Comments on: Becoming a self-employed graphic designer

By: David Airey

David Airey — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 09:03:00 +0000

Hello Mark, you can become a successful self-employed designer regardless of your employment background. It will, however, be easier if you have experience working for/with others, because you can learn faster when surrounded by people who have been in the profession for years.

By: Mark Wienands

Mark Wienands — Sat, 29 May 2010 17:41:59 +0000

Thanks for some good advices, both on the blog and in response to so many comments, and I know that this comment is a bit too late in the discussion.

I got a question for you David, although I have never been employed in such related design firms, is it generally a good idea to go directly into being self-employed? Given that I do a lot of book-reading and researching, which I have plenty so far, but now my family think it will be safer for me to work in a company first. What should I do? I really hate it in a company.

Regards,
Mark

By: David Airey

David Airey — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 09:29:34 +0000

Sameel, you’re more than welcome.

Amanda, great to know your clients treat you with respect. I’m in a very similar situation, but back when I started (and didn’t know how to spot warning signs), things were different/more stressful.

Jenny, how right you are — the things of greatest value are those that take time and effort.

By: Jenny

Jenny — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 21:16:42 +0000

David –
I’m just getting started as a designer and I’ve enjoyed reading your blog. It’s been helpful to me.

Thanks for that comment:
“With passion and commitment, you can make a success of anything you set your mind to.”

I’ve had many people tell me lately that what I want to do is not likely to happen, or that I’ll have obstacles. Anything worth having, though, is worth working for. If I fail I can always continue to do what I’m doing!

By: Amanda

Amanda — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 18:20:48 +0000

Yep, the naysayers, and the ‘raised eyebrows’ of people who don’t to verbally nay say but show it in their expression anyway.

Anyone considering freelancing shouldn’t listen to any of them, it’s a perfectly valid career and not the pipe dream most people seem to perceive it as! :-))

Many people simply cannot be positive about things outside their own realm of reality.

There is however immense satisfaction in proving everyone wrong, so if you think you have what it takes, I say go for it.

Reading the other article, I don’t understand why some freelancers may be experiencing a lack of respect in their working lives. After all you’re the boss and it’s up to you what projects you take on – simply do not take on projects from clients who treat you with no respect!

My clients are lovely and extremely respectful :-))

By: Sameel Malik

Sameel Malik — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 08:21:32 +0000

Hi David,
I have been visiting your website and reading your posts for a few months now and this is my first time commenting on your posts. And I must tell you that your work has been a true inspiration. I, like many of the commenters here, am a freelance web and graphic designer. And it is comforting to see that many others have taken the self-employment route and are doing well.

Thanks for sharing and good luck everyone!

By: David Airey

David Airey — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:13:50 +0000

And you’re very welcome, anytime, Laura. I know what it’s like with the walls for company.

Likewise, Dean, it’s a pleasure to be your host for a few minutes.

By: Dean Taylor

Dean Taylor — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 06:36:26 +0000

Absolutely correct David, I have recently ventured on my own path starting my own business – a design studio. I am 21 and things are looking really good so far. Any one reading this.. note what David said..don’t let ANYONE tell you that you can’t do what you want (But of course it is recommended that you gain employment and get a taste of working before you try and tackle the world on your own – as a business owner/freelancer).

I have been reading your blog for some time now, but have never replied until now. I will be making more of an appearance on here and a few other blogs in the future!

By: Laura Fergus

Laura Fergus — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 13:56:42 +0000

Hi David,
I have been reading your site for a few months now and have recently decided to go out on my own as freelance graphic designer after being made redundant 4 months ago. I really just wanted to say that your site has been a real inspiration and too see that I am not alone in my fears and worries about doing it has given me a wee extra lift.
As Kylie posted it does get lonely working from home with just the walls to talk to, but I can always pop on here and see whats going on.
Thanks for sharing..

By: David Airey

David Airey — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:17:27 +0000

Fair play to you, Ben. I don’t have any kids, or pets, and still found it tough at certain stages.

Dave, why not discuss it with your boss? Ask them what they’d prefer? That way, you stand a better change of taking your work with you. Good luck with the new life in Spain.

Andy, if a company asks you to create a mock-up, they’re expecting you to work for free from the outset. If you approach a company with a mock-up, off your own back, you can set the price they pay to get to use your work, highlighting what good design costs in the process.

Kylie, you’re very welcome. Nice to read your first comment here, and good work with reaching the two year mark in self-employment.