Hi guys,

 

I recently lost my full-time webdesigner job because of the financial problems in company affected by economic crisis... and i would love to try to become a freelancer.

 

I am a front-end webdesigner with 3 years experience in the UK and i have worked on various projects from small microsites to big extranet solutions. I prefer front end, however i 'm able to work with HTML/CSS, Flash, Contribute, After Effects.

 

I am planning to start my career in freelancing, do you have any usefull advices?

 

Just for the reference some of my recent works:

 

http://www.behance.net/studiowacho

 

Thanks a lot and i'm looking for every opinion and advice.

Michal

My advice is to try and get your name out there as quickly as possible... Any freelancer and studio will tell you that 90% of their business comes from word of mouth, that's been passed from client to client. It can take years for your company to kick off from the ground and finally be able to give you enough money to live off, I myself have been designing since September, and manage to get one or two websites a month, but it's not something I can live off yet at all, but there has been a definite curve in clients calling me that have been referred.

 

Also... Do everything by the book, I'm not saying you wouldn't, but because of the state of the economy, make sure all of your accounts etc, are perfect, so you don't get screwed over by the old tax man...

 

Know your benefits too btw, like for starters being exempt from income tax, national insurance and being able to get tax credits, don't be embarrased to spend as little money as possible on stuff like that, but also try and spend as much time and money getting your name out as you need.

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The first thing to do is get a portfolio site up - without that effectively no-one can find you and see examples of your work.

 

Once you've done that the rest of it is as others have said - get you name out there. If you made any good contacts in your previous job now may be the time to contact them and inform them about your services.

 

Get some business cards made and hand them out to everyone you meet.

 

Keep an eye on these forums as people post job offers regularly - some might only be small beer but every site you do is something for your portfolio and a potential client recommendation.