As a freelancer, there is just one thing that you never seem to have enough of, and that is time. Sure, some people would probably say clients as well, but the people who say that are most likely the ones who have just started out and are building their portfolio as they go. Every freelancer has been there in the beginning, and building a respected and impressive portfolio can’t be done overnight. It’s a building process that usually takes years.
Some of my very best freelancer friends have been in the industry for years and years, and they regard their client database as their own treasure chest preferably locked inside a vault somewhere. Anyone who says freelancing is easy has either not ever tried it, or they have had the luck to end up with a multinational client right at the time they started their path of becoming a freelance designer or programmer.
There are a lot of different infographics, charts and tutorials out there that describe the ultimate freelancer, how you get started, what you can expect to earn, and when to say no to the work. Well, all of this information should be poured over as if your life depended on it because in a sense it really does. Whatever mistakes you can eliminate from your path is a mistake already avoided. To become a good freelancer, there are a few things you need in order to succeed. The most important ones are of course dedication and skill. Those are the traits that will keep you fighting for what you dream of, so always polish them and refresh your energy by either a strengthening walk or a library full of inspiration.
The always awesome Socialcast has once again compiled a really nice infographic that will give further answers and insight into just what it means to be a freelancer and what the business climate looks like out there. By the looks of it, don’t expect those company gatherings to be full of females because what this infographic tells us is that there are only about 23% female freelancers out there. I can’t confirm that, but my own experience tells me that there are way more. Some of the most inspiring designers I am following on Twitter and Facebook are female, and their work is in a class of its own. I understand though that that is only my experience. I would love to hear what yours is. How did you start out, and what help can you share with everyone who wants to work hard and for long hours?
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