Alright, let’s have a little heart-to-heart, event pros. It’s time to stop playing small, stop saying yes to "exposure gigs," and most importantly—stop giving away your decor for free.

Because let’s be real: exposure is just a fancy way of saying "we don’t want to pay you." And last time we checked, exposure doesn’t cover balloon costs, gas, time, or the countless hours you’ve spent perfecting your craft.

Still convinced that free work will magically lead to paid gigs? Let’s break this down.

"Exposure" Ain’t a Business Plan

You know what happens when you agree to do work for “exposure”? You get more requests for free work. Because once people know they can get your talent and expertise without paying for it, guess what? They’ll keep coming back for more.

And when your so-called "client" is asked what they paid, "free" isn't a flex—it’s a red flag that screams "I found someone who undervalues themselves."

Instead of exposure, what you really need is paying clients who respect your work, appreciate your creativity, and understand that event design isn’t a hobby—it’s a profession.

When You Work for Free, You Devalue Yourself (And the Whole Industry)

Every time someone agrees to work for free, it sets a dangerous precedent. It tells the world that our skills, materials, and expertise are somehow optional. That event design is just "fun" and "easy," not a real profession that requires talent, time, and serious investment.

And trust me, when you work for free, it doesn’t just hurt you—it hurts all of us in this industry. Because once clients get used to getting things for nothing, they start expecting it from everyone.

Your work has value. Your time has value. Your creativity has value.
Charge accordingly.

"But I Need Bookings!" Girl, Not Like This.

I get it—when you’re first starting out, the temptation to say yes to everything is real. But desperation pricing (or worse, no pricing at all) isn’t helping you build a sustainable business.

You want clients who book because they see your value, not because they sniffed out a freebie. If they can afford a venue, catering, and a DJ, they can afford your services, too. And if they say they “don’t have the budget”? That’s a them problem, not a you problem.

Stick to your prices. Stand in your worth. The right clients will pay.

Stop Explaining, Start Charging

Here’s the deal: Balloon prices have gone up. Florals aren’t cheap. That stunning backdrop? It didn’t just appear. You’re paying for time, materials, transportation, setup, breakdown, years of experience, and that creative genius of yours.

You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your pricing. You owe it to yourself to run a profitable business.

• If someone says you’re "too expensive"? They’re not your client.
• If someone asks for a discount? They’re not your client.
• If someone promises “future bookings” in exchange for free work? They’re definitely not your client.

Professional work deserves professional rates. Period.

If It’s Free, It’s Not Helping You.

Let’s say it together: If it’s free, it’s not helping you.

• It’s not building your brand.
• It’s not getting you high-quality, paying clients.
• It’s not proving your worth.
• It’s just reinforcing that your work is something people can get without investing in it.

And here’s the kicker: The clients who truly value your artistry will never expect it for free. They’ll respect your pricing, your time, and your expertise.

So, if you're done working for “exposure” and ready to work for profit, start saying no to free work and yes to your worth.

Charge market value. Set your boundaries. ROC your rates.

💰 Need help designing an event that’s worth every penny? We’re the pros to call. Schedule your consultation today!