Well, everyone claim they are "designers" even your own potential client also the same thing. I have drop from this job after freelancing for quite some time. Instead now I venture into product accommodation and on demand personal product design as partner for a few kickstarters instead of just hire for work.

The pay is 3 times better then what I use to. The funny thing about design is .... if you work for what someone wants (at least this apply to malaysia) you will always get low pay for your time. If you make something someone want they will pay whatever price you demand.

I learn this from a small molding company ... before MCO they cast for client, get kuli price. During MCO no work, so we just make funny funny stuff and post them online. Now people are just buying up all the limited mold design like hot toys.