So what's the best way to start? I am looking for some freelance work that I could do on weekends and during my spare time during the week. What's the best way to get work? What has worked for you guys?
I'd be interested in seeing some answers here too, as I've never been able to make a "living on the side" with what I do best. I have, however, found opportunities in "right place, right time" mode. One friend introduced me to a guy who had Photoshop at home, but didn't know the first thing about the bells & whistles other than how to airbrush artifacts, which led to me giving him hours of free training in exchange for possible work down the road that never really materialized. Another time I was hanging out in my favorite coffee shop when the owner said something about doing new menus, flyers etc., and I offered my services there.
So there is work out there to be had, if we knew where and how to look, and were prepared to charge properly for our services.
Back when I was freelancing, I made up business cards with my services and handed them out whenever and wherever possible. It was great for the shops that were busy occasionally to have some extra help but that didn't have enough work to hire more full-timers. It is amazing how fast word gets around when they find you are reliable.
Most of the work I ever got was actually from my job. As a print shop, we don't really design stuff beyond very simple things like letterheads, so once the owners and estimators found out I was any good, they just sub that kind of stuff out to me. It benefits them because they are helping the customer by referring them to a designer, and they are also guaranteed the print work when it is done. Plus, it doesn't take up company time.
You can probably find some freelance work on Craigslist - I always see gigs on there. If you are dealing with strangers (or even people you know, for that matter), get 1/2 the money up front and the balance upon delivery of digital files. A simple contract will not only protect you, but also make you appear more professional.
DO NOT LOWBALL YOUR PRICES JUST TO GET THE WORK! Once you start working on the cheap, you won't be able to raise your price easily. Find out what others in your area are charging and charge similar rates.
Quote from: whoami on October 25, 2007, 11:28:39 PMSo what's the best way to start? I am looking for some freelance work that I could do on weekends and during my spare time during the week. What's the best way to get work? What has worked for you guys?
I could refer you to a client I dont have the time for right now if you want to send me your contact through a PM..
repeat newsletter, just swap out copy and images every 3 months... I just dont have the time to take on another project right now, their regular artist quit recently.. we have been doing a good bit of their printing..
Let me know..
Has anyone ever tried the internet freelance sites? For a membership fee (monthly) you can bid on jobs submitted through the website.
One I looked at was www.contractedwork.com
Quote from: Chuck_Revised on October 26, 2007, 12:21:44 PMHas anyone ever tried the internet freelance sites? For a membership fee (monthly) you can bid on jobs submitted through the website.
One I looked at was www.contractedwork.com
http://www.prepressforums.com/forum/freelance-professional/8615-will-help-bid-bid.html
Thanks, Ninja... That PPF thread and the link are print-oriented. I'm interested in design/production freelance.
I'm rather skeptical of the general situation, tho.
Quote from: Chuck_Revised on October 26, 2007, 01:16:23 PMThanks, Ninja... That PPF thread and the link are print-oriented. I'm interested in design/production freelance.
I'm rather skeptical of the general situation, tho.
yea, I figured the concept was the same.. I'd be skepical too.
Unfortunately, the best way to get freelance is through your sales force. I hate having to ask them for anything, but I figure they owe me, so ask your least hated sales guy to hook you up, and after he sees that you are more than capable, he will send more your way.
Prepress guys are the best designers for one reason... they actually know what will look good and what will not through experience. I tell designers all day long... You make it look pretty, I will make it print. After so many years, you figure out fast that design is easy, printing is hard.
After 8 years with the same employer I was able to make friends with several of the customers we had. when the guy sold out and 2 years later the new owner decided I was old baggage, I took every damn customer I could with me. If I were to actually persue the "friendship" I could probably stir enough business to keep me in the $5,000 a month range, but I would need to decide where the line is for quiting the regular job and giving up vacation time, medical benefits (like I have any :rolleyes: ) and any other benefits from s steady job secure situation. I don't mind punchin' a clock, and the extra work I do on the side pays for the extras in life :grin:
It is a right choice to decide do freelance work. In this field no one will compel you any work. enjoy the job. :banana: Go ahead!
Is this a bot or what? Saturday morning invasion.
Quote from: gnubler on April 30, 2011, 01:35:33 PMIs this a bot or what? Saturday morning invasion.
I don't think so. Appears human to me. I could be wrong though.
Quote from: Joe on April 30, 2011, 03:01:13 PMQuote from: gnubler on April 30, 2011, 01:35:33 PMIs this a bot or what? Saturday morning invasion.
I don't think so. Appears human to me. I could be wrong though.
ESL perhaps?
Quote from: DigiSig on May 02, 2011, 08:52:41 AMQuote from: Joe on April 30, 2011, 03:01:13 PMQuote from: gnubler on April 30, 2011, 01:35:33 PMIs this a bot or what? Saturday morning invasion.
I don't think so. Appears human to me. I could be wrong though.
ESL perhaps?
Are you saying you smell curry? RACIST SWINE.
Unfortunately most of the freelance work is left for the graphic designers. Most people aren't going out looking for people to simply print their brilliant design, they just know they want a logo that looks pretty.
I have heard of some freelance gigs on certain sites (Craigslist comes to mind) for people who know the difference between designing a graphic and making it print properly. Aside from these sites which are often sparse as far as legitimate and reasonably paid job postings, you may want to contact some graphic design firms and see if they have received an influx of people asking them to print their designs.
I get so many people trying to tell me what they want done to their design and have to refer them to a graphic designer, I assume the door swings both ways.
Best I got.
I've just started Freelancing... The idea with the Biz cards & go around to ALL the local printers.
If you know Graphic Design a BIG plus. Can work from home mostly...
Gigs i get require me to go in & set-up new systems. Help with Color issues. File issues, etc.
True.. get a lot from old jobs. Works out better sometimes 1099. Gotta save all your TAX money. Pay Qtrly if Possible (or save in account. DO NOT TOUCH. Save all Receipts for Gas, etc. etc. So you can deduct from earnings, when possible)
Freelance can be hard & rewarding at the same time. Printing is Still & Always going thew changes.
Learning WEB design & App building is my next goal... I look at it as printing on Screen. Easier to match.
If you can beat it... Join it. I look at it like this... If we can Master PrePress. We are Tech heads .... we can Master the Web!
Next Goal is HTML5 & Android apps
As a freelancer first you have to decide in which area you are expert enough, then choose any freelancing site to make a good profile with some portfolio. Finally just apply to the jobs and wait for the response.