Freelancing can be hard, especially when you don’t know what you’re doing or prepared.
When you start, you’re working toward that goal you have set in mind.
If you feel like you aren’t moving in the direction you want to be, start taking control and do things yourself.
“Create what you wish existed.” –@thecapitalv
I didn’t want to fall into a trap of template work. My love is visual brand strategy and design, helping brands from the ground up. As a creative, I thrive off of giving advice and critiquing as a means of helping, but the work I was doing at the time didn’t allow me to do that. I know that I’m worth more than what I could settle for.
When opportunities didn’t happen when I wanted, I worked on a few things solo (fake brands, re-branding of existing companies, logo exercises) and took note of what was involved in each process. Often times we say, “I want to be a web designer!” but don’t understand the full process on what goes on behind it until we get that client. Then there’s loving the process, or completely hating it. Or, you have no prices and you’re winging it (which can kill productivity).
If there’s something you want to get better at, research and learn. SkillShare allows you to learn from experts for $20 dollars a class (way less expensive than any college course). Being a shadow or apprentice for someone gives you hands-on training. Let them know you admire their work and connect with them. I can’t promise that they’ll pay, but working a few hours of your free time can benefit you. Make sure it’s doable for you and you don’t get taken advantage of.
You have goals. You know where you want to be, so go forth and implement them. Create what isn’t right in front of you, because that’s the only way you will get to where you want to be.
Don’t miss other parts of the freelancing series! Click on the following to catch up:
Until next time, C
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