Hello everyone :) I am starting out my freelance journey and would love some advice on what resources to use.
Hi, my name is Ayanna and I have recently finished university as a graphic designer and illustrator. I am now moving into a freelance career and I am looking to network with other freelance designers for advice and resources as someone who is starting out. I am based in the UK looking to move up to Edinburgh. I love to hear from you all :)
Replies9
- Welcome to the fun side!!Having said that, getting on top of the un-fun stuff early on is such a headache saver in the long run:From a business perspective, the first thing I'd do is set up a business account – even if you're a sole-trader – to keep your finances separate. And I recommend Xero for accounting admin, or at least set up some spreadsheets initially to track incoming money & outgoing expenses. Ideally you'd work with an accountant but that's not always feasible when you're starting out (I did my books for a year or so before employing someone externally).Seconded on the contract front too – super important before working with any clients. There are loads of great resources online to help you set one up e.g.: https://www.crunch.co.uk/knowledge/article/protect-yourself-with-these-contract-samplesMay I also recommend the 'Being Freelance' podcast & community. I binged so many episodes early on and it's full of advice and real-life experiences from a wide range of creatives... invaluable stuff.Good luck! Striking out on my own was the best thing I ever did and I love to see people taking the same path :)
- Before doing anything please, please learn about legals, terms of business and contracts. It’s the most important aspect that creatives don’t talk about. Maybe they do and I missed it.Learn about copyright and IP and what your rights are as it can save you a lot of time, stress and money in the long run. Let me know if you’d like tips of where to source this info.
- @Ayanna Peniston no problem glad to help.
- @Martin Jnr Thank you Sir.
- Hey @Julia Sabiniarz,Thank you so much for your reply and kind words. I will be sure to browse your instagram account for tips and advice or to drop a message if I have any questions in particular (be on the lookout for studio_aya_ap).Many thanks,Ayanna
- Hi @Shane Harry,Thank you so much for your advice and list of free resources. Luckily, I have started to build my personal brand and I am in the middle of creating a website for myself. Adding my work process and testimonials is something that I hadn't thought about so I am glad that you mentioned them.Thank you as well for your kind words.Ayanna
- Hey Ayanna,Firstly, congrats on graduating and deciding to become a freelancer!If you're looking for industry tips and advice on how to thrive as a freelancer, I have an Instagram account focused solely on this. I share info on how to find clients, how to set your boundaries, how to reach out to brands and so much more. Feel free to check it out: https://www.instagram.com/juliasabdesign/If there's anything in particular that you'd like to ask, don't hesitate to drop me a message.
- @Shane Harry I love how well you summed it, up well said.
- Hi @Ayanna PenistonWelcome to the freelance world of Feast or Famine 😅First of all you want to build on your own branding. This will help you to look real professional and serious.Then you want to build a portfolio. Ideally on a website, showcasing your projects and skills. You can also have additional portfolios like on Behance (Dribbble is dead) to link to your website. Eventually you want to add things like 'About Me', Work Processes', Testimonials' and Services' on your website.Also consider joining social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter (X), Threads, and Instagram. You can use these to network, introduce yourself, comment on other designers work, share your knowledge and work.Use free resources such a Unsplash, FreePiker, FreePik, Vector4Free, Coolors and MockUpsDesign.Above all be patient. Don’t give up or take rejections personally. Keep learning and stay positive.All the best up north.Shanewww.twhndesign.co.uk
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