So what is the “freelancing fear”?

(Blog Post entry for joining Toptal priority access)

I know. It sounds weird.

You finally make the decision to try freelancing on your own.

You print business cards, resumes, leave-behinds, and start telling every

one you can about the services you provide.

BUT YOU’RE SCARED!

You’ve never done this before. What happens if you gain a potential client. They check out your portfolio, website, or business card and then give you a call? It only takes one time to blow the over the phone interview.

What if you’re not cut out to be a creative pitch salesman?

Sure, you know the whole ins and outs of the Adobe Creative Suite.

And you can brain storm with the best of the best! But…..

Can you throw the fishing line and reel in that big client as soon as the fishing rod bobber goes under water?

It’s a lot of stress, you’re only a rookie. Plus you’re scared.

So what do you do?

Here’s How to win your first catch:

My professors told us it was going to be slightly overwhelming for a

few of us since we weren’t able to grab some freelance during classes

while still in college.

Part time Job:
Having one will help provide a little income. Even just working a few hours a week. I work at Old Navy and only work 3.5 hour shifts every other day.
In my spare time I have been building up my graphic design, and UX/UI design portfolio.

I am a fresh college graduation who just recently graduated on mother’s day. This blog post is everything I learned about freelance through questions classmates asked our professors over the past three years.

Be Prepared:

If you’re prepared you have nothing to be afraid of. Make sure you have a strategy. Have questions prepared that you want to ask your clients.
What type of design are you looking for?
What colors or fonts do you want?
Are you looking for a business card, flyer, or brochure?

The one plus about a phone call?

They CAN’T SEE YOU! Yes YOU! Have that cheat sheet in front of you at the ready! If a big client calls you know exactly what YOU want to say.

You can even wear your favorite set of Pajamas if that makes you feel comfortable.

Have your hourly fee rate ready. Don’t be afraid to not take an offer because it below your price range. You need a solid income to pay for web site fees, insurance fees, etc. My professor suggested $45 -$75 an hour
for our first gigs.

You can always research what freelance graphic designers get paid in your area and charge those rates.

Treat it Like a Job Interview:

Every phone call is a potential client. So treat it like an interview.

Do a little research about the companies first. One company came into my college class saying how disappointed they were that no one did ANY research AT ALL about the company. This impresses them. This tells them you care about what they do.

Come up with a list of questions for them!
What do you create?
What are typical hours for your company?
What is the typical starting rate?
what is the atmosphere like

Most importantly: speak body, openly, and professionally.

 Be Honest:

Be open about your pricing, skill levels, and experience.

Put a positive spin on your work and be prepared to talk about it.

First impressions are everything. Don’t lie. It will come back to bite you.
If you’re an eager beaver when it comes to learning new trades.
Tell them. Tell them you are currently in process of taking an online course and this will let them know you can do what they ask.

There’s Really NOTHING to Fear.

Are you currently looking for a quick and easy way to freelance?
They are a reliable company who help freelancers of any job gain employment!
I've just began the interview process at Toptal.com (to become a part of the
Toptal Visual Designers Group. 
This blog post is apart of this process.

I would really enjoy this opportunity to become a freelancer and get my art out there.