Hilde Torbjornsen

A girl with passion for design, photography, business planning, freelancing, inspirational art and Photoshop/Illustrator. She runs the website Designer77 and you can follow her on twitter here: @Hildy77

72 responses to “30+ Things You Have to Know about being a Freelancer”

  1. Awesome Links #1 | Crimson Resume

    [...] 30+ Things You Have to Know about being a Freelancer [...]

  2. nikki

    Amazing Article!!!!
    Working as a freelance designer, I have gone through all of them :) …

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  5. Ramakrishna

    This is very good and I want to freelancer for web desinging… it is very help full for me.

  6. Sachin Gupta

    Very well written article Hide… Its certain that freelancing is not that easy as it looks like from outside. You have to devote long hours working on tedious tasks. I used to work 16+ hours a day when I started. But, once you are settled down, you will find yourself in better position if you can organize the work properly.

  7. nirmal lama

    great post in deed

  8. Pierre

    HI,

    Great post. I think you have covered it all. Like most things in life, there are advantages and disadvantages. You just have to make sure you enjoy what you do. It’s also important that you be a self started, things don’t get done unless you take action.

    Pierre
    Computer Services Made Easy

  9. Sincejan

    the word FREElance says it all, you tend to do a lot of free things. All in all freelancing should always be done with another source of income. I do club security on the weekends, not only do I get paid $120 per night but it’s a good place to hand out business cards. I’ve picked up many clients that way.

  10. Hameed Rahamathullah

    Beautiful post…

  11. Aamnah Akram

    true.. freelancing is hard at times, and people not realizing it makes it harder..
    A very good sum up though. i wanted to share this on facebook, but there’s no share button??!
    .-= Aamnah Akram´s last blog ..Music of Pakistan =-.

  12. Brian Altenhofel

    This is a great article for anyone new to freelancing, such as myself. I can especially relate to the point about family and friends not understanding that freelancing really is work.
    .-= Brian Altenhofel´s last blog ..2 Easy Steps to Get Found in Google Local Search =-.

  13. Murlu

    I’ve been freelancing for a little while now and so many of these are spot on especially working long hours for low pay when you first begin.

    Getting started is the hardest part especially finding clients in the beginning and covering your expenses without burning out. However, once you can get into the groove of things, it all becomes easier each following day – keep at it!
    .-= Murlu´s last blog ..Hello World Cup 2010, Good Bye Productivity! =-.

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  15. Kathy

    Very nice article about freelancing. It was very long too. It is no wonder you attract so many subscribers.

    Sometimes the truth about freelancing hurts. New people think that it is going to be easy money. They don’t realize how much real work is involved.

    It definitely pays to have friends in this business. Without friends I think this business is a lot harder.

    It also pays to be extremely dependable. I have found that a good employer is willing to pay extra for dependable people. I guess most people in this kind of work are inherently undependable.
    .-= Kathy´s last blog ..What is article marketing and how do you use it properly =-.

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  17. Ted

    Every single one of these items has been true for me!! Although it’s still hard work, I continue to welcome the challenge.

    1. Hilde

      Thanks for your reply Ted!
      Yeah, just keep working hard and I am sure it will get sorted eventually. Even though it’s hard work, and many times for a long time, it is usually worth it in the end. The pro’s of freelancing are many too!
      Wishing you the best of luck! :)
      .-= Hilde´s last blog ..Artist of the week #2 – iuneWind =-.

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  19. Muhammad Ghazali

    Now I knew it, great post :)
    .-= Muhammad Ghazali´s last blog ..Introduction to Google Web Toolkit – part 1 =-.

  20. Armig Esfahani

    good to be aware of all these before i start full-time freelancing :)

  21. Jade

    Wow…what an incredibly depressing article.

  22. Brad

    I think it’s great to point out many of these “negative” things about being a freelancer. People who are thinking about freelancing need to hear them. But, not all of them are true all the time.

    I’ve been freelancing for almost 3 years now and _don’t_ work 24/7, never have. I work less hours for more money than any other job, and have less stress.

    So, there can be huge benefits to freelancing as well, especially if you plan well (long-term and day-to-day) and work smart.
    .-= Brad´s last blog ..Cover Designs of the 10 Best-Selling Books of All Time =-.

    1. Hilde

      Thanks for your feedback Brad! Yeah I agree, these things have to be heard to make sure people make the best out of the situation and are prepared for what will most likely be the case.
      Its also true that all these things dont necessarily have to happen to everyone. Its great to hear that you have such success freelancing as well! :D

      Good luck in the future and thanks for commenting! :)
      /Hilde
      .-= Hilde´s last blog ..Artist of the week #2 – iuneWind =-.

  23. Laura

    This is a really good article. Hits a lot of key points especially about competition and self motivation. I am just starting out as a freelancer and keep a part time job that pays majority of the bills. I hope any other freelancer out there does not give up hope so soon. It takes quite a bit of time to get noticed in the art world, (look back at the story of Pixar for example), so I just keep plugging away until I get that “big break,” I’m hoping for :]

    1. Hilde

      Hey Laura!
      Im very happy you enjoyed this article. It’s true what you say, it usually takes some time to get noticed out there. But if you have the passion and work hard, it usually pays off well in the end!

      Wishing you the best of luck in freelancing! :)
      /Hilde
      .-= Hilde´s last blog ..Artist of the week #2 – iuneWind =-.

  24. Katie Li

    Great article and only too true, especially the finance and getting yourself known. I’m a freelance and I also have a full time job this helps keep my business going and hard work gradually pays off. Everything comes with experience and I absolutely agree with the time-management statement/learn to say ‘no’. All great points.

    1. Hilde

      Thanks for your positive feedback, very much appreciated. Happy to hear you enjoyed the read :)
      .-= Hilde´s last blog ..Photoshop Manipulation – 15 Great Tutorials =-.

  25. Suhela

    Nice article… As I am starting my freelancing, these are very good tips… :)

    1. Hilde

      Great to hear that this will be helpful for you!
      Wishing you the best of luck! :)
      .-= Hilde´s last blog ..Photoshop Manipulation – 15 Great Tutorials =-.

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  27. nikos lianeris

    you are very right!I agree with everything you wrote!As a freelancer web designer/developer wannabe I must admit that being a freelancer needs really REALLY hard work and be really patient!But if you are determined to “walk the path” there will be many and great rewards…

    1. Hilde

      Thank you so much for the positive feedback, Nikos! :)
      And yes, it’s important to remember that if you work hard and plan well you can have a great outcome too!
      .-= Hilde´s last blog ..25 Stunning Artworks featuring Medusa =-.

  28. James

    A reality check I needed. Ughhh, what am I going to do.

    1. Hilde

      Its good if this article can be useful for you :)
      Wishing you the best of luck!
      PS! Remember though, that if you are determined to work hard the rewards can be many :)
      .-= Hilde´s last blog ..25 Stunning Artworks featuring Medusa =-.

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  30. Lefty Argonaut

    Great article for the most part. Definitely worth a bookmark in my opinion for those considering making the freelance jump. Thanks!
    .-= Lefty Argonaut´s last blog ..The logotype in the center was designed by our head graphic… =-.

    1. Hilde

      Thank you so much for the kind words :)
      .-= Hilde´s last blog ..25 Stunning Artworks featuring Medusa =-.

  31. Lefty Argonaut

    Nice article, every designer coming out of college should read this one.

  32. Mohammed Basheer

    Hi,

    Thanks a lot for this wonderful article, it will be very useful for me.

    1. Hilde

      Hi Mohammed!
      Great to hear that you find this article useful :)
      .-= Hilde´s last blog ..25 Stunning Artworks featuring Medusa =-.

  33. Marina

    As a freelancer, I dont agree with most of them. ^_^

    1. Mohammed Basheer

      Hi Marina,

      I found this article will be very useful for a person who want to start a freelance work.

      Can you explain what are the thing you won’t agree and why ?, it will be useful for readers.

  34. Jen Oliver

    Thanks for this article, it’s nice to have it all set out in one place, and I think a lot of your points were encouraging rather than scary. I totally agree that you’ll get out of it what you put in, and it’s nice to see and speak to other designers now and then for a bit of moral support. :)

    1. Hilde

      Thanks Jen!
      Your feedback is appreciated :)
      .-= Hilde´s last blog ..25 Stunning Artworks featuring Medusa =-.

  35. Abdullah Al Mamun

    Nice article ! Lot of things to think twice…….Thanks.
    .-= Abdullah Al Mamun´s last blog ..mamunabms: Build a Business, Not Just a Client List http://bit.ly/aDqvVE (via @the99percent) =-.

    1. Hilde

      Thanks alot Abdullah :)
      Very happy to hear that you enjoyed the article!
      .-= Hilde´s last blog ..25 Stunning Artworks featuring Medusa =-.

  36. Rob T

    I think it is an important step for any freelance to make their own website for their services. Not only is this helpful for the obvious reasons, but will help get you into more serious ventures with your freelance efforts.
    .-= Rob T´s last blog ..Advertise Locally Online with Google AdWords =-.

    1. Hilde

      Hi Rob!
      Thanks for your feedback, and yes I agree with you. Getting an own website is definitely important in many ways! :)
      .-= Hilde´s last blog ..25 Stunning Artworks featuring Medusa =-.

  37. Eng.Ahmed Al-Saiaad

    it’s really true
    i had pass this steps one by one

    good article

    1. Hilde

      Thank you so much for the positive feedback! :)
      .-= Hilde´s last blog ..25 Stunning Artworks featuring Medusa =-.

  38. DRX-DEsign

    Great Article..
    I need to note this points.
    Thanks you So much..
    .-= DRX-DEsign´s last blog ..1,000 pageviews =-.

    1. Hilde

      Thank you!
      Happy to hear you enjoyed the article :)
      .-= Hilde´s last blog ..25 Stunning Artworks featuring Medusa =-.

  39. weberica

    very good article, but it all depends where and when you live. Around me people are loosing their jobs, or work for minimal wages 6-7 days a week, or don’t get payed for their work without any protection from union or the low. Being freelancer in such country in such times is the best choice you can make :)) Greetings from Croatia

    1. Hilde

      Thanks a lot for your input! :)
      Yes, I see that it can all depend on where you live and which opportunities you have to begin with. Its about seeing possibilities and there can sure be a lot of them in freelancing for those who work hard! :) Good point!
      .-= Hilde´s last blog ..25 Stunning Artworks featuring Medusa =-.

    2. Jovan

      It’s similar for me in Serbia!
      There is practically no competition and everyone is looking for something to be done. People are easily blown away when I suggest a modern design. The only problem is that people aren’t used to paying hundreds of euros/dollars for something like a logotype or thousands for a website design. Also, most of the times, they expect to get a functioning website and not just the design so I often find myself writing websites in my average HTML knowledge which isn’t what I like doing…
      Pozdrav kolega! :)

  40. James

    Thanks for the article. I am thinking of going freelance and I know I have a lot to consider!

    1. Hilde

      Thanks James! Happy you enjoyed the article.
      Wishing you the best of luck if you decide to go ahead into freelancing! :)
      .-= Hilde´s last blog ..25 Stunning Artworks featuring Medusa =-.

  41. Lee

    So true, finding the work has to be the hardest!

    1. Hilde

      Hi Lee!
      Yeah, finding work can be hard. Its really important to embrace every oppurtunity and have an open mind :)
      .-= Hilde´s last blog ..25 Stunning Artworks featuring Medusa =-.

  42. Cosmin Negoita

    That’s a very well written article Hilde. Thanks for sharing! I’ll retouch this when I will start freelancing :)
    .-= Cosmin Negoita´s last blog ..cssfactory: @hybridsoul5 awesome! Stay tuned for the second part and thank you :) =-.

    1. Hilde

      Thank you so much for the kind words, Cosmin! :)
      .-= Hilde´s last blog ..25 Stunning Artworks featuring Medusa =-.

  43. Ram

    This is everyday experience of a freelancer , an article instead. Yes these are almost negative points but in the same title we can see the positive result, if you plan correctly. Freelancers should die for money for the first 1 year. If it continues in coming days he/she is not a good freelancer that’s not the right profession for him/her. But I can say most of the stunning designs came from freelancers not from any corporates.

    1. Hilde

      Thanks a lot for your feedback Ram!
      :)
      .-= Hilde´s last blog ..25 Stunning Artworks featuring Medusa =-.

  44. Daniel Miguel

    Thanks for the tips, I was really needing of something like this to get all my stuff moving on.

    I’m a freelancer since January 18, and it’s being really hard the first 3-6 months!

    It’s really all good tips.

    Greetings from Brazil!

    1. Hilde

      Hi Daniel!
      Thank you so much. Yes, its hard work, especially for the first months.
      But hang in there, there are many good and helpful articles and people out there. The best of luck to you!
      Greetings from Norway ;)
      .-= Hilde´s last blog ..25 Stunning Artworks featuring Medusa =-.

  45. Hastimal Shah

    Great Article..
    Even am a freelancer for part time. i need to note this points.
    Thanks
    .-= Hastimal Shah´s last blog ..How to Build your own search Engine =-.

    1. Hilde

      Hi! :) Thanks you so much!
      Yes, many of these points apply to both full-time and part-time freelancers.
      Good luck!
      .-= Hilde´s last blog ..25 Stunning Artworks featuring Medusa =-.

  46. Daniel Amezcua

    Great article! I would have to say that you can get out of it what you put into it. As a photographer, I also have to find ways to build on relationships to grow my opportunities with every client that I work with. For example, senior portraits soon turn into wedding opportunities, commercial clients turn into family portraits opportunities and so on. If there is a way to create an opportunity, do it!

    1. Hilde

      Thanks Daniel! :)
      And yeah I agree with you, one opportunity can quickly turn into another as long as you look for them with an open mind. Great point!
      .-= Hilde´s last blog ..25 Stunning Artworks featuring Medusa =-.

  47. Jeff Boshers

    First!!! Hilde, this is an awesome article!
    .-= Jeff Boshers´s last blog ..Weekly Design #7: Los Gemelos =-.

    1. Hilde

      Thanks a lot, Jeff! :D
      .-= Hilde´s last blog ..25 Stunning Artworks featuring Medusa =-.

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