Comments on: How to be a born again designer

By: Ryan

Ryan — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 17:45:39 +0000

Again, I have to agree. I’ve been working freelance full time for about 2 years now and it is a constant worry. However aside from worrying about the typical things, I love it. I love the freedom of working for so many different people and trying to land new jobs, and the conception, creation, and execution of them all. Its very rewarding. I’m a young designer so the ability to help so many different businesses and clients single handidly is something I am very proud of.

By: Dan

Dan — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 14:45:10 +0000

Fear can certainly be debilitating, and is something I’ve experienced since setting up in business three years ago. Like Michelle, the jump itself wasn’t the scary part but practically every moment since has been (roll on Christmas…) Can I pay the rent? Will that potential client go for my proposal? Where’s my next client coming from? However, the payoff is a huge amount of satisfaction when work does come in, and knowing that’s it’s all been entirely down to your efforts.

By: Ty

Ty — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 17:15:03 +0000

Without having read the entire article, and cutting to the chase, the term “starving artists” comes to mind. Although I’m sure freelance work can be quite lucrative, it lacks a certain sense of security. I don’t think you can lump in this job security with mediocrity per se. I work in a whole building full of creative people, and some not so creative (but hey it’s not there job they just count the beans).
Edit: Ok now I have read the article, interesting thoughts ;)

By: Ryan

Ryan — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 17:09:17 +0000

Like Michelle’s worry, timing (and location) are everything. To those of you who are still “flying” single in a big-moderate sized metropolitan area, I would seriously consider taking that leap. If you have some “real-life” experience behind you, nothing should hold you back. When you have more than yourself to consider (not just financially, but time) that “dream” takes a backseat. Not that it dies or can’t be done, but “getting-by” might not be as much of a reality for a year or two until things pick up.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 14:44:45 +0000

I wasn’t fearful of the jump, but like Alen, I had felt fear every moment since. I have loved freelancing and I have loved what I done, however I haven’t loved worrying about where the next bit of work will come from and whether I can pay the rent, which is making me wonder if I made the right choice but at the wrong time in my life.

By: Alen

Alen — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 13:19:31 +0000

They say that the courage is nothing but an ability to overcome fear. I had the “courage” to take the jump and continue to fly on my own, but the fear didn’t go away. It merely took another form. Now my fear prevents me from enjoying my flight as I should. Instead, it keeps me alert and worried. But I would rather live with this fear then live with a thought that I didn’t even try it.

By: Jo

Jo — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 01:28:50 +0000

I love this metaphor, especially:

“why hadn’t anyone returned to the womb or contacted them to let them know what to expect?”

I am in the position now where I am considering stepping out into fulltime freelancing, my main concern being how to keep a constant flow of work and money. I’m finding now working full-time and doing some freelancing on the side that I’m getting more work that I can keep up with, which is a good indicator of work that is available to me, but most of it is from overseas. I think that developing a small client base before commiting to just freelancing might make the transition smoother.

By: Mike

Mike — Sun, 03 Dec 2006 23:33:56 +0000

Starting to freelance or starting a business is daunting and unfortunately, it is not something other people can help you with, meaning other designers. Especially for young designers, it is not only the freedom of choices being an adult but also creative and career control. I think if you are going to want to open a business, open it with someone you work well with.