Full-time freelance. Any guidance?
I'm looking to go full-time as a freelancer, I've been staging a gig with a company for the past few months but I'm looking to go full-time as the gig ends soon.
Where do people start? I've got all my profiles sorted and I'm ready to get posting on LinkedIn and socials. But I'm curious if anyone has any other tips or tricks to break into this ever illusive world?
Replies11
- @Katie Ruby Miller Ouch, I dabbled with Etsy earlier this year with a tee shop but closed it after 3 months of zero product views! I've heard lots of sellers are leaving Etsy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqHTWItpc2Y
- @Jonathan White yes it’s always quiet this time of year. It’s why I make and sell products on Etsy. But even those sales are massively down. Doesn’t help I invested in more stock than last year as I sold out before 🫣
- @Katie Ruby Miller 100% it's been a turbulent and trying year! Unfortunatley, December and January are typcially the quietest months of the year for us freelancers - remember the 'darkest hour is just before the dawn.'
- @Jonathan White it’s been so so so tough this year. My bank account is dangerously low and current prospects minimal. Trying to remain positive through tough times, but that’s running low now too. The lack of any financial security it’s not helping my mental health at the moment. Can only hope 2025 brings some change
- Don't do it Sam! Seriously, as @Katie Ruby Miller says it's been an incredibly tough year, certainly the most challenging of my 15 year freelance career. My advice would start with:1) Network, network, network - both in-person and online.2) Work towards finding a niche - so you can become the go-to expert.3) Continuous self-learning - both creative and business skills, the latter is oftern overlooked.4) Look after yourself - both mentally and physically to try avoid burnout.5) Follow but don't compare - seek out aspirational creatives at the top of their game.6) Perfect your sales pitch - nobody likes 'cold outreach', but the days of word-of-mouth referrals being enough are a distant memory!7) Coaching and community - both provide huge benefits in facilitating much of the above.8) Systemise your workflow - be organised behind the scenes, adopt a productivity tool like Notion to keep everying running smoothly. But watch the cost of subscribing to too many software tools, they soon mount up!Good luck!
- @Katie Ruby Miller genius advice
- I'd add that usually your working week might be not 9-5 Monday-Friday, because sometimes it's likely to work weekends if the project requires it and have free days in the week (of course you can set your own boundaries, but I remember in the beginning - when you need commissions - to have done so). Also you'll have busy periods and other dead where you'll think you're a failure but you're not: it's just being a freelancer. Treasure those quiet days to work on yourself, take some time off or learning new things.
- @Katie Ruby Miller Thank you for your insights Katie!I have been briefed on how non-linear the process is, I've buckled in and tried to mentally prepare myself.
- Be ready for the biggest rollercoaster ride of your life. It’s either feast or famine, though the last year (having spoken to many of my peers in design and illustrator) has been one of the worst they’ve ever had.Linked in, website, socials, in person networking are all good places to try to find work.I would recommend having a client or 2 lined up for when you jump ship. That’s what I did.Though I have to be honest with you, if I was in full time employment right now, with this economy, I would stay in my job.
- @James Murphy Hello James, thanks for the insights!I have managed to get a bit of savings behind me as I did anticipate things to start slowly.But I'll ensure portfolio, rates and availbality are all up to date and ready to go.Thank you very much. Hopefully you'll see some progress on here in the months to come.
- Hi Sam,First thing, get some savings behind you (min 3 months). Expect things to start slow. Depending on what type of work you're after, get in touch with as many recuiters that work in your field as possible.That said, they will want a portofolio/rate/availability etc all ready to go, so make sure that's up to date.Like you said, keep your socials up to date (LinkedIn especially). The Dots has been a good place to build a network with other designers and clients too.Good luck!
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