Why I Freelance.
After an extremely busy and tough week I think it's safe to say I've experienced almost every emotion freelancing. This past week tested my work ethic, time management, creativity, patience and overall passion.
Towards the end of my rollercoaster week I found myself reading more articles with advice for freelancers. Every article reiterated that when times get tough, remember why you became a freelancer. As I sat thinking about this I kept coming back to the same things:
“control and freedom”
To me control was the most important aspect. I decide what type of work I pursue, how my day is structured, my career path, my growth, my success and failure. Anyone that knows me will tell you I hold design close to my heart and take pride in what I'm doing. Having complete control over every aspect of my career allows only me to decide how I grow as a designer and a professional.
The second most important thing was freedom. The ability to take an extra week on vacation, or go to the beach and work there for the week were huge draws for me. Most importantly I wanted creative freedom. Control plays a huge part in this, but being able to choose the exact direction I want to take a project or my design was vital.
So those are the two things I kept coming back to. When I'm working long hours on something that might not pass the client test, or struggling to find work, I have to remember why I got into this. My success and happiness is completely in my hands, and I love that.
~written February 14, 2010
Comments
written by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 02/14/2010 at 12:46 AM
I definitely agree that those are two of the reasons I like doing freelance work. Granted, unlike you, I only do it on the side. The part I like is being able to choose the jobs I take on and not having an art director put his two cents in.
I’d like to take the plunge like you at some point. It’s been awesome to watch your evolution from an in house designer to full time freelancer.
written by Michael Dick on 02/14/2010 at 1:04 AM
Taking a look at your career and knowing you have the freedom and control to adapt in whichever way you desire is the greatest feeling of accomplishment. That’s true happiness.
This makes me want to write about my career journey. Thanks for sharing.
written by Andrew Cohen on 02/14/2010 at 11:26 AM
Tim – There is nothing better then being able to call the shots on every aspect of your work and career. Start saving some money and make the jump, it’s worth it.
written by Sean S. on 02/14/2010 at 2:03 PM
Since I’ve been working with a partner who handles most of the dev dirty work and we’ve started taking on larger scope projects, I’m feel like I’m straddling the line between freelancer and small agency but either way ultimately my goal in going into business for myself had mostly to do with both creative freedom and more control of my personal, family time, happiness and resources.
Even though I’m still probably working many more hours than I was at my previous job I think it’s easier to motivate myself to work the late and crazy hours knowing it *really is* what I need to do to get paid… No skating by and collecting a check every two weeks regardless…
But being driven to make each project a success has made it hard to draw lines with clients when they’re pushing too hard or asking for more than normally be willing to give. I think that is really the only thing I’m struggling with right now but other than that, freelance has been everything I wanted it to be and I couldn’t be happier with the move… Congrats on making it work Andrew!
written by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 02/14/2010 at 5:18 PM
Sean I couldn’t agree more. I find myself often working late hours without a care in the world. Often it’s hard to know when to turn it off and stop working or to push back on clients that want access 24/7. I find that since we absolutely love what we do that we don’t mind staying up late to design. Unfortunately, our loved ones often do not quite ‘get it’ and can sometimes feel like they are being cheated out of the time they should have.
Overall I couldn’t be happier that I’ve been able to make solid ground since I made the leap. I’m quite surprised that I can sustain already and haven’t really seen a dip in my income at all. Hopefully I can make it a great year and hit my income goal and professional development goals.
written by Michael Dick on 02/15/2010 at 11:19 PM
@ Sean and Andrew: learning to notice red flags when they arise is a trait every freelancer should have — unfortunately I’ve learned that perfecting such skill is not that easy.
written by colin on 02/22/2010 at 10:46 AM
Wow!
I completely agree with Tim, Michael and Andrew. I took a que from Sean, and found a developer who can do all the “dev dirty work” while i stick w/ what i do best, the front end design. Thank you Andrew for the 6 day design post, I’ll have to follow that one as I myself have completely redesigned my site in photoshop and am trying to revise it design-wise, and make the text sound very professional.
Much like you Andrew, I’ve gone completely freelance and have started my own traditional animation and design studio, because like you said, “control and freedom”. That’s key in life itself.