My First Client In My Studio Burned Me Out

(Here’s What I Learned)

May 31

Ross Plemya Creator

Hey,

When I just started working in my own 3D studio (in 2023), I was excited to get my first client.
She was from Australia.
She messaged me:
​“Hi, what’s your price?”

I told her.
She immediately said it was too expensive and asked for a discount.

I said yes.
Not because I wanted to — but because I really needed the work.
​Big mistake.

Here’s what happened:

1. She agreed to the lower price
2. But from the start, I felt weird energy — like she was the boss, not a partner
3. She kept sending me more and more work
4. Tons of revisions — and I never said how many are allowed
5. I worked every day, no weekends, for months
6. The money I made was barely enough for food
7. I started to feel tired, frustrated, and honestly — a bit used

I didn’t complain. I just kept working.

And then I made another mistake:
I told her I couldn't work with her anymore, but before the final payment. And she started to delay it.
​
The worst part?
She once asked for 12+ revisions on one render.​
Changed the floor, then changed it back.
Just because she could.
​
And I still finished everything… because I wanted to end it properly.

The lesson?

Some clients aren’t worth it.
Now I always:

✅ Set boundaries from the start
✅ Tell how many revisions are included
✅ Don’t lower my price out of fear
✅ Trust my gut
✅ Say no when I need to

If you’re just starting out:

Don’t wait until burnout to learn this.
One wrong client can ruin your love for what you do.

Have you ever had a bad client?
Reply to this email and tell me your story — I’d love to hear it.

Talk soon,
Ross Plemya