set up as a freelancer
- Started
- Last post
- 15 Responses
- cornhulio
Hey all :)
I have been designing a couple of years and have had only a couple of jobs thus far but they have been for interesting clients.
I have been a bit worried about getting up and running and was wondering if anyone has any tips about going about this???
I am sure the world is large enough for just one more web designer i am sure of it :)
- jox0
whew, i don't even know where to start. What kind of stuff would you like to learn more about?
- cornhulio0
I want to work with web companies that have larger clients, and I can help them make the stuff they need so to reach deadlines etc.
I am building a site at the moment in readyness of contacting them etc, I am a flash based designer who can code as well just the usual actionscript, xml, html, css.
What is the best ways of worming your way into their good books, basically winnning clients or companies in this case.
- jox0
Okay. Our firm has a couple of freelancers coming in whenever the situation requires reinforcement, and as always - the best way to grab their attention is to know you exist and that you're really great at what you do.
Send them a personal letter (or email) but don't make it look like there are 932 copies of that exact same letter going to their competition.
Give them a call a week later, explain that you would love to work for them, and -why- you'd love to. I think we receive like 100 job applications each month and the ones we even bother to contact for future gigs are the ones that seem really interested in us and what we do. Not someone who will jump on the first shite that answers his or her mass-mailing.
But the portfolio is still 95%, so make it rock! And explain your work, not just pics, explain how you did it, what the project involved, your role... basically any relevant info.
Whew, that's pretty much what I can think of now.
- cornhulio0
That rocks, thanks for the help.
One thing I have a limited number of things I can show in my portfolio I have spent some considerable amount of time crafting the site trying to show that I am interested in design and not just going througt the motions of creating any old thing.
Think it time I bit the bullet and started putting my head around some digital doors.
One last thing what is it you look for in a profolio site??, what do you see all the time and what wish you saw more of?
:)
- brundlefly0
a boring portfolio can be spruced up by showing detail of work, rather then the straight on web screenshots....you'll figure it out
:)
- rasko40
make it nice and simple, straight into the work with no loading, super simple to navigate so I can just click through all your work at a reasonable size... kinda just a list of titles that change an image and maybe just a forward and back buttons so I can choose... maybe a couple of words to explain the work but mainly just keep it simple and keep it fast.
- ********0
how old are you?
- jox0
yeah, like i said. People can have hundreds of pieces in the portfolio, but with no description whatsoever. What is it? Is it a poster? A site? A billboard?
Pretty - yes. Do I know what this person has been working with previously - no.
I'm not a professional recruiter in any way, i'm just telling you how we work and how I feel - and just shoot me an email if you got more questions - i'd be happy to help!
- cornhulio0
Also a good point I have focused mainly on the design so far as thats the part I most enjoy and hadn't considered the back up writing part was just going to list the application used.
Think i will ditch that idea maybe or incorporate into the text cheers again.
I really want to make it as a designer and have spent a while polishing up my skills both in designing and scripting.
I just want to make the right impression but I feel that actually make me a bit nervious about possible directions as with designing for yourself there are millions and millions.
I think I am taking this all a bit too seriously, and have more fun with it really.
:)
- cornhulio0
my age? I am 26 years old :)
- jox0
JazX is just checking everybody's age because he's currently the oldest fart around :P
- Mick0
Working for agencies you'll need to gain their trust. Every job (in particular the first one) you do for them you'll have to act like you love it - if you get attitude they won't use you any more.
I'd do a promo CD for them, promote to them that you specialize in helping out agencies... talor your services/message to exactly what agencies want.
As for getting your own clients... do the same but target your message more as "services for business, full service, blah blah".
Also never limit yourself to just agency work... that's just too small a market.
I also would never recommend someone to start freelancing unless they already have at least 6 regular clients and the ability to live on your savings for at least 3 months without income.
It all really depends on your dreams.... how big do you want to get? If you're happy just living life, paying bills, cruising then you have less to worry about.
- monkeyshine0
I formally start my life as a freelancer on Monday..err, Saturday cause I have a Tuesday deadline...but I can add a couple of things I'm learning.
You already have a step up in realizing that working for other firms is MUCH easier than trolling for work yourself. If you are a Flash designer, go to respected print design firms in your area and sell your skillset to them.
Make yourself very visible in your design/tech community.
Hire an accountant.
- cornhulio0
good point about the agenies as for plans I am wanting to get a full time job sorted out really as I am a bit afried of the freelance world of work I am wanting a bit of stability really as I haven't had that much in the past couple of years.
But to build up a more up to date portfolio I am thinking that freelancing can improve my chances of getting a nice stable job somewhere, but on the other hand freelancing you get to work on different projects.
decisions decisions its all good :)
- werkplace0
well, we just had mr smarty pants from cranbrook give a lecture in our part of the woods and he said you ARE NOTHING unless you drive an audi.
wise words...