All the things you'd like to be taught before starting your Creative Freelance Career (Infographic) | Blog
Anyone who is new to an job field share the same thing that they don't know what they don't know about. Creative freelancers are similar to working as a creative freelancer. What's unique about creative freelance is the fact that freelancers often are working on their own and don't receive the same support and mentorship that is often provided under other arrangement.
The membership consists of over 3.5 million members from around all over the world. Many are freelancers working in the field of creativity. This year, we looked for our most skilled freelancers, who are educated and formalized, to respond to the following question:
"What would you like you would have known prior to embarking on a professional design/creative career?"
These questions can be found in our online community which includes graphic artists including illustrators, freelance writers and even illustrators and distilled down into six essential tips to ensure you're able to run your own business as a freelancer with the knowledge our community has learned from their many experiences over the years.
1. Customer relationships are similar to the wedding.
"It takes two to tango. Be sure to work with clients who understand the value of trusting the design you develop," said one respondent. There are certain stages when working with clients for an extended period that commence at the time of honeymoon where you are happy to be the winner of the contract and where the customer is also thrilled to have you joining them. If you're lucky the honeymoon can last for years. Once you've become comfortable with the other person, minor differences between you will develop, and, when conflict occurs an open and clear communications, great listening skills as well as a certain degree of flexibility must remain on each side to prevent a difficult divorce.
2. Niche is a bigger market.
The phrase "Go small, but go deep," is particularly relevant for creative areas. The distinction between a specialist and a generalist puts you in a better position to work consistently. "Specializing or choosing a niche within your area does not make it impossible to do work within a particular area," read one respondent. "In real life, it may bring more possibilities." Focusing your approach only on one kind of project will allow you to bring a lot of accumulated insight and experience on every project and also lets the clients know that you're prepared to deal with any challenge they might put upon you.
3. Self-employment is a team sport.
One participant told us "I am wishing I had thought of it earlier that it is essential to connect with like-minded people. Being self-employed is an isolated job, however it's not the only alternative. There are plenty of people who are doing exactly the same It is possible to share your ups and downs as well as ideas and possibilities."
There's no reason the self-employed should be deprived of social interactions that occur within the workplace; develop the local community of creatives that can offer one another suggestions, feedback as well as honest feedback. Co-working space proliferation facilitates this since creatives are more likely to be within the same building so cross-pollinating between them isn't just natural but also enjoyable. Some of the best concepts come from lunch.
4. There's no perfect moment.
"I wanted to know earlier that I don't need to be flawless or have all the necessary information in order in order to start," is an oft-heard lament in the creative world. It is possible to learn from experience on the job by observation or simply by asking a couple of questions to your friends in the industry. There's no reason not to begin a new job or start your own business or take on jobs that seem somewhat far from your comfort zone. Actually, these tend to be ones that are the most exciting because they push the individual to grow instead of staying to their current level of comfort.
5. Face your inner critic.
"I am able to remind myself that even the most admired illustrators of my time have an inner critic, it's something that comes with being creative people," said one respondent. "When my voice is excessively loud, it's typically an indicator that I need to rethink my approach and try another approach." Instead of being annoyed by the voice in your head while you're struggling, take a break and take the breaks you like best (cup or a cup of tea? A stroll through the city? ) then return back to the structure with a relaxed condition.
6. Your work is just a tiny aspect of what you are doing.
The designer we spoke to said "I do a lot more than just customer relations or other tasks that aren't related to design. The design process is only a tiny part of my work in my personal life." The act of creating isn't the sole task you'll have to do while managing a successful creative company. In some cases, you'll need to take on the roles of an accountant, marketer among others.
Even experienced freelancers sometimes encounter difficulties about everything from pricing structures to intellectual property and taxes. What's important to be aware of is that you aren't doing it by yourself and you can seek out more experienced colleagues to help you in difficult circumstances. Someone has offered them aid along the way, and occasionally, and they will gladly offer it back.
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