getting started in freelance?
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- formula
Can I get some suggestions on how to really find good steady freelance projects? I've had a few here and there from friends of friends or just luck, i.e. talking to the right person at the right time, etc. but this is sporadic.
I work full time as an Art Director but I really want to get my own thing up and going in my spare time. I still have a huge passion for design and can't get enough. Sure I've gone through burnout phases but I still love it more than any other profession - excluding possibly being an Formula 1 driver.
Anyway, what can I do to start getting people to come to me?
- epill0
what is your profession? AD of what?
- epete220
get a website, market yourself to your past clients maybe some future ones, tread lightly though. Go to happy hour networking functions.
- formula0
First of all I'm an Advertising AD. My passion is Graphic Design though, i.e. logos, posters, book covers, brochures, etc.
ok this brings up a moral dilemma. In my past jobs which have all been about 75% graphic design and 25% advertising I have branded companies from their inception. Clients were happy, I had the account until I left said company and so on and so on.
Could I or should I "take" these clients with me? I mean I assume that's how it's done but I don't want to get a reputation for stealing clients or whatever.
- neferiu0
Depends - you cant legally take clients from one company if you signed an agreement upon hiring saying so.. If you DO work with clients you did at the old company, make them sign something saying that THEY approached YOU.
There was an issue with a printer I had, I went to the company he worked for religiously based on his customer service. When he left and started up his own company, the company he left tried suing him because all his customers went to his company instead because they all wanted to keep dealing with the same guy. His lawyer got him to get his clients to sign a form saying "I went to him, he did not approach me and try to steal me away." and he was all good with a stack of those puppies signed by his loyal customers. :P
Its definitely sticky tho... cover all bases & talk to a lawyer...
- Unless you live in California where no compete agreements are illegalmtgentry
- TResudek0
Check out Authentic Jobs, I find decent stuff on there from time to time. Also, try contacting some smaller firms whose style you like. You might feel like there is no way they'll even read your email but I've actually gotten some good clients that way. NEVER take crappy work just to do it. NEVER do anything for cheap to cultivate a relationship - it is the easiest way to find yourself with a shitty client for life. Go above and beyond on every job. Take pride in your work.... And have a good website.
- iCanHazQBN0
you love design more than formula one driving? what. the. fuck. are. you. smoking?