#Freelance graphic design studio how to
#Freelance graphic design studio professional

What we would do differently if we could start our online businesses from scratch Should you quit your 9-5 job and start a business? In this interview, my student Amy Kuo walks us through her journey from being employed by Disney, to losing her job and becoming a struggling freelancer, to then turning that freelance business into a six figure design studio. … Then this episode is perfect for you, because today’s guest has navigated all of those situations! You book enough freelance clients and you’re ready to scale to six figures (without burnout) You’re in your first few years as a freelancer but you’re struggling to book clients, or Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions and please do me a massive favour and share to anyone that you think this could also help.Are currently at a 9-5 job that completely drains you and you dream of starting your own online business That’s it guys, I hope you are all a little wiser and a little more prepared for what will no doubt be a rollercoaster ride. Whatever you need to do to get your name out there.

#Freelance graphic design studio professional

Your friends and family are going to look after you whilst you are still building up those professional relationships. Over 80% of my jobs this year have come from word of mouth through my personal connections. Lastly, your personal network is going to be crucial in your initial success. Don’t be afraid to utilise your personal network This way I know the client is committed and I also feel pressure and a desire to start on the job straight away. Myself, I have been charging a 25% upfront deposit. You can help to spread out the cash flow through deposits. Whether through lazy clients, or large jobs that take months to complete. With the nature of our work, payment timings always fluctuate. This way you can start averaging out what you are earning each month and better prepare yourself for those financial strains. It’s beneficial to track incoming and outgoing cash ASAP. There will be times where you might not be able to put petrol in your car and other times where you think you are the richest person alive once multiple invoices come in on the same day. If you want to be like me, prepare yourself. If possible, have a few months worth of salary in safe keeping for those low months. Cash flow, fluctuating monthly revenue and deposits becoming your best friend Everyone goes through early struggles and they will have plenty of advice for you if you ask nicely. It can also be handy to reach out to other designers/ mentors/ teachers etc. The biggest thing is to not give up and keep putting yourself out there to attract as many opportunities as possible. Keep looking forward as I’m sure in time they will come. Consider a casual job to offset this problem. At the start when things aren’t working out as they should. This one is a tough one as it can really take a toll on you mentally when the money or clients just simply aren’t coming in.

No multi tasking and ruining your state of flow. Set aside some time in each day (or a whole day) to do each task. Predominantly, Client Work, Self Work, AEIQ (Applying, Emailing, Invoicing, Quoting). I like to break up my weeks into a few different categories. After all, you are the boss and it’s up to you to keep things running smoothly. But as time goes on and word gets out of your offering it will be crucial to keep organised. This one probably isn’t as crucial for the first few months as you’ll be able to count your active jobs on one hand. Though this can’t be said for some of the other mundane tasks that come along with it.īe sure to also incorporate the amount of work you do quoting, invoicing, meeting, FaceTiming etc. Yes, creating that invoice, sending it off and seeing it hit your bank account is quite enjoyable. Utilise what you can to absorb as much information as possible on design, accounting, marketing, sales and more.

#Freelance graphic design studio how to

But if you are like me, you can find out how to do it all on the fly. Ideally you’re already prepared in all other aspects that come with running your own business. Take these opportunities to work on self-guided projects, competitions or volunteer with an organisation that appeals to you. You will no doubt have a lot of moments in the first 6 months where the work simply isn’t coming through. It’s important to stick to a reasonably fixed schedule to ensure the work is getting done. However, they should be used when necessary not whenever you feel like it. Yes, you have these perks being your own boss and working from home. You soon realise after numerous sleep-ins or ‘days off’ tending to the garden and going for swims at the beach that the work is somehow not getting done. Lessons from my first year as a freelance graphic designer 1.