Let’s paint the scene: You’ve sent the proposal, poured your creativity into mockups, hit “send,” and waited. And then waited some more. The silence from your inbox is so loud it’s practically echoing. Welcome to one of freelancing’s strange rites of passage: client ghosting. It’s like we’re back in school, waiting for someone to call after a first date, but this time, it’s your career, your art, and, yes, your livelihood on the line.

We’re talking about the business side of relationships—the messy, unpredictable, and surprisingly tender dance between creatives and clients. And while ghosting can sting, it also holds the potential to redefine our work, our boundaries, and, ultimately, how we choose to show up as creatives in this space. So, pour yourself a coffee (or a glass of wine—I’m not judging), and let’s have the real talk about ghosting and why it’s never quite the end of the story.

The Truth About Ghosting: It’s Not (Always) About You

First, let’s get one thing straight: client ghosting happens to everyone. That seasoned pro with a award-winning portfolio? Yep, they’ve been ghosted. The agency that has all the best clients? Ghosted. You’re not alone in this silent rejection game. It’s a shared experience in the freelance community. Often, it’s not even personal. Clients vanish for all sorts of reasons—tight budgets, changed minds, unexpected life curveballs. Sometimes, it’s simply a lack of understanding about the commitment it takes to work with a creative. You can be the perfect designer, but you’re still one-half of the equation.

The real trick? Don’t take it to heart. (Easier said than done, I know.) But, the more we can detach our self-worth from our client’s responses, the more freedom we gain to do what we do best—design, create, and thrive.

Set the Stage Early

Ghosting hurts less when we set clear expectations upfront. Talk about what’s expected, what happens if deadlines are missed, or how you handle projects that go quiet. And be specific! The more precise your terms, the less mystery there is, and the more professional (and confident) you feel. For example, add a simple clause: “If I don’t hear from you in 14 days, I’ll assume the project’s paused, and we can reconnect when you’re ready.” Suddenly, you’re in control of the narrative, not just waiting around in the dark.

The Emotional Side: Taking Care of Yourself

This is where we get real. Ghosting is never just business—it’s personal. Our work, especially as designers, is intimate. We craft pieces of ourselves into every pixel, every detail, every meeting. So, when a client goes silent, it’s natural to feel a bit bruised. But here’s where we, as creatives, get to reclaim our power. Taking care of ourselves is just as crucial as taking care of the design. Treat yourself kindly: go for a walk, dive into a side project, or connect with your fellow freelancers (trust me, they have stories that’ll make you feel a lot better). Remember, ghosting might just be a redirection to something better.

Create Systems That Work For You

When ghosting becomes more about the process and less about hurt feelings, you’ll start to see it as just another step in your freelance flow. A follow-up email template, a system for closing inactive projects, and a way to stay connected that doesn’t feel like you’re chasing someone down. It’s all about designing your business so you feel in control, not left hanging.

For example, a simple “checking-in” email after a week of silence can feel warm and genuine without making you seem desperate. Something like, “Hi there! Just checking in to see if you had a chance to review everything. I’m excited to hear your thoughts and ready to move forward whenever you are.” If they respond, great. If not, you’ve left the door open but protected your own energy.

Why Ghosting Is Actually a Good Thing

Hear me out. Every time a client ghosts, it’s a chance to refine who you work with and how. It’s a reminder that we’re not here for everyone, and not everyone is meant for us. Ghosting often clears space for clients who respect your process, your time, and your talent. It’s like a silent filter, weeding out those who aren’t quite the right fit and leaving room for those who are. Every silence is an opportunity to double down on what you love, what you’re good at, and the clients who make it all worthwhile.

Moving Forward with Confidence

As freelancers, we live in this beautiful blend of creativity and business, with all the unexpected hiccups along the way. These hiccups can range from client ghosting to project cancellations, scope creep, or even personal challenges that affect our work. Ghosting is just one piece of the journey—a chapter in the bigger story of your creative career. Every ghosted email, every silent project, is an invitation to reconnect with your work, to honour your creativity, and to remember that, yes, you are enough.

So, the next time you’re faced with that awkward, empty inbox, take a breath. You’ve got this. You’re a designer, an artist, a freelancer who knows how to handle the highs and lows. With every ‘no response,’ you’re getting closer to the clients who say ‘yes,’ the projects that spark joy, and the work that fills you up. And isn’t that what we’re really here for?

Here’s to keeping it real, honouring our craft, and never letting a little silence dim our creative fire. Keep designing, keep creating, and keep showing up for yourself—because that’s the kind of relationship worth building.