Hi, I wanted to ask about and to graphic designers. I am interested in becoming a freelancers but I want to know for anybody who work in this field. What do you do, I am into and get distracted by computers and feel like I need to do something motivating then just sitting in the computer. I mean this is true, right, I mean it isn't really a lazy job, right? For those of you who work as a freelancer, what do you do? I mean during work, do you spend 8hrs on the computer? Is it more than just editing photos in this job? How about photograph, I heard not all photo editing require photography or to take photos, is this true? Can you make a living with this career, especially without having to know photograph? I don't have the skills for taking pictures and am getting some experience in photo shop and trying to learn more and more to get a good paying jobs. I mean what I need? I am single and don't mind living in an apartment or anything small, don't have a car, nor kids lol. What else besides photo editing during work hours do you do? I feel, again saying it, being in the computer 8hrs a day is me being lazy. Also, after hours, what do you do to keep moving? Again, working as a construction worker (job I hate lol but doing it meanwhile I learn photo shop and researching graphic design) and I feel I can lay down since its a physical job. I had tried photo editing for small, not worth a lot pay job, and after the 8hrs, I had just went from my room desk to my bed and go to the gym. What is your lifestyle as a graphic designer, more specifically for those who work as a freelance? Do you just do more then just sitting in your desk or do you go out there outside having to go places as well?
Thanks
NOT GPT - genuine response from a freelancer of 20+ years:
So... long message to process, but I'll do my best. I am a designer/artworker, Mac-based using Adobe software, and working for the last 10 years from home. Here's a warning before you read on - this will contain stuff that you're probably not necessarily going to be expecting to hear:
1> Make sure that you are as strong administratively as you are creative. That is to say, you have to have as much control over the efficient running of your business as you do in actually doing the work. Keeping track of expenses, annual accounts, billing, etc. You might find yourself spending more time on this side than you might be comfortable with.
2> Be confident that you can get the work. Personally, I've been used to tapping into ad/marketing agencies that outsource or larger businesses that have marketing departments. That way, if you are on a roster, the work comes to you. Don't rely on that though. You have to market yourself and be prepared to take the rough with the smooth. In my experience, smaller customers with less budget to spend tend to be the most difficult. You also have to be confident in your abilities.
3> Chances are more likely than not that you will NOT be getting 8 hours' worth of work a day, every day. You might currently be employed on an 8-hour-a-day permanent contract, but that employer will pay for a full day's work, regardless of how busy you are. The days of clocking up dollars whilst chatting around the water cooler will be distant memories for a newly self-appointed freelancer. Be prepared for a day, or days, with nothing to do if you do not have a steady flow of work. But, expect to be at your desk for the duration of your low spells anyway. And have your phone close by...
4> Is it going to be worth it financially? It's true that freelancers can command a higher hourly rate, but you have to balance this against the fact that the volume of work you do directly impacts your income. You could command $100 per hour. 40 hours a week is $4k earned in 5 days. Sounds great. Now factor in that you might only have had 3 hours of work over the course of last week. And if that's the norm, that's dreams of retirement at the age of 40 smashed to bits! I've been on the receiving end of both the frustration of having no work and being ridiculously busy. On the one hand, no work for 2 weeks, no matter how hard I tried. On the flip side, I've worked 35 hours solid in a single shift! (seriously). Planning your time can be difficult (see point 6). BUT, do not be afraid to review the situation at any time. You and you alone are able to decide if the risk has been worth it. If you are NOT seeing gains over what you could otherwise be earning full-time, do not be afraid to kick it in. And remember that as a freelancer, you aren't getting 4 weeks off, a healthcare plan, and a gym membership as part of the package!
5> As I said in point 2, you have to be confident in your abilities. THIS IS PARAMOUNT!!! This is what people are paying you for, they are paying vastly more for a freelancer and expect a premium, expert service from the off. You need to KNOW the full gamut of the features you are using in order to present work accurately, swiftly and economically. You can't do this while you are still learning. Make sure you are 100% proficient from the off. This is VITALLY important.
6> "After hours". What's that all about? So... IF it turns out you are busy every day, probably safe to assume that 5-6 hour working day is constantly achievable, you've still got other aspects of your business to run. You might have to troubleshoot to get to the bottom of problems. There's your admin. There are going to be aspects of your work that you need to carry out that can't be reasonably charged to your clients - if you're having trouble with a particular feature or function that you can't get your head around, that's on your own time. And it adds to your day. And it swallows your free time. And going out becomes a fantasy!! Now that's not to say you can't strike a balance. Client management IS possible if things are done right, you can outsource your admin - DEFINITELY get an Accountant. Weigh up your work-life balance - and be prepared to consider whether it's worth it at the end of the day. Do it right, and a 'normal' life is definitely achievable!
7> What I should have touched upon sooner is that the technology changes. If you want to set up working from home, you initially need your kit, whichever platform you choose. In my case, my decently-spec'd Macs, screens, printers, scanner, drives, software, other accessories... and you'd be looking at cycling your computer every 3-4 years or so to keep up. For instance, Apple's recent switch from Intel-based to Apple Silicon Macs was a massive game changer. If you're not on an AS Mac, you're in the slow lane. Sure, there are credit lines available to you, but as an initial outlay were you to just splash out, you could be looking at $6k or more (conservatively).
That's a lot of things to consider and sounds like the path of a freelancer is dark and lonely. But, not necessarily so, and in the majority of cases, health, wealth and happiness are easily possible. Just don't go in blind and consider the cases listed above. And take your time. Don't rush into it, you don't have to jump in on things tomorrow. Talk to people about it. Don't go in with a closed mind. Make lists. Write things down. Be absolutely sure that it's a situation that will expand your horizons and is, importantly, something you will ENJOY! And when you come to the decision that it is absolutely the right thing to do, go out there and conquer the world! It's the best feeling...
Take care and I hope it all works out!
