Earlier this week Freya Dowson, a freelance photographer from London, UK shared her entrepreneurial journey and how she got started in freelancing. She even shared some tips and strategies on how to get into freelancing – specifically how to get jobs, what NOT to do and how to make it work for you.
If you missed Freya’s podcast interview, you can listen to it here. She definitely shared lots of valuable advice for all entrepreneurs especially creatives and photographers.
- Be genuine about making connections with clients and prospective clients
- Do the work – on time and with a smile on your face
- Be pleasant to work around – not just with the client but also other freelancers
- Don’t put all your marketing eggs in one basket
There are many creatievs who are looking to freelance so we thought we would reach out to a community of freelancers and get more advice around what works, what doesn’t work and how to go about getting into freelancing if that is something you are looking to do.
Kathryn Bethard, a writer, UX designer and copywriter from Delaware, USA
I am a UX Designer and Copywriter and started freelancing just over one year ago. My 1 year anniversary was actually last week! So far, the ride has been awesome. I LOVE the freedom that comes with working for myself. I am able to work during my most productive hours, which for me means the early morning and late evening. I use the middle of the day (my least productive hours) to do things like go to the gym, get errands done, etc. I’m able to schedule vacations and trips when I please, spend more time with family and friends, and do the things that I love.
For someone just starting out, my first piece of advice is to have your services and pricing structure clearly mapped out before you begin. This will make the process of pitching and talking to clients SO much easier. Also, know that if you are working from home, boundaries are SO important. When freelancing, it can be tempting to work ALL the time. There is no office to come and go to, so even though you’re home, you’re essentially always “at” your office. Create a good work-life balance and set office hours for yourself. Don’t fall into the trap of working 12 hours a day! You’ll go a tad nuts that way.
Olivera Miletic, a branding and UI/UX designer from Belgrade, Serbia
I’ve been freelancing since I finished my studies. That’s how you start I guess. Even after getting my first full-time job, I continued to work as a freelancer as I thought that would be a good way to make sure I always love what I do. I am a designer and Art Director. I am mainly focused on branding and UI/UX, but I have a lot of experience in different areas. I worked within different industries, in studios, digital agencies, advertising agencies, etc. so I work on very different projects – both print and digital.
The good thing about freelancing is that if we are lucky enough we can choose our projects and clients. Unfortunately, it’s not always that easy and sometimes you get stuck with a bad client (which I feel is better than a bad project). But you learn something every time and that’s never bad. So far my ride was bumpy – but I feel that every experience I had was worth something. Before getting into it make sure you do your research. Make sure you know what kind of clients and projects you want. You might have to take whatever you can when you start, but at least you will have a goal to work for.
Shaneika Johnson Simms, a producer and director of Asare Simms Productions from London, UK
It’s been a goal of mine to be in control of my career. During my 2nd year of university, I set up my business to start working full time after graduation (2015). I’m a producer, screenwriter, and director at my production company Asare Simms where I pitch ideas and create narrative films for clients. I create coming of age short and feature films independently. I’m also the Editor In Chief of creative resource magazine Leading Lines, where I write articles and host the Along The Lines: The Business of Creativity podcast. Because of the nature of the work I do I guest lecture about my experiences running a creative company at educational institutions.
The journey of freelancing has been unlike anything you can learn from reading or watching videos! If I had to sum it up in three points:
- I’m constantly learning
- Refining my skillset and niches as I grow
- Meeting interesting and supportive people along the way
The other freelancers I’ve met at co-working spaces and events have been the best part of the whole experience. They act as sounding boards for celebrating successes, sorting out issues and comfort for the hard times. For those looking to start, remember you can be informed by books and videos but you truly learn by doing. Just dive in. The right time is right now.
Daniela Justus, a bookkeeping professional & owner of Hello Bookkeeper from Texas, USA
I started freelancing last year (summer of 2018), and have been loving it! I am a bookkeeping professional and owner of Hello Bookkeeper, and I absolutely love what I do! I am based in Texas and specialize in bookkeeping for growing creative online businesses. I have a background in fine arts, so I love working with marketers, coaches, designers, builders, photographers, and other creative fields. My goal is to help my clients feel confident about their finances so that they can grow and thrive in their businesses and so that they can have accurate financial records to help inform those big decisions. I have over six years of experience in office administration and am a QuickBooks Online Certified Pro-Advisor. Beyond professional bookkeeping services, I help my clients understand the cash flow in their business so that they know exactly how much they are making and how much they are spending. I also make sure they feel calm and assured their records are in order when tax season comes around.
It has been great so far! I still have a full time job and run my business on the side, so I am working more hours than ever, but I feel incredibly grateful and motivated when it comes to working on my own business. I have short term and long term goals, and every milestone in my business feels like a huge victory! It is definitely not all sunshine and daisies.
In terms of freelancing advice, of course, I have to start with some bookkeeping tips! First, open a separate business checking account and try to keep all of your business and personal expenses separate. Not only does this make filing taxes much easier at the end of the year, it’s an easy way to get an overview sense of how your business is doing. Check with your local authorities to see if you need any permits or licenses to do business in your area, and look into getting liability insurance.
Also, make sure that you put your systems in place early to make things easier as you grow – for example, putting together a great proposal template or contract that you can then modify to work for each future project rather than starting from scratch each time. By making time to set up these systems early on, you will save yourself that time when you get really busy! Find a support network of professionals doing the same thing you want to be doing. Lastly, make time to work on developing the mindset of being a business owner. Define WHY you want to start freelancing and come back to that when things get tough. Read books, learn marketing strategies, stay positive and take yourself seriously!
Mandy Sleight, a freelance writer and proofreader from Maryland, USA
I started to really think about freelancing in 2017 but didn’t actually put it into practice until the following year. I did lots of research to determine if it would be the right fit for me, and when my contract job ended towards the end of 2018, I jumped in and started freelancing while trying to find another job as an employee. For me, freelancing is now the goal so I’m focusing on that full time instead of finding a job. I am a freelance writer/copywriter. I specialize in insurance, health and wellness, and women’s issues. The majority of my work is done as long-form articles and blog posts, but I also have a client I do short-form articles for and one I do property descriptions for. If I hadn’t channeled my inner Richard Branson (see below), I wouldn’t have gotten the last gig.
It’s been a rollercoaster for sure! I was just going to start freelancing as a side hustle, but when my prior contract job ended much sooner than I anticipated, I found myself scrambling for what to do next. I looked for jobs but my heart was no longer in it. I had a taste of working from home on my own schedule and I was hooked! When you first start, it can be entirely overwhelming. Don’t get caught up in paralysis by analysis and think you need all the answers before you start. Remember the words of Richard Branson – If someone offers you an amazing opportunity and you’re not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later.
If you want to get into writing/copywriting, start by determining your niche(s). Then, find writers who have been in business for at least 5 years, have a proven track record of consistent income and study their work. Read their blogs, check out their Hire Me page so you can see where they write and what they write about. Most importantly, start pitching and get your name out there. Create samples depending on where you want to focus your writing – news articles, blog posts, newsletters. Always be open to learning and adapting, welcome any and all feedback – and actually put it into practice!
Melissa Kirk, freelancer & owner Words to Honey Writing and Publishing, California, USA
I started it as a side hustle maybe 4 years ago and I’ve been doing it full-time for a little under 2 years. I’m a writer, book editor, and publishing consultant. It’s been great in a lot of ways – I love the lifestyle (being able to work when I want and where I want). I’ve worked on some really cool books. The roller coaster aspect is a bit frustrating at times, and I’m scared to do my taxes. But overall, I’m glad I made the decision to leave the crappy office job to work for myself. It was super scary for about the first few months until I realized that I can always make money somehow. It was great to drop the idea that I need to beg a corporation for a job in order to survive. In terms of advice for others looking to get into this field, connect with mentors and peers in your field. This is the single best way to get jobs and also to get support/advice/comfort.
Kelly Miller, freelancer from USA
As a freelance amateur website designer, photographer and graphic artist that’s self taught, I started with friends and family businesses. I asked those whom I genuinely was passionate to help. I started working for next to nothing cheap then increased my prices as my efficiency increased. After a few projects I branched out to more businesses that I was called to. It’s a strange way to go about soliciting work, but I approached the small businesses that spoke to me, whether they had a product I loved, or a business I frequented. There was simply something about them that jazzed me up to work so much that I just had to work with them. I sent private messages and got the job maybe with pure enthusiasm. I like to work with people who’s business I want to succeed. That alone keeps me motivated and keeps me busy!
If you are women entrepreneur who is looking to freelance, there is a great online resource called Freelancing Females where you can connect with other freelancers in your area and in fact all around the world!
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