I’ve seen this happen over and over with the freelancers I know. Especially with me. I kick myself for it. Consider: When you’re new to freelancing, when you’re finding your way, your fees are modest. You may be skillful in your chosen craft, but you are not so sure-footed in this freelance thing. You worry about […]
A friend Diana writes: “Please understand that I am going through a dry spell here, so I may be overstating this. “But I’m beginning to feel hopeless, as if I’m just one more designer/illustrator bobbing in a sea of 8 jillion other designer/illustrators who are all smart and talented and more famous than me. […]
You need to be good at your chosen trade, of course. The more skillful and knowledgable you are, the brighter your chances out there. (And besides, when we hang out our signs as writers, coders, illustrators, and designers, we have an obligation to honor the craft by being as good as we can be.) But, unfortunately, mastering your craft […]
What I love about freelancing is that I can run my little business however I want. There are a jillion options and possibilities open to me. What sucks about freelancing is that I can run my little business however I want. There are a jillion options and possibilities open to me. When I have too many choices and too many […]
You know all that talk about being ‘authentic’? About being genuine? About putting your real and true self out there? It’s an enviable ideal. But apparently I’m not doing that. Apparently, I have never done that. I always keep my authentic, genuine self right here, thank you. Out of harm’s way. Years back, I was on the […]
In our somewhat foolhardy line of work, it’s easy to feel that everything is all lopsided in the client’s favor. The field isn’t level; they have all the leverage. They’re big, we’re small. They are a giant corporation, or university, or trendy startup, or someone with a big office. We’re just a lone writer, a designer, a […]
Should you give up on this whole freelance thing? Just quit this foolishness? And go back to being gainfully and properly employed? Maybe. Maybe not. I’m guessing if you’re asking this question it’s because things aren’t going like you planned. Maybe it’s about money. Or lack thereof. Or drudge work. The constant ‘uncertainty’ of it all. Maybe it […]
Last weekend, I was chatting with a young web designer. She hated her job, but felt stuck. “I’m much too introverted to freelance,” she said. “I could never go out and sell myself.” Whoa, I thought. That’s an interesting perception. And so utterly backwards. If anything, freelancing is the ideal career for us card-carrying introverts. […]
There seem to be two different ways to ring the bell in this business. Two different paths to glory and riches for us solo practitioners. The choice depends entirely on how you’re wired, how your brain works, what delights your soul. And I’m convinced it matters. Get this right, and it can make a huge […]