Ultimate Guide to Freelancing - Part 1: Starting

Written By Paul Benson
 

Starting

  • “Independent Consulting” and “Freelancing” are for the most part used interchangeably, although there are some differences 

  • Typical titles include: Freelance Motion Designer, Freelance Graphic Designer, Freelance Web Designer, Freelance Web UX / UI Developer, Freelance Copywriter, Freelance Creative, Freelance Speechwriter, Freelance Social Media, Freelance Marketing, Freelance Photographer, Freelance Bookkeeper, Freelance Business Consultant, Freelance Accountant, Freelance Teacher, Freelance Project Manager, Freelance Recruiter, Freelance Sales Representative, etc. 

  • Increasingly, additional roles are becoming independent. For example I am a freelance 3D / Environmental / Set Designer / Graphic Designer. I go by “freelance creative.”

  • Some careers have been structured this way historically like the set design field as it is production based

  • There are benefits to not freelancing as a full-time, in-house, traditional employee roles may come with benefits like health insurance and give the ability to focus on your specific skill

  • Freelancing requires time spent outside of your actual skill such as: managing clients, invoicing, and/or managing benefits like healthcare and insurance

  • I find working independently gives me more flexibility to explore my varied interests and more clearly gives me the sole responsibility for my own success and happiness


Part-time Independent Consulting or Freelancing

  • Full-time jobs haven’t satisfied my varied creative interests

  • Additional side work or “passion projects” can help generate additional income and scratch that creative itch. Thanks to Lauren Hom for introducing me to this term! 

  • You can also do work pro-bono to help your community or non-profits 

  • It is wise to completely separate this side work from your full-time job

  • This means not working on your side job while at your full-time position and not using any resources from your full-time employer

  • This is important as a full-time employer could claim your side-hustle as their own if you use their resources

  • In general, little is needed to start working on side-projects

  • Come tax season, TurboTax will suffice to report and pay additional taxes for part-time freelancers 

  • It is important you report additional income on your taxes, even if minimal, as your client will report having paid you to lower their tax bill. The means that the government already knows you made the money

  • Additionally, you have more flexibility to deduct expenses now, rather than being caught later and having to pay back taxes

  • For information on taxes, how to find work, manage clients, and best practices continue reading this guide


Full-time Independent Consulting or Freelancing

  • There are a few steps to take if you’d like to start independent consulting full-time

  • Generally, you can learn as you go

  • However, it may be wise to secure your first client and do minimal planning prior to leaving your full-time job

  • In general, creating a plan and sticking to it is half the battle

  • Often a plan can include: “Figure this out”

  • Schedule items on a daily calendar as if you work in an office, even if none of the work is for a paying client yet

  • In this guide you’ll read about concrete logistical steps you may take in the future. This includes:

    • Opening a separate business bank account

    • Creating contracts, estimates, and invoices

    • Finding a certified public accountant 

  • I’ve also written about:

    • Ways to find clients

    • Market yourself

    • Manage client relationships

  • I’m really inspired by the average small business owner who doesn’t necessarily have an MBA or higher education 

  • I’m also really inspired by fearless immigrants of all educational backgrounds who quickly build a successful business (at a higher rate than native born citizens)

  • Human history proves our innate ability to innovate, learn, and prosper

  • You’ll be as successful as you are willing to work hard

  • Talk frequently to a variety of trusted experts for advice (friends and family count) 

  • Others have paved this path before you with less resources than you have

  • You will stress, you will fail, you will learn a lot, and the autonomy is wonderful 


Temporary Independent Consulting or Freelancing

  • Often upon completion of school, changes in the economy, or when laid off or unemployed, prior to finding a new full-time job, you may be tempted to freelance

  • This is a great idea as it can help to pay bills

  • You may also find relief from jobless panic by treating your temporary unemployed status more as a full-time independent consulting gig even if that means all unpaid work is geared towards finding a new job 

  • Sometimes companies will hire you as a contractor versus a full-time employee

  • Theoretically, this is because the work is seasonal or temporary 

  • In practice, it’s more likely the mega-corporation is trying to avoid paying benefits and retain the ability to lay-off contractors with changes in the economy 

  • Sometimes a company’s contractors are employed by a completely separate company and they provide benefits like healthcare 

  • Although you may be let go unexpectedly as a contractor you may qualify for unemployment benefits

  • On the flip side, if you are unhappy with the gig, you can walk away quickly to pursue other interests with some money in your pocket

  • In my first few years of freelancing I took several 3 month gigs in-house as a contractor

  • It helped fund the hunt for independent work, expand my network, and build skills

  • You may also be called into a company to freelance for a very short term, say, one to two weeks

  • Usually this is an hourly or daily rate. I’ll help you calculate your rate later in this guide

  • Everything is negotiable and you should feel confident to ask questions

  • Go to the next page for more details!

 
Part 2: Finding Work
 
 

Love,

Paul


For snarky design commentary follow @gpaulbenson on Twitter

And see our previous blog post: “Tools & Resources for Designers” for additional advice. 

Best of luck! And please send your tips or questions my way by commenting below! Also, would you be interested in video tutorials? Let me know!

Special Thanks to:

Channing Ritter (Freelance Advisor)

Brendan Bergen (Copywriter & Social Media Advisor)

Hana Sato (Creative Recruiting Advisor)

Aliza Adam (Freelance Advisor)

Selwyn Rocha (Graphic Design Advisor)

Anna Lu (Professional Feedback)

Tero Honkala (Marketing & Creative Media Feedback)

Chrissy Raftery (Professional Feedback)

 
Paul Benson
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Ultimate Guide to Freelancing - Part 2: Finding Work
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Ultimate Guide to Freelancing - Introduction