I don’t think I’m creative/confident enough to do freelance work so I’m struggling to find any jobs that I’m qualified for.
Replies11
- Try to apply for work, even if you don't feel like you're 100% qualified. It's a good way to network and get your name out there.When I was at university, I applied for a design position that I didn't fit the requirements for. They were looking for a full-time graduate (with experience). However, I got an interview and I manage to get my first "proper" design job.There will be knock-backs, yet someone will give you your break! Keep going and hold your head high. You can do it! :-)
- I feel you. I am in the same situation. not confident at all, and hard to find a job to get experience and confidence I need to move on.
- @Michael Piggott that’s pretty much what I did when I was at uni.My Instagram is www.instagram.com/joeplattt
- @Alessandro Novelli I don’t have a job atm I’ve been living with my parents. The issue is that if I want to live in London because it’s where I went to university and somewhere I want to live I need a job in order to find somewhere to live but I also need somewhere to live in order to get a job. I think I’m too laidback and don’t know if I really seize opportunities. It kind of comes from lack of confidence and not being able to network as much as I’d like to.
- Get someone in the industry (potentially an agent) to review your portfolio. Head up, feel strong.
- I’d give it more time.In your first year you’ll be transitioning from graduation into the world of work.Through the next few years you’ll be cutting your teeth, gaining experience and building confidence.Some jobs may not be that creative.Shoot them the way you’ve been asked, then shoot the way you want.Build a portfolio of your work.Think small achievable goals for now.
- For which reason you don t feel creative enough? and why aren t you confident for freelance? Why do you think you are struggling finding work? What kind of job do you do now? and what would it be if you start freelancing? And if you were creative and confident enough and were doing all the freelance jobs you are quelified for how would your life be? how would you feel? hope the questions make you think. cheers. A.
- Freelancing is tough, especially for creatives - we're very sensitive and not getting work or having to chase money can be hard to deal with. But once you secure your first client, you'll get a tiny bit of confidence. And that will grow with the next job, and the next. I'm not telling you this to encourage you to freelance but to tell you that if you try it, it might be okay. Best of luck.
- Someone said personal projects. As a photographer the world is kind of your oyster, right? Every now and then I tend to go wandering round east London in search of new street art. Gets me out and about, exploring. Also, I like finding street art out in 'the wild' and taking photos of it. People always said I had a good eye for photos, but I've never really tried to make any kind of career out of it. I can see how passion projects like photography could lead to you building up a really cool portfolio though.
- Personal projects! Lots and lots of personal projects. They're fun and pressure free, and are the best way to explore what you like, your style and increase your experience.I'd hestiate to do too much work for free - no matter how unqualified you feel you are still providing a service and valuable products for a person to use. Even if you just charge £50 or £100 at least you'll get used to charging something. And as time goes on you'll start to get a feel for how much to increase your prices by.Find nice people to work with and be honest about your worries. Or find some friends to "hire" you and practice your process with.At the end of the day YOU are a qualified photographer and YOU have the skills and equipment to carry out something another person cannot - that's why they're hiring you! You're filling a gap they can't fill themselves.Lastly, have patience. Confidence can take a while to build for some people, so don't put unnecessary pressure on yourself - that is a creativity killer. Try to relax and enjoy what you do, and KEEP PRACTICING! You'll get there. In a year's time you'll look back and see how far you've come, and that's a good and very motivating feeling.Good luck!
- I hear ya, it can be v hard to motivate yourself and put yourself forward as a freelancer. Try to help out a few people for free with their businesses and remember that a picture is worth a thousand words and you are providing real value. But if you already have a good portfolio get out to parties, enjoy yourself and tell people that you are trying to get your career of the ground, think most people want to help people they like if they can and someone almost always knows someone who needs a photographer.I have recently completed Underpinned Freelance course and it honestly gave me confidence and a good idea of what I’m doing. I highly recommend it(I am not affiliated with them). You can google search it to find it :)Chin up!!!
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