link
Make it easy for clients to pay you online by using a payment link. This will save you time and reduce errors associated with manual invoicing. For example, you can create a payment link in Becflow that allows clients to pay their invoices directly. This will also help you track payments and stay on top of your finances.
Automate Your Invoicing Process
Automate your invoicing process to save time and reduce errors. Use a tool like Becflow that integrates with your accounting software to automatically generate invoices and track payments. For example, you can set up Becflow to automatically generate an invoice for a client every time they complete a project milestone. This will help ensure that you're always on top of your invoicing and payments.
Follow Up with Clients Who Haven't Paid
If a client hasn't paid their invoice, make sure to follow up with them in a timely manner. This will help ensure that you get paid on time and reduce the likelihood of late payments. For example, you can send a friendly reminder email to the client 7 days after the invoice is sent. If the client still hasn't paid, you can escalate the issue to a phone call or email.
The Becflow solution
Becflow helps storyboard artists like you get paid faster by providing AI-powered contract templates, payment links, and automatic reminders. Our invoicing tool streamlines your process, saves you time, and reduces errors. Sign up for a free trial today and start getting paid on time for your creative work.
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