Illustration courtesy Britt Irick
This is the second of three questions we asked for August’s “Three” series. Check out what several local creatives had to say, then share your own insight via the comments below!
We want to know: What advice would you give creatives who are considering going full-time freelance?
Be aware of tax laws, Always have a signed contract or purchase order and deposit before beginning a project. The client is always more attentive when they have skin in the game. Market your business everyday.
No matter how well you’re doing, no matter how many prospects are in the future, learn to live on a realistic budget and stick to it. Find out what can be expensed and written-off for taxes and what the IRS sees as red flags (i.e. writing off your rent/mortgage). Do good work and network like hell.
First get a regular job to learn the ropes from someone who knows what they are doing. And, build up contacts. Networking is everything.
Buy a German automobile so you look cool!
When I first went on my own I found myself frustrated with not knowing enough about tax write-offs and also what software was best for my accounting needs.
Quickbooks was horrible (especially for the Mac) and I ended up returning it. I found an accountant pretty quickly but realized that I needed to get up to speed quickly so that our conversations weren’t so elementary.
I highly recommend the following:
Home Business Tax Deductions
http://www.nolo.com/product.cfm/ObjectID/0EB8204C-4889-4C7B-B44E88BC75A06BB3/111/277/
LessAccounting
https://lessaccounting.com/
While I’m not a full-time freelancer, I’ve discovered some useful bits of knowledge through friends and also through doing freelance on the side.
1) Communication is Key
Clients want to know what’s going on when things aren’t going well and even when they are. Keep an open line of communication with them (within reason of course, we all have lives outside of work) and make them feel like they’re always being thought of. If things go wrong, or there’s a delay in delivery, they won’t be shocked and appalled.
2) Get a Few Clients, Rock Their World
It’s amazing how much word-of-mouth referral happens in the world of web design, but it won’t happen for you unless your previous clients were pleased with the service they received. Get a client or two when you’re starting out or on the side of your full-time job and make sure you blow them away. They’ll say nice things about you and it’ll snowball from there.
3) Sign a Contract and Get a Deposit Up Front
Most of us will be burnt by a client at some point in time, but having a contract keeps it from hurting too much. It also makes you look more professional and will help keep bad clients from getting close. Asking for a deposit up front may seem difficult, and doesn’t always happen for those of us just starting out, but consider it a security deposit for you and motivation for the client.
Keep in touch with other freelancers, whether they are graphic designers, writers, photographers, PR specialists, or illustrators. Try and set up a weekly or monthly meet ups to share ideas or get inspiration.
Make an effort to do something creative, like go to a museum, or go to a graphic design event once a week, or at least once a month.
I also try and meet up with clients on a regular basis in person. It helps keep the connection strong.
talk to your account about DC/MD/VA sales tax.
we are a service organization. we are not professionals. P@
Boo on the states!