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I was going to e-mail you, but thought it would be better opened for discussion.
How hard did you find it going completely freelance? Did you save up squillions beforehand (I remember reading somewhere that you earnt on average 36k per year working for various agencies, is that right?). So did you make sure you were financially comfortable and set yourself a period to see how much work you could get over? I mean, it's every designer's dream to be their own boss, but how can someone averagely skilled, like me, afford it? Do you have a wife/kids/hamster to look after? What were their opinions on you effectively taking a risk that you'd find work?
I'm quite unhappy at my new workplace, because I'm not getting as much control over design as I wanted, and to be honest the bloke who runs it is a bit of a nob, and I don't know how much longer I can work for him. I could quite happily sit and build the sites I've just made over the last three months, and take the portion of money I had to share with them. The only thing they did for me was find the work - is this how you're managing to cope, finding work for yourself? Obviously that's the essence of being your own boss, but there are only so many antique and brick-a-brack shops that need websites before you have to find proper work that pays bills. Do you get work offers from larger companies?
Personally, I'd love to go completely freelance, but ultimately I'm not sure I have the businesshead to pull it off. I can design sites all day long with confidence now, and need the freedom to do so before I explode with frustration.
btw, anyone that works as a designer/coder/developer is welcome to input - I only know for sure that Tyla does it, and has just gone freelance. Ta-ta!
How hard did you find it going completely freelance? Did you save up squillions beforehand (I remember reading somewhere that you earnt on average 36k per year working for various agencies, is that right?). So did you make sure you were financially comfortable and set yourself a period to see how much work you could get over? I mean, it's every designer's dream to be their own boss, but how can someone averagely skilled, like me, afford it? Do you have a wife/kids/hamster to look after? What were their opinions on you effectively taking a risk that you'd find work?
I'm quite unhappy at my new workplace, because I'm not getting as much control over design as I wanted, and to be honest the bloke who runs it is a bit of a nob, and I don't know how much longer I can work for him. I could quite happily sit and build the sites I've just made over the last three months, and take the portion of money I had to share with them. The only thing they did for me was find the work - is this how you're managing to cope, finding work for yourself? Obviously that's the essence of being your own boss, but there are only so many antique and brick-a-brack shops that need websites before you have to find proper work that pays bills. Do you get work offers from larger companies?
Personally, I'd love to go completely freelance, but ultimately I'm not sure I have the businesshead to pull it off. I can design sites all day long with confidence now, and need the freedom to do so before I explode with frustration.
btw, anyone that works as a designer/coder/developer is welcome to input - I only know for sure that Tyla does it, and has just gone freelance. Ta-ta!
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Cool, cheers for the literature.
I think I've got a pretty well-rounded grasp on web design - HTML, bit of CSS, Photoshop, JavaScript, PHP & Flash/ActionScript - and the few areas I'm not so hot on (SQL), I've got a mate who would do that for me. We've even talked about going into business together so it may happen if work arises. And I'd love to work with Snuggly on designs, have you ever seen his print work? [URL]http://www.alistairgray.co.uk/onlinecv/print.php[/URL] - pretty sweet. So between my 2 best mates and myself, we've pretty much got it all covered, and I know they'd accept pizza as payment.
The £1000/month target is kind of what I'm aiming at, I'd be more than happy with that. I like to think that I take pride in my designs, but ultimately it's the wonga. I *think* a client is coming back to me for some freelance work. I'll email her tomorrow actually, that could be really useful right now. And it would cover my months target in 2 weeks. God, I hope she comes back...
And as for the degree...well, I had some personal problems and had to leave, stuff I don't really want to get into on these forums. Luckily I fell into the work I've just finished, but I can't see any proper work coming up in the next few months. Which is what's prompted me to think about freelance more seriously. I have the means - just need the work!
I think I've got a pretty well-rounded grasp on web design - HTML, bit of CSS, Photoshop, JavaScript, PHP & Flash/ActionScript - and the few areas I'm not so hot on (SQL), I've got a mate who would do that for me. We've even talked about going into business together so it may happen if work arises. And I'd love to work with Snuggly on designs, have you ever seen his print work? [URL]http://www.alistairgray.co.uk/onlinecv/print.php[/URL] - pretty sweet. So between my 2 best mates and myself, we've pretty much got it all covered, and I know they'd accept pizza as payment.
The £1000/month target is kind of what I'm aiming at, I'd be more than happy with that. I like to think that I take pride in my designs, but ultimately it's the wonga. I *think* a client is coming back to me for some freelance work. I'll email her tomorrow actually, that could be really useful right now. And it would cover my months target in 2 weeks. God, I hope she comes back...
And as for the degree...well, I had some personal problems and had to leave, stuff I don't really want to get into on these forums. Luckily I fell into the work I've just finished, but I can't see any proper work coming up in the next few months. Which is what's prompted me to think about freelance more seriously. I have the means - just need the work!
[URL]http://wiki.workalone.co.uk[/URL]
Helpful wiki on the subject, mostly resources, but a few articles on freelancing in general too.
Helpful wiki on the subject, mostly resources, but a few articles on freelancing in general too.
Hmm, where to start? I’d love to say it was some well thought out plan and business idea initially, but in reality, I had a mare with my last job, quit and decided that was it (pending legal action against the firm for breach of Privacy and Data Protection).
I’ve been part time freelancing for over 6 years with little jobs here and there, but one thing I have on my side, is that I am not restricted to just web, I also do print and general graphic design which covers everything from car livery through to painting leather jackets for bikers. I also do a little consultancy on the side for usability, SEO and accessibility.
I do have weak points though, my customer liaison skills are a little “brash” at times, I’m a tad arrogant for my own good sometimes and on occasions, I lose motivation normally about half way through projects, but since going it alone full time, my drive has increased as I know my income means I can eat and so can my family.
Pros of freelancing;
Your own boss
Your own hours
Money
Own control over projects
Downside;
You tend to work silly hours
Can get distracted
Money isn’t guaranteed like a 9-5
Accounts/Income Tax
Finding the work
Chasing clients for payment
I’m quite lucky in finding work. I have a very good reputation in my area, very good word of mouth about my work and excellent recommendations from my clients as well as a portfolio of work for people such as Sony, HP, Renault, Infineum, DETR and Classic FM, which helps a lot. I also set myself the target of 1 site a month which brings in anything from £700-£1000 which is enough to cover my living costs.
As for finding work; Lots of cold calling with local firms especially start ups where I can offer the full “branding” package from stationary to shop branding. I also talk to a lot of other freelancers who tend to be quite helpful in pointing you in the right direction for finding jobs or going to for advice when things are stressing. Networking is probably the most important thing when going alone.
Setting up was slow, invested a lot of money in software (StudioMX 04, Photoshop CS, Illustrator CS, Quark, Acrobat Pro etc) as you can’t use dodgy software, especially where your books are concerned. I bought all my hardware here and there over the years and the rest come from begging and borrowing from other people of I need to.
I know my limitations too, so have built up a network of people who I can sub-contract out too if needed on a “you scratch mine and I’ll scratch yours” basis, though also being your own boss gives you more of the desire to learn more and more as this equates to more money for yourself at the end of the day.
Would I recommend going freelance? Yes and No. It’s really down to the individual, if you think you have what it takes to go it alone, and sometimes that really does mean “alone” and you can keep up with the drive and pressure, go for it. If you have doubts, then don’t.
There are plenty of organisations out there who are very helpful, The Business Link (Nimco pointed me in their direction a while ago), Freelancers.net are good, the guys over at DesignateOnline are really helpful and it’s always worth visiting you local Enterprise Centre who can help in getting your name out there as well as giving advice and direction.
I’ve been totally “solo” for about a month now, and been really lucky as I have about £4000 of work going on at the moment. If I can keep this up, I’ll be happy, but I’m sure there will be months where I’ll make nothing, and suddenly I’ve found myself having to learn how to save for those rainy days.
Don’t know if any of this helps, probably just ranted for the hell of it.
I’ve been part time freelancing for over 6 years with little jobs here and there, but one thing I have on my side, is that I am not restricted to just web, I also do print and general graphic design which covers everything from car livery through to painting leather jackets for bikers. I also do a little consultancy on the side for usability, SEO and accessibility.
I do have weak points though, my customer liaison skills are a little “brash” at times, I’m a tad arrogant for my own good sometimes and on occasions, I lose motivation normally about half way through projects, but since going it alone full time, my drive has increased as I know my income means I can eat and so can my family.
Pros of freelancing;
Your own boss
Your own hours
Money
Own control over projects
Downside;
You tend to work silly hours
Can get distracted
Money isn’t guaranteed like a 9-5
Accounts/Income Tax
Finding the work
Chasing clients for payment
I’m quite lucky in finding work. I have a very good reputation in my area, very good word of mouth about my work and excellent recommendations from my clients as well as a portfolio of work for people such as Sony, HP, Renault, Infineum, DETR and Classic FM, which helps a lot. I also set myself the target of 1 site a month which brings in anything from £700-£1000 which is enough to cover my living costs.
As for finding work; Lots of cold calling with local firms especially start ups where I can offer the full “branding” package from stationary to shop branding. I also talk to a lot of other freelancers who tend to be quite helpful in pointing you in the right direction for finding jobs or going to for advice when things are stressing. Networking is probably the most important thing when going alone.
Setting up was slow, invested a lot of money in software (StudioMX 04, Photoshop CS, Illustrator CS, Quark, Acrobat Pro etc) as you can’t use dodgy software, especially where your books are concerned. I bought all my hardware here and there over the years and the rest come from begging and borrowing from other people of I need to.
I know my limitations too, so have built up a network of people who I can sub-contract out too if needed on a “you scratch mine and I’ll scratch yours” basis, though also being your own boss gives you more of the desire to learn more and more as this equates to more money for yourself at the end of the day.
Would I recommend going freelance? Yes and No. It’s really down to the individual, if you think you have what it takes to go it alone, and sometimes that really does mean “alone” and you can keep up with the drive and pressure, go for it. If you have doubts, then don’t.
There are plenty of organisations out there who are very helpful, The Business Link (Nimco pointed me in their direction a while ago), Freelancers.net are good, the guys over at DesignateOnline are really helpful and it’s always worth visiting you local Enterprise Centre who can help in getting your name out there as well as giving advice and direction.
I’ve been totally “solo” for about a month now, and been really lucky as I have about £4000 of work going on at the moment. If I can keep this up, I’ll be happy, but I’m sure there will be months where I’ll make nothing, and suddenly I’ve found myself having to learn how to save for those rainy days.
Don’t know if any of this helps, probably just ranted for the hell of it.
I thought about writing a long post but then decided you might be better reading this for a start.
[URL]http://www.pcg.org.uk/freelancing.html[/URL] - Guide to Freelancing (detailed publication)
I guess section 22 onwards will be of most interest to you at the moment.
[URL]http://www.pcg.org.uk/freelancing.html[/URL] - Guide to Freelancing (detailed publication)
I guess section 22 onwards will be of most interest to you at the moment.
Sorry this is slightly off topic but does this mean you've finished your Music Tech degree, monkey_man? I remember you said you did the same course as me. I'm thinking about what the buggering-hell I want to do during a placement year (let alone what to do after I've finished) and I'm totally clueless....
The tutor on the multimedia module says half of us are gonna go into web design which, quite frankly, I'd like to avoid like the plague.
The tutor on the multimedia module says half of us are gonna go into web design which, quite frankly, I'd like to avoid like the plague.
This has been something I've been looking to do over the summer. Obviously it's not as drastic for me to do freelance work over the summer as it is for you to give up work and go freelance, but I have been looking around about it.
Several people on these forums and elsewhere have given me good advice on places to look for freelance jobs. There are sites out there that just list projects and are open for freelancers to go and "bid for" or simply email the person/company in question.
The only thing I would say though is that being a freelance could limit you to smaller projects, as you hinted at. This is simply because a larger site may need a team, and a lone freelancer isn't the best choice for team situations.
I'm sure Tyla/Garin will be able to help you more than I can though.
Several people on these forums and elsewhere have given me good advice on places to look for freelance jobs. There are sites out there that just list projects and are open for freelancers to go and "bid for" or simply email the person/company in question.
The only thing I would say though is that being a freelance could limit you to smaller projects, as you hinted at. This is simply because a larger site may need a team, and a lone freelancer isn't the best choice for team situations.
I'm sure Tyla/Garin will be able to help you more than I can though.
I was going to e-mail you, but thought it would be better opened for discussion.
How hard did you find it going completely freelance? Did you save up squillions beforehand (I remember reading somewhere that you earnt on average 36k per year working for various agencies, is that right?). So did you make sure you were financially comfortable and set yourself a period to see how much work you could get over? I mean, it's every designer's dream to be their own boss, but how can someone averagely skilled, like me, afford it? Do you have a wife/kids/hamster to look after? What were their opinions on you effectively taking a risk that you'd find work?
I'm quite unhappy at my new workplace, because I'm not getting as much control over design as I wanted, and to be honest the bloke who runs it is a bit of a nob, and I don't know how much longer I can work for him. I could quite happily sit and build the sites I've just made over the last three months, and take the portion of money I had to share with them. The only thing they did for me was find the work - is this how you're managing to cope, finding work for yourself? Obviously that's the essence of being your own boss, but there are only so many antique and brick-a-brack shops that need websites before you have to find proper work that pays bills. Do you get work offers from larger companies?
Personally, I'd love to go completely freelance, but ultimately I'm not sure I have the businesshead to pull it off. I can design sites all day long with confidence now, and need the freedom to do so before I explode with frustration.
btw, anyone that works as a designer/coder/developer is welcome to input - I only know for sure that Tyla does it, and has just gone freelance. Ta-ta!
How hard did you find it going completely freelance? Did you save up squillions beforehand (I remember reading somewhere that you earnt on average 36k per year working for various agencies, is that right?). So did you make sure you were financially comfortable and set yourself a period to see how much work you could get over? I mean, it's every designer's dream to be their own boss, but how can someone averagely skilled, like me, afford it? Do you have a wife/kids/hamster to look after? What were their opinions on you effectively taking a risk that you'd find work?
I'm quite unhappy at my new workplace, because I'm not getting as much control over design as I wanted, and to be honest the bloke who runs it is a bit of a nob, and I don't know how much longer I can work for him. I could quite happily sit and build the sites I've just made over the last three months, and take the portion of money I had to share with them. The only thing they did for me was find the work - is this how you're managing to cope, finding work for yourself? Obviously that's the essence of being your own boss, but there are only so many antique and brick-a-brack shops that need websites before you have to find proper work that pays bills. Do you get work offers from larger companies?
Personally, I'd love to go completely freelance, but ultimately I'm not sure I have the businesshead to pull it off. I can design sites all day long with confidence now, and need the freedom to do so before I explode with frustration.
btw, anyone that works as a designer/coder/developer is welcome to input - I only know for sure that Tyla does it, and has just gone freelance. Ta-ta!
Page: