Freelancing - Where do you start

Lewis.Burgess

New Member
Hi guys,

I'm Lewis im a recent Graduate in Design and publishing from Norwich University of the Arts and I'm trying to get my foot in the door with some freelance work.
But it seems to be and absolute chore. Any advice on what to do, where to start.

I feel pretty confident about my work and I've had a few logo jobs which I'm happy about but nothing consistent.

Some words of advice would be much appreciated guys.

Thanks for reading

Lewis
 
Hey Lewis,

One thing I've found when it comes to portfolios is that is great to see finished pieces, but when I'm looking for people to join our team I really want to see the process they took to get there. A lot of people try and cram in loads of work into a few pages, but I'd rather see 10 pages of 10 pieces of work, each one with the discovery, exploration and development of the idea so that I can see if they would fit in with the process that I'd want to put them in.

Out of interest what sector do you feel you specialise in? Reason I ask is that when somebody applies to work in my team I look for relevant work and anything else is really a bonus.
 
A portfolio of your work is always something can impress a potential employer, so even though you may have not had yet experience with an employer, you could create cool stuff for personal projects or helping your friends and, by doing so, fill your portfolio of great creations. Showing the process is a good advice too.
 
I just started freelancing myself. I've been working as a designer for quite a while now, but never did freelance work until now. And you are right, it is a chore! lol. I've been doing work on oDesk.com but it's hard to get work, especially when people are bidding with ridiculously low rates. I'm going to keep at it there though and see how it turns out.


...A lot of people try and cram in loads of work into a few pages, but I'd rather see 10 pages of 10 pieces of work, each one with the discovery, exploration and development of the idea so that I can see if they would fit in with the process that I'd want to put them in.
I've never thought of doing that actually. I do exactly what you mention in that I just cram a bunch of work into a portfolio page...but I think I will try this, it sounds like a very good idea. Clients might be more interested in seeing the creative process and how you work than the finished product.
 
I tend to keep my portfolio minimal, just my best 10-20 pieces that fit my long-time cultivated "cartoon illustration" style, and was recently asked if I had any more work of different styles to show! So it seems some people want to see more than others.
 
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