Traits That Say You Should Become a Freelance Designer
There are 2 types of designers, those who work in-house, and those who work for themselves. The difficult part is deciding which one is right for you. Should you become a freelance designer? The decision is tough, and you have a lot to consider, so let’s explore the traits that make up a good freelance designer. Then, you can decide whether you have what it takes to break out on your own.
You are a Self Starter
You have to be a self starter if you break into freelancing. You have to make sure that all of your work gets done. You also have to have the drive and determination to push yourself. You will have to make yourself go to the office every day. There will no longer be a clock to punch, because you will have complete control and freedom.
You have great Communication Skills
Communication sills are essential. You have to be able to connect and communicate with business owners, finding out their needs, and their business objectives. You’ll also have administrative emails you’ll have to send on a regular basis. You’ll have to work with businesses, clients, print shops, hosting companies and a variety of different services.
You Love Working Closely With Business Owners
As an in-house designer, you may be able to hide behind your desk, only performing task after task. However, when you’re out on your own, you’ll have to get used to reaching out to people, making phone calls, writing emails, and much more. If you don’t like people in general, freelance design work isn’t likely to be a good fit for you.
You Desire and Thrive in a Flexible Work Environment
Some people need the rigid structure of a time clock. They need the 8-5 routine 5 days per week in order to stick to their objectives. As a freelance designer, you’ll have a lot more flexibility with your time. You won’t be punching a time clock. On the other hand, sometimes you’ll be working longer days than others. Owning your own business usually isn’t an 8-5 type of work day.
You Are Well Organized
This is one of the most important traits you’ll need in order to succeed. It’s your job to keep up with client projects, invoices, taxes, bills, marketing your business, expenses, travel, meetings, and so much more. It’s easy to lose track of things which means that a project or a task may get lost in the shuffle.
You are Brimming With Confidence
You have to have confidence in your skills. You’ll be promoting your own work, which means that you have to have the confidence in yourself that you’ll be able to handle it. Some clients can tear you down and wear you down, so confidence is key.
You Have a Need to Be Fulfilled
If you aren’t satisfied with repetitive, menial tasks, then freelancing might be right for you. If you have the need to work on fulfilling projects that interest you. I’m not saying that they will come right off the bat, but it’s definitely something you can shoot for down the road.
You Hate Having A Boss Looking Over Your Shoulder
If you need a boss lurking over your shoulder to keep you on task or to motivate you to get things done, I would avoid freelance design. Freelancing means that you work alone, and you handle everything yourself.
You Plan Ahead
Planning is essential for succeeding for the long haul. If you care only about the here and now, then maybe freelancing isn’t right for you. You should always be planning where your next portion of income is coming from.
Conclusion
If you’re considering freelance design work, you’ll want to evaluate yourself and how you work the best. If you are a self starter, you communicate well and you’re organized, you won’t have much trouble finding work. If you have most of the traits listed above, maybe you should become a freelance designer.
