Freelancing - Page 4

Advice and tips on how to run your freelance business, work with clients, and better market your products and services.

Business / 21 Dec 2015

10 Things Every Web Designer Should Be Able to Do in Their Sleep

Some skills, you just need to know. And you better know them so well that you can do them almost without thinking. When it comes to web design, many skills can change and evolve over time, but there are a few basics that you should be able to do in your sleep.

And even if you aren’t a “web designer” by trade, each of these skills is becoming must-have for all designers working today. How many are you already comfortable with? Let’s dive in and take a look at what you should be able to do on “auto pilot”!

How to Design a Logo / 2 Dec 2015

Should You Ever Design a Logo for $5?

So what is the deal with all these $5 logo sites? I don’t know about you, but as a designer I am seriously losing money (and credibility) the minute I think about giving away a design for five bucks.

Would you do it? Have you already done it? Today, we’re looking at all the issues that come with $5 logos, for you and for your clients. And how you can stay away from getting caught in the cheap design trap.

Business / 24 Nov 2015

Women in Web Design: A Personal Essay

Look around the room where you are sitting right now. How many women are in your design meeting? How many women are on your design team? How many women are working on web design projects?

We have an industry problem. Web design, particularly, is a quite distinct boys club. But why? It doesn’t have to be. Today, I’m doing something a little different, and writing a personal essay about my feelings as a woman in this business. I hope you’ll read along and join the conversation.

Freelancing / 9 Nov 2015

10 Freelancer Habits You Should Break Today

Bad habits can break your freelance career before it even really gets off the ground. You’ve heard the saying that it takes 90 days to create a habit? It’ll take you at least that long to break a bad one.

So don’t let any of these career-killers sneak into your work (and if you are dealing with one of these bad habits, make a point to break it now). Today we’re delving into a collection of hang-ups and habits that you’re definitely best off leaving behind!

Freelancing / 22 Sep 2015

10 Mistakes to Avoid as a Freelancer

When you’re working as a freelancer, whether it’s been two months or two years, you should step back and evaluate how it is going every so often. From rookie moves to common traps, you want to make sure you are aren’t making any mistakes that can set you or your freelance business back.

Here, we’re going to look at 10 mistakes you’ll want to avoid as a freelancer. (And you can use this list to look at things you might be doing that you need to rethink.)

Freelancing / 25 Aug 2015

Long-Term Freelancing: How to Stay Focused

Some days you will wake up with that “I don’t want to” feeling. The difference between working for someone else and working for yourself is often what you do when that feeling strikes. Do you push through anyway? Most people who report to an employer fight the feeling, but it can be a lot easier to stay in bed an extra hour when you are your own boss.

This feeling can strike at any time – on a Monday morning, or right in the middle of a big project that you’ve been working on a long time. So how to you push through and stay focused on those projects when you are running out of steam? The trick is in a combination of things you can do for the project and a few things you can do for yourself.

Freelancing / 29 Jul 2015

The Art of Saying “Yes” as a Freelancer

You always hear that saying “no” can be one of your best career options, but what if saying “yes” instead is the better choice? While there is no way to say yes to every idea, concept or request, you probably should make it a bigger part of your strategy.

As a freelancer, saying yes can open up more opportunities and help you connect with clients. Particularly as a young freelancer, having doors opened to you – rather than closed – is an important step in building your creative business. So here are a few reasons why you should change your mindset and instinctly think “yes” when asked about a project, rather than no.

Business / 14 Jul 2015

10 Smart Freelancer Tips to Use Every Day

Whether you are a full-time freelancer or it’s just a part-time gig, you need to be smart about your time and business. The most successful freelancers have developed a set of personal rules and routines that help them work efficiently and effectively.

Here, we have 10 things you can try every day to develop and train yourself to become a better freelancer. Your daily workflow is just one more tool to help you on the path to small business success.

Freelancing / 10 Jun 2015

How to Make the Jump From Employee to Full-Time Freelancer

So you’ve been doing a little freelance work on the side and are toying with the idea of making it your primary gig. But how do you know if you are actually ready to make that leap? Can your freelance job support you financially?

There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to switching jobs — of any kind — and freelancing is no different. You just need to think about some of the numbers and considerations a little more closely than you would if an employer was handling all of the details for you.

Freelancing / 1 Jun 2015

The Importance of a “Leave-Behind” for Clients: Top Tips & Advice

As a freelancer, your name – or business name if you have one – is your brand. Just like with any other company, it takes marketing chops to make sure clients know about you, your services, and how to make contact if they are interested in working with you.

That’s where having a good leave behind comes in. Don’t have a good leave behind yet? Here’s everything you know to get started. (Bonus: This post is full of fun leave behind items from designer portfolios, make sure to click on the links and explore for even more inspiration.)

Business / 14 Apr 2015

How to Find a Great Freelancer (And Keep Them)

There’s a lot of conversation among freelancers about how to find clients and create business momentum. But what if you are one of those businesses looking for a freelancer? How can you find someone qualified to work on your projects? And how can you keep them working for you?

That can be a tough question to answer. There are plenty of freelancers in the marketplace, looking to work for you. Today, we’ll help you find them.

Business / 23 Mar 2015

5 Ways Freelancers Can Actually Make Money

Many designers dream about the freelance lifestyle. What’s not to love about taking only projects you love, or working in your pajamas, or being your own boss? But it can be a hard road. Many freelancers break off on their own only to later return to a firm or company because it can be tough to make enough money to support your lifestyle.

Building a reputable freelancer business takes time, work and a lot of dedication. While the pay is not always steady, you can earn a living off freelance projects.