[smithmr8]

I've toyed with the idea of going freelance for a while. I did some work last year then left it for a bit as I got myself a job as a software engineer. Well, now I'm planning to perform freelance website development in my spare time.

I've got a mate who's great with design, as he's a graphic designer. So I want to go in on it with it. So I get him to produce the designs for me, and I can then go on to produce the physical website product.

I'm just not sure which way to go with it yet (company wise).

I'm thinking:
- I register as self employed, and trade under a the name i've chosen NAME X.
- My mate also registers as self employed.
- I "contract" out the designing aspect to him on a job-by-job basis. ie. Attain a quote for the work, he produces designs etc.. Once we've come up with an accepted design he then invoices me for the work and I pay him that way.
- I then use that design, produce the website.

This way seemed better to start with. I didn't want to particuarly go down the partnership route at this stage as I need to ensure the balance is going to be right and that we work well as a team. If all goes to plan, then in the future then I think I would take the company to the next level and register as a Ltd. company and go the whole hog. So to speak. But I just wanted to get a second opinion on the way I'm thinking of going about this venture at the moment.

Cheers.

[BlueDreamer]

I think the sensible route initially would be to "partner" with him as you suggested, you both remain individuals but you just subcontract the work out.

Also I noted you say he's a graphic designer - graphic design and web design are two very different things

[smithmr8]

Yeah, that's what I was thinking.

Yes, I do understand that . He's recently started moving into the website design area. I wouldn't of thought it would be too hard for a graphic designer to shift onto web design, provided they took the necessary steps.

All of my clients will be providing a "specification" which will help outline the design requirements and expectations. Detailing of sites which they like the look of, sites they dont. So that he has a series of designs to use for inspiration, and then put his own "twist" on things. Wireframes and such will also be playing a part in the process. So I'm hoping that that, along with input from me, will be enough to produce some quality work.

Time will tell.