As an ex-designer / artworker myself, I'm aware most of us ask the question at some point in our career on whether to go freelance. It's almost like getting that travelling bug out of our system because it all looks so inviting, however is it more of a risk now than it was several years ago.
Well let's just say that it's unlikely to be a holiday if you want to earn some decent money out of it; you have to work just as hard as a freelancer as you would in a full time job.
The frequency of freelance work overall isn't too bad and in some specialist areas it is very good (see below for which areas). However, due to ongoing redundancies over the last five years, there are now a lot more freelancers out there 'fishing in the same pond', so competition for work can be tough. However, if your experience is good enough, then quality freelancers are sought after in most sectors.
Planning and Preparation
• Firstly identify exactly where your strengths are. Being a jack of all trades and a master of none may mean your offering is too weak to attract enough work. If you're unsure, ask your work colleagues (in confidence) or a recruitment agency for their opinion. You need to be confident with your abilities and communication skills, and will be expected to hit the ground running, although most companies will normally give some flexibility for new freelancers to bed in.
• Go freelance at the beginning of the summer to hit the busiest time of the year. The best months tend to be August, September and October, with a gradual build up from Easter onwards. November to February can be quiet for some, so ideally try and get a long term contract over this period.
• Have three months salary tucked away should it take time to get established. Uneven cash flow is something you've got to get use to, so don't get caught in a false economy when you suddenly experience a quiet month (and most freelancers do at some point). It is typical scenario that incoming work rarely fits neatly in and you might have to even turn down work if several clients contact you at once.
• Try not to be too fussy with what work you accept as long as you can physically do it. Take the rough with the smooth to keep the ball rolling. You might have to travel further than you would in a full-time job for some projects. Other freelance bookings may be mundane or cover a very narrow field of work. Remember this is generally a short-term situation, so you won't get pigeon holed and you will most likely get work closer to home on other occasions.
• Home location. Majority of freelance work is situated in and around Manchester and Leeds. Therefore, living in an area close to, or even in between these locations will bring most benefit regarding travel. If you live further outside these areas then account for more travelling expenses, but at the same time still look competitive with your hourly rate.
• Try to get some freelance commitments before handing in your notice, although admittedly this isn't as easy as it sounds. Get registered with a good recruitment agency approximately a month before you start. Have a pdf presentation of work ready to send out to prospective clients.
• Be smart on where to look for work. Some industry sectors are busier than others. The digital market is crying out for experienced web developers and designers. Retail and especially packaging is another good area to aim for, but remember you need to have had the relevant commercial experience.
• If you have you own home studio set up then I would also recommend attracting your direct clients too. There are obviously plenty of companies out there trying to save a buck or two, and as long as you don't oversell yourself, this is a great way of making more money and may be the starting point of your own small agency. This will bring with it more necessary effort and not everybody likes the more business side to this.
• Be prepared to put in a bit of your own self-promotion in varying degrees, whether selling yourself to a recruitment agency or to a prospective direct client. This isn't a place for the shy.
• Networking at events
(like these ones). There are plenty to choose from, covering most industry sectors, and tend to be quite regular. Some are free, and in some cases can be better than the chargeable events. Several of our freelancers have also recommended the BNI Networks, although you do have to be committed for this particular route to work.
Summary
If you are going to take the plunge, then there is work out there if you've got the right experience and the right approach. You can pick and choose when you work and also command a respectable hourly / daily rate for your trouble.
However, if you are ambitious and hoping to use this to develop your career long term, you will most likely hit a glass ceiling at some point in both earnings and development. Promotion in the freelance world isn't an option in most cases. The exception to the rule is if you are using this as a spring board to start your own company, in which case it could be a great initial move. Or you could use an an opportunity to find the right employer.
Currently there aren't enough Front / Back End Developers (especially PHP) to match the freelance demand, with a strong market still left for Web / Print based Designers and Artworkers. On the flip side, opportunities for Copywriters, Photographers, Flash Designers / Animators, Pre-Press Operators and Illustrators can be sparse.
Overall, you are going to have to market yourself in varying degrees. Make connections with possible clients, call up past colleagues still in the industry and register with a reputable specialist recruitment agency.
If you would like some more information and advice on the freelance industry in the creative and digital sectors, then don't hesitate to contact any of our consultants in our Manchester or Leeds offices.
Richard - Orchard Leeds