Too early to freelance?
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- hitsuji
Is it ever too early to freelance full-time? I'd like to freelance but I know my experience will hamper me. How many years experience does everyone reckon you should have before freelancing full-time?
- magnificent_ruin0
depends on many things: luck, skill, contacts, ambition, etc
- desperation, talent, likeability...magnificent_ruin
- I don't think there is a numbermagnificent_ruin
- nadanada0
i'm 22 and i freelance full-time. (along with a little bit of school to finish up).
in the current economy, it blows. but if you have the contacts, go for it.
- uberdesigner0
no.
- uberdesigner0
If I had gone to school for design I would have freelanced the whole way through. Gained real world experience and cash.
- lukusW0
any time past 10am is probably too early to freelance.
- doh - beforelukusW
- depends on how you look at it. I work at night. Talk to the scum during the day.ipissexcellence
- zarkonite0
I kept dropping out of school because work was too interesting. Freelance is good, hell, it's necessary to learn to deal with all the shit around design.
- I dropped out of nearly everything I ever entered.Jnr_Madison
- Scotch_Roman0
My 2¢: spend at least a couple years working for a reputable design firm or agency at first. You'll learn indispensable things about project management, client/vendor interaction, terminology they don't teach in school, etc...
I've got about 6 yrs. experience, 4 of that studio/agency. My plan was to spend a few more years at another firm in a more senior role—get a better sense of the business dev. side, and get some management experience before going solo. But in my current jobless state and in this economy, the full-time freelance thing might happen sooner for me than expected.
- hitsuji0
yeah that's what i'm thinking, job search or freelance full-time?! hmm. i could easily do it part-time but i dont want to have lots of freelance shit on my shoulders when i get a full-time job.
- GetRefresh0
I have always freelanced. From the age of 21 to 42. I recommend it. Don't listen to those who say... spend at least a couple years working for a reputable design firm or agency... not ALWAYS the answer.
Plus, as a freelancer, you'll find MUCH more time to experiment, etc. Be your own boss. No one else is looking out for you. Control your own destiny.
- +1
crnatrava - Might not always be the answer, but it often is. I'm sure as hell a lot more ready for the freelance worldScotch_Roman
- than I was before working in a studio.Scotch_Roman
- +1
- babaganush0
A good company to start with, will have seasoned good designers. This will teach you a shit load and fast. You should be doing your own shit anyway early on(still fuelled from college) so the personal development thing will be well in check. A good company will probably have better profile of clients to work with and you can use these to bolster your credentials to possible freelance clients when you decide to do it. Not the only way, granted, but I would definitely strive to get with a good co. for a couple of years early on.
- PonyBoy0
I've been a freelancer for six years now... sometimes w/retained contracts... sometimes with on / off regular clients - I think the key to maintaining happiness (after my own dumb mistakes) is to first always make sure you live within your means and remember that even thought things are 'good' now... work does dry up from time to time...
... then - what Rand (magnificent_cock) said.
- doesnotexist0
depends on what your goals are. I've never been in an agency and have been freelancing for 3 years now. to me nothing is better than being your own boss, but lots of responsibility comes along with that such as hunting down your paychecks, paying or not paying your taxes, and finding more work when it runs out. it's definitely a trial by fire, and worth the effort if you can stick through it.
- Douglas0
I give freelancers the work that I don't have time to do and expect them to be an expert at cranking it out. I would rather not hire someone who is looking to gain designer experience as a freelancer, instead I'll pay more and have them be pro at what they do. I've been staff a few places for 6yrs, then freelance for 2yrs, now staff again. If you can find a good staff position, with interesting clients, and willing to pay freelancers wage.... that's the gold ticket.
- boobs0
If you can get the work, you're ready to freelance. If you can get enough work, you're ready to start a studio and hire employees.
- mistermik0
never to early.
- utopian0
In this economy... if you can find a full-time gig and manage to do some freelancing on the side this, would be optimal solution.
- Just left a job where I was asked not to freelance. Glad I'm not there anymore.Scotch_Roman
- Stian0
I started freelancing at 18 (commercial photographer). Did business school for three months after high school, but had the opportunity to do freelance photography fulltime, and dropped out. Never been happier.
If you feel confident, and to some extent know that you'll have work to fill your days with it's definately a great situation to be in.
Being your own boss, picking out the work and clients you want to do, selling in ideas to firms, being able to earn a lot of money.. It's great!
What's your field?