It’s exciting to have dreams of quitting your job and embracing freelance design. The big question is: when do you know if the time is right? It’s easy to want to quit your job after a stressful meeting or designing the exact same pattern for the 100th time; however, that is not the best way to get into freelance design.
We are all passionate about an exciting and creative industry but we cannot forget that in order to have a successful business it needs to be profitable. Some solid footwork and thought into how to run a freelance design business is necessary in order to really enjoy the creative aspects of it. As with ALL industries, it takes time to develop high quality products, find the right market, and consistently market products in the right way.
Quitting your job to launch a freelance design business seems effortless, but it’s rarely the reality. Bold moves are important, but thoughtful preparation is crucial.
Let's explore how to prepare and make your dream a reality. Taking these initial steps will increase your chances of landing freelance jobs in your niche.
First, build a financial safety net of at least three months of living expenses. If you have additional responsibilities, such as dependants you might need to save more.
When I left my design job, my savings made a big difference. Freelance payments can take time and more savings means less financial stress. It will take at least thirty days to be paid for your new freelance projects and many times projects take weeks, even months, to finalize. The more money you have saved the better off you’ll be. Trust me, this is not a step that you want to overlook or take lightly.
Start freelancing part-time on evenings and weekends. This lets you build your venture while maintaining financial stability.
Freelancing as a side hustle builds confidence and a steady client base, reducing financial uncertainties when your big moment arrives. You can offer production preparation services, such as repeats and colorways, work remotely for other studios, and take on smaller projects from those in your local community.
If you are freelancing as a side hustle, be aware of non-compete clauses and contracts that you may have signed and consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your obligations.
It's also important to have an understanding of the freelance design market by doing thorough research. This helps align your business efforts with your skills, life goals, and the market needs.
Consider which freelance projects you would like to work on as you grow your business. If you prefer to drive the creative direction, working with a large design team might not be an ideal situation for your personality. If it takes you fifteen hours to create a print selling the rights to your work through a print studio may not be your best option. Licensing, on the other hand, may be perfect.
The longer I work in this industry the clearer it has become that we each have our own place within it. There are countless markets, sales options, and acceptable styles. Sometimes it just takes time to find your “design home.”
Freelancing requires much more than a typical 9-5 job.
Running your business means managing several design jobs, acting as your manager, handling HR, accounting and of course, marketing.
Here’s a checklist for thriving in freelance design work:
Several online platforms connect freelancers with clients:
| Platform | Description |
|---|---|
| Upwork | A large marketplace with many graphic design jobs, and various other categories. It's a good starting point, but be prepared for competition. |
| Fiverr | Known for its gig-based approach, allowing detailed project listings with specific pricing. Offers various freelance jobs and freelance graphic design opportunities for both talented freelancers and talented graphic designers. |
| Toptal | Focuses on experienced freelancers. It's a good long-term goal; build your portfolio. A great freelance marketplace where you can even take advantage of potential clients by being at the top of their job seekers list. |
| We Work Remotely | Specializes in remote design jobs. The right freelance project or freelance job could launch your freelance career. |
| Authentic Jobs | A job board with many job opportunities specifically focused on creative and design roles. The perfect spot to look for that perfect graphic design project, especially if you prefer working with mobile apps and online stores, for clients or customers who require talented freelancers and a designer web. |
| Behance | Showcases creative work and connects talent with potential clients. It’s a great platform to build your personal brand and attract clients. |
| Dribbble | A platform for creative professionals, offering opportunities in areas like graphic design and illustration. Talented graphic designers looking for that ideal freelance project should utilize the platform's high quality to gain experience with a design experience. |
Finding your freelance design niche takes time. The longer you work, the better you’ll understand your work style, pricing, and market.
Research how established freelance design professionals position themselves and set their rates, before deciding on your own.
Freelance design involves hard work, planning, and creative talent. This includes taking that first frelance design project, such as creating simple repeats, preparing files for production printing and editing existing designs.
Financial preparation, building client relationships, knowing your worth, and having an understanding of the market are vital to a thriving career.
If you see a freelance design business in your future start planning for that new chapter in your life today. It’ll make it much easier to know when it really is time to quit your full-time job and launch that freelance design business you have been dreaming of.