How do I stop “Scope Creep” before a creative project starts?

The secret is being hyper-specific in your deliverables. Instead of a vague term like “Social media graphics,” specify the exact number and format, such as “5x Instagram Square posts in PNG format, including 2 rounds of revisions.” Defining these boundaries in your Sole project notes gives you a clear baseline to refer back to if the client requests extra work.

Why should I refuse to start a project until all “Assets” are received?

Starting with placeholder logos or low-res images often leads to extensive rework later. If you have to swap assets mid-way, you risk breaking your layout or editing flow. Making “Assets Received” a mandatory kickoff requirement ensures you can stay in the “creative zone” without technical interruptions.

What creative equipment can I claim on tax in 2026?

For the 2025–26 financial year, you can use the $20,000 Instant Asset Write-Off to immediately deduct the full cost of items like high-end laptops, cameras, or monitors. You can also claim digital subscriptions (Adobe, Figma, Sole), home office expenses at the 67 cents per hour fixed rate, and professional insurance premiums.

How should I handle licensing and usage fees for my work?

Remember that you own the copyright unless specifically signed away. Your checklist should confirm where and for how long the client can use your work. If a client requires raw files or global usage, add a separate “Licensing Fee” line item in your Sole invoice to ensure you are compensated for that extra value.

Is it professional to ask for a project deposit via a payment link?

In 2026, it is the industry standard. Using Sole + WorldPay to send a deposit invoice for a 30% to 50% "Commencement Fee" shows you have a legitimate business system. It allows clients to pay instantly via Apple Pay or Google Pay, which is far more efficient than waiting for bank transfers.

How do I ensure I get paid the final balance for my creative work?

Follow the "Creative Rule": final files are only delivered after final payment. Send low-res watermarked proofs for approval, but only provide the high-res download link once the Sole app notifies you that the final invoice has been settled.

Pre-project checklist for creative and media professionals

Start every project organised and aligned with your client

Creative jobs fall apart when the brief is incomplete, the client hasn’t supplied assets, or your equipment isn’t ready.

This checklist protects timelines, creativity and professionalism.

Get webapp

No brief = expensive rework

Starting creative work without a complete, signed brief is the most common cause of scope disputes and unpaid revision rounds.

Missing client assets = missed deadline

Waiting for logos, brand files, or copy mid-project blows the delivery timeline and takes you off other paying work.

No deposit = financial exposure

Starting without a deposit means a client can cancel after you've invested significant time — with nothing to show for it.

Why creative projects fall apart before a single asset is made

The most expensive creative project problems are preventable: starting without a complete brief, beginning work without the client's assets, not confirming the revision limit upfront, or failing to collect the deposit before the first hour of work begins. Each of these creates either a direct financial loss or a prolonged dispute. This checklist gives creative professionals a six-section pre-project process: secure the complete brief in writing, gather all required client assets, sort location and logistics for any shoots, prepare gear and software, confirm deliverables and revision limits, and collect the deposit before starting anything. Use the two AI prompts to check for anything missed before the project begins, or to generate a professional pre-project confirmation message that documents scope in writing.

What You Get

6-Section Pre-Project Checklist

Secure the signed creative brief, gather all required client assets (logos, fonts, copy, references), sort location or logistics for shoots, prepare all gear and software, confirm deliverables and revision limits, and collect the deposit before starting.

Pre-Project Confirmation Message

A professional copy-paste pre-project message that confirms the brief, lists all agreed deliverables and revision rounds, states the deposit received, and sets the expected delivery timeline.

Two AI Prompts + 7 FAQs

Prompt A - checks for pre-project gaps.
Prompt B - generates a professional scope-confirmation message. The 7 FAQs cover refusing to start without assets, equipment tax claims, licensing upfront, collecting the deposit via Worldpay, and getting paid the final balance.

preview

A preview of what's inside

Here are the first three items from Section 1 of your free checklist:

Confirm you have a complete, signed creative brief from the client before starting any work.

Clarify all ambiguities in the brief upfront — it is far easier to ask now than to redo completed work.

Confirm the final deliverables: format, dimensions, resolution, file types, and intended use.

+ 5 more sections, pre-project message template, 2 AI prompts, and 7 FAQs — all inside the free download.

Who It’s For

Built for sole traders in health, fitness, and care services operating in Australia.

Photographers

Videographers

Graphic designers

Copywriters

Content creators

Illustrators & artists

ATO & Compliance Note

Important

Camera equipment, software licences, hard drives, lighting, and studio hire are all deductible for creative sole traders. The instant asset write-off (currently $20,000 threshold for eligible assets) may allow you to claim the full cost of equipment in the year of purchase. Track all equipment costs in Sole's expense tracker throughout the year.

Download your free checklist

Enter your details and we'll send the Pre-Project Checklist for Creative Professionals straight to your inbox.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions

Should I refuse to start a project if the client hasn't provided all required assets?

Yes. If your project requires client-supplied assets (logos, brand guidelines, copy, reference images) and those assets haven’t been delivered, do not start work. Send a written request with a deadline for asset delivery. If the deadline passes, the project start date moves accordingly — and the delivery date moves with it. Document this in writing to protect your timeline.

How do I collect the 50% deposit before starting using Sole?

Create a deposit invoice in Sole for 50% of the agreed project total. Attach a Worldpay payment link so the client can pay by card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay immediately. Only begin work once you see the payment confirmed in Sole. This takes less than five minutes to set up and eliminates the most common cause of unpaid project fees.

What equipment costs can I claim as a creative sole trader?

Common deductible equipment and software costs for creative sole traders include cameras and lenses, lighting and audio equipment, editing software (Adobe, DaVinci Resolve, etc.), hard drives and storage, studio hire, props used for client work, and professional equipment bags and cases. All of these should be tracked in Sole’s expense feature throughout the year.