You know the feeling when you finally arrive at a beautiful place that so many people have described to you just to realize it's more beautiful that you expected? 

Your expectations were low, maybe you already scooped out all the Instagram photos and Yelp reviews. But once there, once in the sight of such greatness, you realize it's better than expected. 

Expectations are everything. You can leave a really successful project unhappy just because your expectations were unrealistic. A client can leave a meeting with you incredible impressed because they expected "artists to not be professionals".

What are you doing to extend expectations of your clients, projects, stereotypes, and yourself? Have you taken the time to objectively consider what your expectations are and what your audience or client's expectations might be?

Your view of your outcome and success depends upon your expectations. This is one of the few things you are in control of as a freelance artists. And only you can decide what those are and only you can manage them. 

3 MAJOR CHECK POINTS you should make time for:

1. What do you want out of this project or from my audience?

2. Am I sabotaging my own success by having unrealistic expectations? 

3. Have I made my expectations clear to right people, including myself?