Comments on: Are freelance designers really suckers?

By: Alfin Akhret

Alfin Akhret — Sat, 21 May 2011 16:50:34 +0000

Thank you David,
After reading this article, I became relieved. It’s kind of pleasure knowing how much better if I use the term “graphic designer” rather than “freelance graphic designer”. Somehow, It gave me more confidence :-)

By: David Airey

David Airey — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 21:12:27 +0000

Thanks, Yulia. Great Confucius quote on your website. Liking it.

By: Yulia

Yulia — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 21:09:13 +0000

I’ve never paid attention to the differences between the terms “freelancer” “Independent contractor” in terms of what each name reflects. I have currently “freelancer” on my resume. Maybe i should change that.
Also, I find that with experience that I gain in the design industry I find it easier to refuse work that is priced below standards (1$ for a logo is an insult…) or asking for 50% deposit (no matter how small the project is).

David you have a great blog!

By: David Airey

David Airey — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 14:54:41 +0000

Not easy, Michael, but very rewarding. Good of you to share your experience. L, I hope you don't mind, I featured your comment in brief post: More than just a title.

By: Michael

Michael — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 14:37:00 +0000

I’ve been working as a design assistant at a university and I’ve met both freelancers and independent contractors. From my experience both of them are getting the same amount of respect as the fully employed designer (my boss). But because it’s in a university setting, we (as a public relations/design office) are being looked down upon by the rest of the campus offices. In my opinion my job is probably the lowest in the food chain but I know (we talked) that my boss is also getting the same treatment as I am. I’m learning first hand that it is not an easy job to satisfy clients while expressing yourself as an artist (all designers are artists).

By: "L"

"L" — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 21:00:57 +0000

I think you can begin to call yourself a consultant when you have elevated yourself to be able to persuade and advise the client professionally.

To be a consultant, you must also be a professional. Whether you’re a sales professional or a project manager, simply being a designer with little understanding of business along with limited training or experience in sales and marketing won’t qualify you as a consultant. Don’t label yourself as a consultant because you believe it will give you more prestige and respect. They are indeed different from one another.

A last bit of advice for designers and freelancers is to build your portfolio with your own work. Don’t feel obligated to take on work for free from those who won’t return the respect and autonomy for your design. You can create your own mock designs which allow you to showcase your range and artistic expression.

By: David Airey

David Airey — Fri, 21 May 2010 14:56:26 +0000

I don’t mind at all, Noah. In fact, I’d appreciate it.

By: Dima

Dima — Fri, 14 May 2010 20:32:40 +0000

Just yesterday I suggested to a client to hire a freelance copywriter but he replied, “Nay, freelancers are those who can’t find a regular job, I need somebody good…” Hello!

By: Noah

Noah — Wed, 12 May 2010 22:37:42 +0000

Thank you Mr. Airey,

I really appreciate the response, as well as the link. You are right, I was not requiring any money in advance. I am quickly learning about freelancing through hard knocks…but I am learning….and will do things very differently from now on.

You have a great site :) I hope you don’t mind that I now link to it from my site.

- Noah

By: David Airey

David Airey — Wed, 12 May 2010 09:06:19 +0000

Hello Noah, it seems from your comment that you're not requesting a percentage of the fee in advance. I find that helps a great deal, and if you haven't seen it already, this post series should prove useful: How 20 designers charge their clients