The Freelance Creative Producer Paradox: Freedom, Flexibility, and Feeling Invisible

As a freelance creative producer, I get to work across a range of incredible clients, brands, and agencies. One day I’m helping a tech company launch a new product, and the next I’m managing a lifestyle activation for a national tour.

The variety? - Inspiring. The freedom? - Game-changing.

But here’s the truth no one likes to admit: Sometimes, it feels like no one actually knows who you are.

You’re integral to the success of the event… but not part of the agency roster. You're managing the timelines, vendors, and chaos… but you’re introduced like “this is… Amaya? She’s… helping us out?” You’re often the one making the magic happen—while feeling invisible at the same time.

Let’s unpack this a bit, shall we?

The Best Parts of Freelancing

🎨 Creative variety

One of my favorite parts of freelancing is the creative flexibility it brings. I get to dip into different worlds—from corporate innovation to cultural storytelling—without being boxed into one brand voice or agency process. Each project stretches different muscles and keeps me creatively on my toes.

⏱ Schedule freedom

Let’s be honest: being able to choose my calendar is one of the biggest perks. It allows me to be a fully present mom, partner, and human—without compromising the quality of my work. I can say yes to projects that truly excite me and no to the ones that don’t align.

⚡️ Plug in. Add value. Go.

Freelancers don’t need six weeks of onboarding. We’re dropped into the middle of chaos and expected to roll with it—and I love that challenge. I’m wired to bring calm, clarity, and execution to high-stakes environments. It’s like being a stealth operator with a walkie and a production binder.

🚀 That sweet, sweet execution high

There’s nothing quite like watching an idea come to life. When the lights are on, the doors open, and everything just works—that’s the rush. And knowing you helped orchestrate all the moving parts? That’s the quiet victory freelancers rarely get credit for, but always carry with pride.

The Flip Side (aka, the Stuff That Stings)

🤷‍♀️ “Wait… who is that?”

This happens more often than it should. You’ve been on every budget call and vendor email chain for two months—but when you show up on-site, you're still introduced like a mystery guest. Not being tied to an agency can sometimes mean you exist in this weird gray area of “support” vs. “team.”

👻 Credit? What credit?

You can run point on an activation from idea to execution—and still be left off the final deck. There’s no LinkedIn shoutout, no “thank you” in the closing email, no mention in the press release. It’s part of the job… but let’s be real, it doesn’t feel great.

🧍‍♀️ You’re not really on the team—but you’re expected to move like you are

Freelancers are often kept out of internal convos and decision-making—but still expected to operate as if we’re in the loop. That can make communication tricky, expectations unclear, and problem-solving feel like flying blind.

🌀 The hustle never sleeps

Every new project means a new team, new workflow, new client dynamic. There’s no “coasting” phase—just constant reinvention and proving your value all over again. It’s exhilarating… and exhausting.

So What Do We Do About It?

💡 I’m not writing this to complain. I love what I do.

But I am writing this to say: let’s do better. Let’s recognize that freelance producers are more than just extra hands on deck. We are experienced, strategic, and often the engine driving things forward quietly behind the scenes.

We’re not backup. We’re not filler. We are partners.

Let’s build a culture that includes freelancers in the credit, the convos, and the community. One where freelance doesn’t mean “outsider”—it means “asset.”

Let’s talk about building a more inclusive freelance culture. One that values people for what they bring—not just what logo is (or isn’t) on their email signature.