Tag: freelance

Five Big Advantages To Going Freelance

art, design, Uncategorized

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Have you ever said to yourself the 9-5 schedule is not for you? For some people working are routine is exhausting. Here are some advantages to working freelance.

  1. You set your own schedule you work when you want to work. Yes it can be more work but more flexible and you work for yourself. Your not overseen by anyone or obligated to work. Just make sure you get what needs to be done.
  2. You can take days off whenever you want as long as you get your work done. Finish early on some days.
  3. You have more work life balance which means spending more time with your family and friends. No more traffic jams at rush hour.
  4. If you want a higher salary you simply just charge more. No more asking the boss for raises. Most likely you will also have less expenses not much travelling and more eating at home.
  5. You learn a lot about running a business which is very useful. As a freelancer you learn how to manage your money and also keep up with your paperwork. Your the salesperson, bookkeeper, project manager and administrator.I am honesty happy that I start Freelance Graphic Design I am doing something I really enjoy doing.

    Website: crystaldayton.com

Struggles of Freelancing

art, design

Things I am learning that can be difficult as a Freelance Graphic Designer. I am enjoying learning new things and I love what I am doing.

First Year

Learning how the business side of things work. Invoices, selling yourself, promotion etc.
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Getting good projects.

Early in Freelancing it is difficult getting work.

Getting Quality Clients. Working with clients in different time zones.
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Next Few Years

Raising prices.
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Figuring out the next steps.
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As a freelancer, you don’t get to work with a team as much and you don’t get a chance to learn from experienced team leaders and problem solvers.

 

My Top 4 Biggest Graphic Design Freelancing Mistakes

art, design

1. Under-pricing
I tend to feel like I maybe under pricing my work its just so hard to value your own work sometimes. Pricing my work is definitely something I struggle with but I think as I start to improve I can charge more.

2. No contract
I have learned that with people you don’t know you must have a contract. I found myself being to trusting with some people. So make sure you have a contract.

3. Not following up
Some clients if they like your work will most likely want something else from you so following up is always key. Also if you can get them to recommend you that is even better.

4. Always saying yes
Fear can make us do not the smartest things sometimes. I always was worried to say no to a client that wanted work. Requests to work for free come now I say no to that. Working with a bad client can damage you far more than the loss of work.

I am always learning making mistakes but I am doing something I really enjoy. What lessons have you learned the hard way? Please do share.