Full time freelancing
9/05/2008I always thought a freelancing ‘career’ would be my ideal job. And to a point, it was. The only problems that I ever encountered with freelancing were the social aspect and the job security.
Working whenever you want and wherever you want is a dream. Own hours to suit, own work area to suit too! .. I took the time to really kit out my office area to make it easy to work in. My hours started as early as possible but lasted well into the early hours if needed be. Being my own boss was fantastic :)
But, after a year - I am putting freelancing on the backseat. I was contacted by a company in the city looking for a designer to run the creative side of there business. After an interview which went well, some example work which they liked, and much thought - I took them up on their offer.
I had a few reasons why like. Firstly, the social aspect. Being around professional, business minded people is something I have craved for a while now. The only person on my level [well, above my level] is Rob, who I love talking to as we are both on the same wave length. Being at home working takes it out of you. Hours upon end of just me, the computer, itunes and IM apps.
Also, the job security. Bringing in a set amount each month which will never stop [unless I leave] and not having money issues to worry about. This also means that I can now get a car, which is something I have wanted to do since I past my test over 7 months ago.
So! … as of Monday, I am a halftime freelancer and a full time 9-5er [in theory, although apparently I have flexi time!] The people at the firm have bought me a new imac, which was insanely nice of them to do so that I don’t have to work on a PC, and have also set me up to meet a designer from a top firm to get some tips from :) … firstly I took offense to this [stupidly] as I didn’t think I needed to get any advise from a designer. I think everyone has there own style and you can’t learn design, only improve on your own techniques. Later on I finally put my arrogance aside and realized this is a great opportunity to talk to someone with many years experience in my field :)
I will still be freelancing mind - just on evenings and weekends. I have worked hard to get my name out there, and being one of the only myspace designers in the UK was a great goal to get too, and I don’t want to let go, just yet. JaysGirl.com stays put.
In other news, I have also been mentioned on Freelance switch’s podcast - which was a nice find! I started getting many visitors from freelance switch from the page “Freelance Radio, Episode 14: Go Patriots!”
A few weeks ago I started a thread on Freelance switch’s forum about ‘About Pages‘ which sparked up an interesting debate on what is acceptable to put on your about page/bio. I fought that because my niche is myspace users, I feel as though a personal bio would fit in nicely with my market, as its about social networking, and finding new people. I believe a portfolio should show people what you can do, and an about page should show people who you are.
Others disagreed. Being too personal may actually put off some clients - which I fully understood. But since my site had a facelift, I have had a major increase in business, which makes me feel as though my about page is fine the way it is. Things could always change though!
So, rounding this one up - my freelance business is booming, but I am cooling it off slightly to get on with a full time job in the city. Lets see how well things go!
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is fascinated by the man in my alley who has been sorting the junk in his cart for 35 minutes. There’s a method! i believe it!
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