I often get a slew of questions from people that have either considered freelancing or don’t know how to start. I hardly mind the inquiries – I myself ask as many people as possible for advice and direction. Hello?! Lessons can be learned, at least partially, by the experiences of other people. I’m pretty sure that before the internet existed, everyone had to learn by trial and error. Imagine!
While I may not be able to offer the same well-seasoned advice as the average, battle-scarred design pro, I have the advantage of being freshly slapped around. You see, time has the convenient effect of smoothing over the rough patches. Reminiscing about early days as a sprightly freelancer may not yield the words of wisdom you need to hear. I’m new enough at this that I remember vividly what it’s like to jump in – head first.
So, I’ve decided to do a series of blog posts devoted to addressing the major issues I struggled with when starting out. Without further ado, Here is:
Session 1: Getting YourYou need a website. If you don’t have one, make it happen. If you can’t make it happen, then set up a blog where you put up pictures of your work, use a portfolio site (like Coroflot.com), or even Flickr in a worst-case-scenario. As long as you have something to show that will wow the socks off your prospective clients, you’re golden.
When seeking work, I was always told to cold-call the entire city. Well, I don’t believe in cold-calling. Nobody likes to be put on the spot by someone awkwardly reciting a cheesy pitch over the phone. I do believe in cold-emailing. That way, you can say everything you want to say without feeling humiliated. More importantly, you can link to your website so they can see how awesome you are. And there’s no need to make it super-formal. You don’t want to be mistaken for the IRS. I haven’t yet gotten to the point where I have to walk in and sweet talk the local businesses, but if your emails are not working, you best hit the road.
Clients can come in many different forms. If you show a design studio whatchu got – and they like your work, then it’s probable that you will be hired for freelance. If you go on Craigslist and show Mr. Jones how well you can draw a dog holding an iPhone– and he likes your work, then it’s probable that you will be hired for freelance. When you’re just starting out, you have to reach pretty hard for new clients. No one knows you or your work, so you have to “ignite the fire” and get them talking. In my experience, everyone I’ve ever worked with knows at least one other person that needs something designed. Chances are, if you’re doing a stellar job, referral emails will start to trickle in. If your projects are one-time deals and your clients immediately seem to fall off the face of the earth, you probably have to step it up a notch.
Keep in mind that your first few projects won’t be the mind-blowing undertakings that you’ve dreamt about. And that’s perfectly fine. Regardless, do the absolute best work that’s humanly possible, and you will be amazed at how far you can go.
Until next time, slackers!
Hey Holly!
Great advice! I think one BIG thing to note is that if you want those rec’s to start flowing in – you need to do a few key things.
1. Deliver great work AND be a easy designer to work with. Being great at communication and understanding your clients needs will not only make them happy, but much more likely to recommend you!
2. Make it EASY for people who like your work to find you! When you design a site, ask if there can be a link back to your website or if its an an event, maybe they would be willing to have some of your cards on hand for people that really liked the work? You want to make it EASY for people who like your work to reach you and hire you!
3. ASK happy customers to refer you! While some people will just do this, actively asking happy customers helps remind them to share you with others. You can also help build your cred by getting them to write positive reviews about working with you on sites like LinkedIn so that others outside their circle can see you are trusted!
Hello, Molly! I found your website via Frelanceswitch (the forums). This post was exactly what I needed. I’m new at this, so far I’ve only designed 2 websites for “real” clients and I feel kind of lost about how to get new clients. Like you said, I don’t believe in cold calling either (sounds terrifying!) and I’ve been doing some cold emailing.
By the way, I love your Edgar Allan Poe/raccoon illustration! I’m a big fan of Poe, great job!
Sorry, I meant to write Holly, not Molly. :S
Hi Monica! I’m glad you found my post helpful. And cheers to Poe appreciation