Things I Wish I’d Known When I Started Freelancing
By: Ludmila Shevchenko
Tags: Freelancing, Career Change, Professional Development, Designer, UX

No matter whether in profession or life, we’re used to making changes from time to time. Sometimes, they become fundamental— making us stronger as we overcome challenges and learn actions we’re not used to.

Recently, I decided to look back on my experiences as a freelancer. While now I’m working in a product studio, I did spend 2.5 years as a freelancer before. There are things I still remember from when I first started and I think ‘if only I’d known them then, things would have been so much easier’.

So, if you just switched to freelancing or you keen on experimenting with different directions in your field, here are my top tips.

1. Don’t be afraid to change your main direction of work

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

Turn and face the strange David Bowie, Changes

My main field of work was UX/UI design but I was always interested in graphics as well. While switching to the freelance mode I was able to fully express myself and I thought why not showcase graphics more?

When I focused more on graphics, I still had hesitations as to whether it was the right choice or whether I should have stuck with UX/UI instead.

The thing that blocks you from experimenting is the doubt as to whether you’re good enough in a new field.

The first time I used Procreate I drew this illustration (check it on Dribbble here)

Doubts aside, go and experiment! Try new things at your own pace. Yes, it’ll need a lot of effort from your side to reach good results in a short time and you must find time for that but it’s a great challenge. You might be surprised with the results in the end.

2. Be sure of your strengths

Hello doubt, my old friend. Designers are like artists, we believe that we’re geniuses or on the contrary, we think we know nothing.

Try to analyze what are your strengths in work or if it’s hard for you then, ask your comrades. Knowing this can help you during your discussions with potential clients. It’ll also help you to be sure about a certain part of your work.

Some of my sketches made during the first phase of work and the final logo. Happy X app

In my case, I know that I’m really good at trying multiple color schemes during the first steps in UI design. Also, I draw sketches to present my ideas first and it helps to keep a better connection with your client and show the progress step by step.

3. The number of likes doesn’t represent the true value of your work

Nowadays we can see that number of likes may not be that visible. For example, Dribbble hides them when you open a work. But it wasn’t always like that and still, it’s quite hard to stop identifying the quality of your work with the audience reach and number of reactions.

Another side of the story is when we start to compare our works (=ourselves) with others. Following this blind alley, we are either overvaluing someone’s achievements or underestimating our strengths. Neither is helpful.

Sure, it may seem hard to compete with creators who have a huge number of fans. Still, strive to be persistent and show more of your work at the same time, trying different platforms. You never know where exactly you’ll find a road to success.

4. Experiment: Broaden your horizons

One of my experiments was when I joined the Inktober challenge. As the result, I created a number of works and then, made a concept of a Storyteller App.

In my case, together with freelancing, I started to write articles here on Medium. One of my first written works was about using gradients in design.

And guess what? It went viral! I got a lot of feedback, more requests from potential clients. I’ve seen it further in the project briefs as the important info to check. It was even copied by a very famous editor in the design field.

Could I have imagined this would be possible when I published it? Not at all!

I simply wrote it as I really enjoyed exploring gradients and I just wanted to share my knowledge with the world.

You never know which of your works and in which form will happen to be the most appreciated by the community. So keep experimenting even in that kind of form you never thought was your best way to express.

5. Don’t think about the hater’s opinions

During my experience, there were minor moments with negative comments. It’s hard not to be affected by such negative feedback but I learned over time to not let it get to be and instead focus on the good comments which were far more.

Another aspect you may face during the change of your work approach is what your surrounding tells you. It’s good when your closest ones support you in your actions but in some cases, you may face a misunderstanding. Your family may worry about you and they simply don’t want you to face the uncertainty. That’s why they can advise you to find a full-time job when you’re trying to make your first steps in freelancing, for instance.

It might be hard to come up with a full understanding of your surrounding but what I realized back then is that it’s my life. I’m the only person who knows what changes I should face and what things I should change.

Challenging myself with new experiences like hiking in the Azores islands, I hardened myself and practiced to overcome the challenges. I mentioned it in my story right from that period of time.

Conclusion

I wrote this article based on my freelancing experience but I think, it suits other situations as well.

I encourage you to be brave and sure about your actions. Broaden your horizons by trying new things.

All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better. — Ralph Waldo Emerson

One last benefit I found from freelancing was the ability to become a digital nomad. I always love to travel and when you can combine it with work though sometimes it’s rather hard it gives you the possibility to see many new places. I’m sure you’ll find numerous more opportunities open up to you as a freelancer too. Best of luck on your freelance journey. I hope these tips were useful.