Everything You'd Like To Be taught before the start of Creative Freelance Career (Infographic) | Blog

Apr 6, 2022
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All new entrants to any area of work share the same thing that they aren't sure the things they're not aware of. The creative freelancer position is similar to being a creative freelancer. What's different about creative freelance is that freelancers are often flying solo and so seldom get the same guidance and mentorship that is often available when working in other arrangements.

The group is comprised of more than 3.5 million members around the globe Many of them are freelancers working in the field of creativity. This year, we sought out our most experienced freelancers that are both self-taught and formal trained, to respond to one question:

"What do you wish you could have learned in advance prior to or while pursuing a professional design/creative career?"

The answers to these questions are from our community, coming from graphic designers from illustrators to freelance writers, distilled into six key points to ensure that you are able to manage your own freelance business with inside knowledge that our community gained through their years of experience.

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1. Client relationships are like a wedding.

"It takes two to tango. Make sure you work with customers who are the importance of trusting and relying on the designs you create," said one respondent. There are some predictable stages of working with a client for a long time that begin at the point of honeymoon where you are thrilled to have won the contract and where the client is similarly thrilled to have you on board. If you're lucky the honeymoon period could last for years. But once you're comfortable with each other, some differences between you are likely to arise, and at the point of conflict, a clear communication, great listening skills and a degree of flexibility must be maintained from both sides in order to avoid an uneasy divorce.

2. Niche is a larger market.

The phrase "Go narrow, go deep," is especially pertinent for creative areas. Being a specialist rather than generalist places you in a much better place for consistent work. "Specializing or choosing a niche in your field does not make it impossible to work in a specific area," read one respondent. "In reality, it can create greater opportunities." An approach that is focused to a single type of job allows you to add a lot of accumulated insight and expertise on each and every project and also lets your clients know you're well equipped to handle anything they might put in your path.

3. Self-employment is a team sport.

One participant told us "I am wishing I had realized at an earlier stage that it's crucial to network with similar-minded individuals. Being self-employed is an isolated work, but it's not the only option. There are many individuals who are doing exactly the same You can share the ups and downs as well as ideas and possibilities."

There's no reason the self-employed should be deprived of social interactions that occur in the office; cultivate a local network of other creatives to offer each other feedback, advice, and honest critique. A proliferation of co-working areas facilitates this since creatives are more likely to be within the same building which means cross-pollinating is not just natural but also enjoyable. Some of the best ideas come from lunch.

4. There's no ideal time.

"I wish I'd known earlier that I don't need to be flawless or have all the details to get started," is an oft-heard lament in the creative world. A lot can be learned from experience on the job, through observation, and by simply asking a few questions from friends within the field that there's no reason to wait to start a new career or start your own business, or even apply for positions that appear a bit out of your depth. In fact, those tend to be the most thrilling tasks because they push the individual to develop instead of sticking to your current comfort zone.

5. Face your inner critic.

"I am able to remind myself that even the most admired illustrators in my life have an inner critic, it's aspect of life as a creative," said one respondent. "When my voice gets loud, it's usually an indication for me to look over my approach and try another approach." Instead of being annoyed by your inner critic when you're struggling take a break and take what breaks you prefer (cup of coffee? An easy walk across the street? ) then return back to the building in a calm state.

6. Your job is only a tiny part of your job.

A designer told us "I manage a lot more than just accounting, customer relations, or any other work that isn't designing. The design process is only a tiny part of my job as an individual." Simply creating isn't the only thing you can do when running a an effective creative company. Sometimes, you'll have take on the roles of an accountant, marketer, and many more.

Even experienced freelancers sometimes find them stumped by queries regarding everything from pricing structure to intellectual property concerns and taxes. The most important thing to keep in mind is that you're not doing this on your own; you are able to consult more knowledgeable colleagues for guidance in tricky situations. A person lent them a assistance along the way and once in a while, and they will gladly give it back.