Making the Transition Pt.2
We have already looked at “why” we should make the transition from in house to freelance, now we are going to look at the “how”.
There are a lot of questions that arise when we try to figure out how to make the transition. I have done my best to answer them according to my experience. Here are some resources that may also prove very useful.
Online Portfolio Sites
- Great place to house your portfolio while you build out your site.
I am sure there are more out there… But these are the ones I have used.
Job Boards
The list can go on, but so far these are the ones with the most frequently updated jobs.
Freelance Resources
These are just a few blogs that offer valuable resources, there are a gajillion more out there, I would love to hear what ones you frequent.
This Vidcast was sponsored by Cherrp
Really like this series and thanks for posting the resources/links. Looking fwd to seeing where this series takes us. Good Job!
Thanks for the link Aaron! I have to admit, I wish I had thought of this video series!
Your most valuable bit in this video: “love your clients” — a successful business hinges on practice & product — you gotta have both and since being a web designer is such a competitive market (product) the PRACTICE part becomes increasingly important. We all have to think about how we deliver that service/product, our sales skills, our customer service skills are paramount!
Some stuff to think about before making the leap:
1. stay on your bosses good side! even if you are not happy at yr current position, don’t leave on bad terms! My former boss has become one of my most valued clients and refers overflow work my way regularly. Plus, the design community TALKS, so don’t gamble with your reputation!
2. look into contract work! something that can make the transition a lot less scary is getting a short term contract position (you can find these independently, but easier to go through a placement agency) A contract position is that space between being self-employed and on staff… you get a steady check, but also have the freedom of an independent and can make good enough money to fuel your initial start up stage.
The biggest thing that finally pushed me over that final hump was to sign on with an agency. I’ll finish making the jump next month with a fair bit of work from them and my own clients at the same time.
I also use all of the resources listed above.
Great stuff! Thanks for sharing this and offering advice.
This is a really great series Aaron. Great job! Really enjoying it since I’m trying to do it myself.
Awesome info Aaron! Making connections has paid off big time for me, not only making new design friends but also design work.
Thanks for all the links too!
This is brilliant, I wish i saw this series a long time before! it woulda help me decide on a lot of things that kinda messed up things for me! oh well..thanks aaron! cheers
Great video, it really described every aspect of designing, be it graphic or web.. I ‘ve been following graphic designing for the last 3 years and I still find something like this really interesting! thank you for sharing this!
Great video. Very interesting series.