Beginning the Freelance Life

I have been a freelance graphic designer for just over two months now and I'm here to say that it's harder than it looks. I mean, I do have a flexible schedule, I can work in my pajamas, and who cares about bad hair days when you communicate with your clients over phone or email and have no coworkers in sight? Maybe best of all, I get to be my own boss.

Unfortunately, I also have to be my own sales person, marketer, admin, webmaster, accountant, and designer – but only the designer gets paid. All those other responsibilities aren't "billable time." Also, my income is inconsistent, and I might be going stir-crazy from being home all day by myself.

So even though I'm excited about my new career path, it's definitely challenging and a bit scary too. So that's why I don't usually work in my pajamas (not good for morale) and I try to keep a consistent schedule so I can stay on track and be productive.

The hardest part for me is being the sales person. That's not part of my skill set, but it's essential to my business survival. According to much of the reading I've done, referrals from satisfied clients are the best way to get business, which is a bit of relief since all my clients have enjoyed working with me...there just aren't many of them so far!

It's a bit of a conundrum but; armed with my fancy business cards and a stack of books on freelancing, marketing and business; I'm boldly setting out on the journey and praying for great clients to work with. I'm also beginning this blog because, apparently, blogging is good for business (something about keywords and search engine optimization). So here I commit my thoughts, about once a week, on topics of graphic design, freelancing, and life.

Oh, and the easiest part of being a freelance designer? The design work. When it comes, I love it. And it's a blessing to love the work that you do.