Freelance Team, Author at Freelancelifemagazine

Freelancing Unleashed: The Magnetic Appeal of Independence

Freelance Team — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 10:15:50 +0000

1. Work where you want, when you want

A freelance career sounds tempting, but are you wondering if it’s the right decision for you? Many articles have been written on this topic, some offering good advice, others not so useful recommendations. One such article that you should definitely read is a post written by Tom May for creativeboom.com.

Tom has been a freelance writer and editor since 2016, living and remote-working in various countries, including Spain, The Netherlands, Australia, Israel and Guatemala. Picture this: working from a pristine beach, high up in the mountains, or even while sailing on the open sea.

Now, this freelancing lifestyle isn’t for everyone. Some people need routine, 9-5 office job, someone to motivate them or they just don’t have enough self-discipline.

So, to work as a freelancer you have to be self-disciplined, highly motivated and professional, you have to be good at time management and job management, sometimes you have to be flexible and know how to manage your finances. You can travel like Tom but working on the beach probably won’t be a regular option.

2. Choose the kind of projects you love

The beauty of freelancing doesn’t end there. You also have the power to pick the projects that genuinely excite you. No more answering to a demanding boss; you choose the work that aligns with your passions and skills. But, when you first start freelancing, you might be so eager for work that you accept anything that comes your way. But with time, as you build your reputation, clients will flock to you, and you can be more selective.

Try to really do what you love, not just what brings in the most money or the job that is currently in demand. Yes, money is important, but doing something you don’t like is not a long-term sustainable decision.

3. Diverse opportunities

Diversity is another perk of the freelancing world. After years of working at the same job, some freelancers get a little fed up and want a change. The freelance lifestyle will give you the opportunity to work on various projects across different industries. Of course, if you specialize in an area that completely fulfills you, you don’t need to change the field of work. But it’s important to have options.

The underbelly: What you should be prepared for

Now, let’s talk about the underbelly of freelancing – the challenges you need to be prepared for.

1. You’ll never have a regular income again

First off, say goodbye to the regular monthly paycheck. In a traditional job, you can count on a steady income, regardless of your performance. But freelancers, well, our earnings tend to resemble a rollercoaster. Some months, you’re flush with cash; others, you’re tightening your belt just to make ends meet. To navigate this, you’ll need some savings in the bank and a diverse client base.

But if you know how to manage money, it won’t be a problem. When you earn more than you need, put the extra money in the bank and use it in those months when you have less work. What is important is that your annual income is such that it covers all your needs.

2. You may struggle with self-discipline

Another challenge is self-discipline. Without fixed hours, it’s easy to lose yourself in procrastination. But on the flip side, overworking is a real danger. Burnout is a genuine risk when you’re the boss and employee rolled into one. To avoid these pitfalls, establish a routine, set clear goals, and find your sweet spot for productivity. And don’t be afraid to embrace the flexibility of freelancing once you’re in the groove.

To prevent this, you need to recognize the signs of burnout, and how to stay motivated.

3. It can be incredibly isolating

Isolation can be a tough nut to crack too. Working from home has its perks, but it can be incredibly lonely, especially if you live alone. You might find yourself starved for meaningful human interaction. The solution? Make an effort to connect with others. Visit friends and family more often, join co-working spaces, or engage in online freelancer communities. Loneliness doesn’t have to be the price you pay for freedom.

Madhuleena Roy Chowdhury, certified psychiatric counselor and a freelancer in psychology and mental health, in her article “Overcoming loneliness as a freelancer who works from home” offered useful advice on this topic.

4. You have to handle all the admin yourself

And let’s not forget about admin duties. As a freelancer, you wear many hats – worker, marketer, accountant, project manager, and more. It can be exhilarating or overwhelming, depending on your personality. Invest in tools and resources to streamline these responsibilities, and consider outsourcing tasks when possible. Your time is precious; use it wisely.

What can make these obligations easier is the choice of adequate tools. Choose the software and app that will do part of the work for you.

5. You’ll have to handle a lot of rejections

Lastly, get ready for rejection – lots of it. Freelancing can boost your self-worth when you see your earnings grow. But it can also bruise your ego when clients turn you down, often with less tact than you’d encounter in a traditional workplace. Rejections are par for the course in freelancing. The key is to develop resilience and view each rejection as a stepping stone toward your next success.

Make peace with the fact that you will be the best choice for some clients and the last option for some. And if you know how, you can turn rejection into motivation.

In a nutshell, freelancing offers freedom, variety, and the chance to do what you love – but it comes with its fair share of challenges. So, if you’re considering taking the leap into the world of freelancing, be prepared for the ride of your life. It won’t always be easy, but the rewards can be truly extraordinary.

Check out the new issue of freelance life magazine

Read new interviews, check the latest freelance news from the internet, find current app reviews, useful career tips and news from freelance platforms, see the latest freelance nomads destinations and much more!

The post Freelancing Unleashed: The Magnetic Appeal of Independence appeared first on Freelancelifemagazine.

Rishi Mathur

Freelance Team — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 09:30:17 +0000

One of the main goals of Freelance Life Magazine is to promote successful freelancers who can inspire others to start their freelance journey. This time we have the pleasure to present Rishi Mathur, a designer from India.

Who is Rishi Mathur? Tell us something about yourself, where you grew up, what school you graduated from, where you live…

I (Rishi Mathur) am a multi-disciplinary designer, creator, mentor, and learner, who loves to build things through his creative expertise, with a total experience of over 12 years, including 5+ years in full-time freelancing, with leading global companies across different industries. I am based out in India. I currently live in Noida, India.

I grew up in the North Indian city of Lucknow in a humble middle-class family. My parents have been in the education sector. My father is a (retired) Government employee, while my mother is a Lecturer in an educational institution. Being from a middle-class family background, our lives have mostly been filled with financial struggles. But my parents always made sure of zero compromises in my and my sister’s quality education.

Since a young age, I was quite inclined toward creativity and arts. I used to sketch drawings and paint and have been privileged to win various awards both on local, State, and National levels. I was honored to receive personal appreciation from H.E. (Former) The Prime Minister of India, and H.E. (Former) The President of India during my school days for my creativity and love towards arts.

I was not particularly clear about which career to choose during my school days. Most of my friends went for Engineering, and I wanted something else for me, that I am good at doing, associated with art and creativity.

In 2006, after Higher Secondary Education (Class 12), I moved to Noida, a rapidly growing & developing industrial city near the National Capital, Delhi to pursue a 3-year Diploma in Footwear Design at the Footwear Design & Development Institute / FDDI (Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India). This college education really kept the foundation of what I am today. I learned how creativity marries design and results in building commercially feasible products and much more.

After graduating from FDDI in 2009, I joined Lee Cooper, a UK-based fashion and lifestyle brand in the Footwear wing in India as a Lead Designer (Footwear & Accessories). After working there for some 4.5 years, I moved to join a few other companies, both in the footwear and non-footwear industries.

However, in early 2018, I decided to take a plunge into full-time design freelancing, and here I am today .

As a multi-disciplinary freelance creative designer, my KRAs include:

User interface design, user experience design (UI/UX), interaction design, and product design (digital and physical).
Visual design, graphics, and infographics design.
Interactive presentation design.
Footwear and fashion accessories design.
Animated film making, character design.
Marketing communications and brand design.
Political communication design.
NFTs and crypto art design.

Some of my valued clients and employers include:

Lee Cooper.
ID Shoes.
Pierre Cardin Paris.
Parliamentarians with Innovators for India – a Covid19 action committee.
MindRise
Immunise India
Pepsi
WorxWide UK
Aakash & Co., and more..

* There are many other leading companies and organizations with whom I work on a regular mode, but as I’ve signed NDAs with them, I am not supposed to disclose their information.

Operational/ Targeted Demographics: India, UK, US, Canada.

Operational/ Targeted Industries: Technology, Consulting, SaaS, Retail (offline, online, omnichannel), Education, Healthcare, Governance and Politics, Fashion & Lifestyle.

My work engagement preferences: I have a preference for engaging in collaborative work with reputable clients who offer fair and favorable terms for long-term and scalable projects or as an ongoing part of their team.

In most cases, I operate as an independent/ individual contributor, creator, or consultant, serving esteemed client companies across various projects and opportunities. However, when the project scope requires additional resources and is financially feasible, I have a network of like-minded professionals who can be enlisted to contribute to the work, thereby expanding our bandwidth.

My design portfolio and work samples are available at https://linktr.ee/therishimathur .

My Hobbies: Watching movies, travelling, exploring new design tools and technologies, making meaningful & new connections, driving, and sketching.

Did you always want to be a designer, or did life lead you down that path?

I won’t be honest if I say that I always wanted to be a designer. During my school time, I was kind of confused about what career I wanted to choose for myself. In those years, most of my friends followed the bandwagons of Engineering, and design-based careers were not as popular as they are now. Additionally, I was not so good in mathematics and playing with numbers and variables, but I always had a solid attraction towards visuals, design, arts, and creativity with the practical implementation of technology. You may say I have been good at ‘visual mathematics’. And yes, I was better at computers than my other classmates.

When I was in school, I used to sketch portraits and do a lot of paintings as hobbies. I even won lots of awards and appreciation up to the National level and from eminent personalities, including H.E. (Former) The Prime Minister of India, H.E. (Former) The President of India.

However, lately, I decided to cut all distractions and just follow my instincts in creativity and design, and in 2006, after Higher Secondary Education (Class 12), I moved to Noida, a rapidly growing & developing industrial city near the National Capital, Delhi to pursue a 3-year Diploma in Footwear Design at the Footwear Design & Development Institute / FDDI (Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India).

I studied footwear design and accessory design there (as per the given curriculum) for 3 years, but my zeal to learn more helped me gain even more skills, including graphics, web design, and more through the personal practical initiatives that I followed during weekends and late hours. My teachers and colleagues also supported me a lot in my efforts.

That was my transition from an amateur ‘artist’ to a ‘designer’. And that was the time I realized that’s something I wanted to become in my life.

You deal with different types of design, from Product Design & Management, Fashion, and Marketing Design to UI/UX and Animations. What type of design is your favourite?

Every design is unique and I love all formats, including Product Design, UI/UX Design, Animations, Visual Design, PowerPoint Design, Marketing Communication Design, Footwear & Accessory Design, and more.

Each of them brings a diversified view and approach toward problem-solving and solution creation, with learnings that help cross-dimensionally. An experience with a complex UI/UX project can help exponentially in designing an interactive PowerPoint deck for a large client. Past exposure to scaling up customer experience in physical products can help build better UX in a digital product. You just need to think in that way. So, it’s always good to diversify your skills and expertise, and most importantly, scale up and qualify on them.

If you ask my personal favorite, I love designing animated characters. Since I was a child, I loved watching cartoons on TV, and I still do. I was so fascinated to see how artists and creators bring life to illustrations and make them talk, walk, sing, and act like living beings. And I got an opportunity to deep dive into 2D animations in the year 2018, which bagged me a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work for The Prime Minister of India to design their animated campaigns.

And which type of design do you consider the most demanding?

Currently, UI/UX is among the most demanding. I have been witnessing a solid turn to UI/UX design since last year. Rise in the numbers of tech startups, funding inflow, digital transformation of existing companies, Covid-time experiences, lower data costs, and most importantly scale-up customer experience (CX) and retaining existing customers are some of the many reasons behind the rise of UI/UX design.

The other is AI-based visual design. Though AI gives even a non-designer an edge to create great visual art, the demand for AI-based designers is certainly growing

Some of the unsung domains (which have a lot of potential and still growing) include data visualization, pitch deck design, and mentoring.

Many designers specialize in a specific type of design, UI/UX, layout, or logo design. How is it that you remain so versatile?

When I started my design career in 2009 at Lee Cooper, I intended to stay in footwear and accessory design and keep growing in this industry only. However, after some time I realized that the footwear and fashion industry is capital-intensive. Being a creator, my entrepreneurial spirit always compelled me to build things that deliver value and solve problems. This made me take a plunge into learning more skills and upscale myself.

After a few years, I took some entrepreneurial initiatives, which could not survive for long. From 2014 to 2017, I kept juggling between full-time jobs and some part-time gigs, which again, did not suit me well. It won’t be wrong to say, that for a few years after beginning my professional journey and getting a ‘good’ job, I was still confused about which direction my career was going, keeping me badly impatient

However, in 2018 I decided to get into full-time freelancing with a leading footwear company, Aakash And Company, Delhi after getting a reference from my Senior at Lee Cooper. There I started by creating graphics, marketing posters, and footwear designs & accessories for their brands and stakeholders.

While working with AAC, I got another opportunity to work with a leading consulting company, Worx Wide (formerly BidsAndBeyond), and help them in creating editable visuals, infographics, and interactive pitch decks, particularly in PowerPoint. That was the moment I realized PowerPoint was a lot more powerful than I even thought. So I learned this new skill as quickly as possible while working with Worxwide.

My quest to learn more and scale up my expertise didn’t stop there and I went on to learn Animations and 2D Film Making, Marketing Communication, User Interface Design, User Experience Design, Interaction Design, Packaging Design, Political Communications, and more while continuing to work with my existing and new engagements.

Parallel to learning, I also made sure that I promote and reach out for new collaborations to exploit my new & existing expertise and acquire new customers, which helped me to increase my revenues multiple times as compared to my past full-time jobs. This still continues to this date.

For me, design and creativity are religions, and they are an endless universe of learning, and acquiring multiple design skills and continuously improving and refining them becomes extremely important to stay relevant and keep growing in today’s hyper-competitive environment. I would like to highlight a few points for aspiring freelancers:

Expand Your Skill Set: Continuously learn and acquire new design skills and stay up to date with emerging trends and technologies. This is a time of critical competition. Jobs are being replaced by AI, and companies are putting efforts to cut costs as much. Expanding your skills, and polishing them with qualifications means it is essential to stay relevant, stay in demand and stay successful.
Embrace Continuous Learning: Attend workshops, webinars, and conferences, enroll in online courses, follow free YouTube courses, join design-related groups on social media, and engage with design communities to stay informed about the latest industry developments.
Build a Diversified Portfolio: Include samples from different design verticals, such as branding, web design, print design, mobile app design, and illustration. Highlight your ability to adapt to different styles and project requirements.

I have tried to keep my portfolio interesting with versatile work samples across industry verticals while making it engaging and less boring. Remember, your portfolio is a quick reflection of you. Keep it engaging and worthy to acquire potential clients. Avoid shortcuts in preparing your portfolio, because every moment you invest in it will certainly pay you accordingly.

Cultivate a Strong Foundation: A strong understanding of these fundamentals will enable you to apply them effectively across different design verticals and adapt to various client needs. Never compromise to learn whenever & wherever you get an opportunity.
Understand Client Requirements: When working across different design verticals, take the time to understand the unique needs and goals of each client.
Network and Collaborate: Connect with other industry leaders, CXOs, stakeholders, relevant professionals, marketers, and others from different verticals to seek opportunities, share knowledge, and learn from each other’s experiences.
Be Empathetic, Agile, and Adaptable: Be adaptable and open to different design challenges. Adaptability and empathy are foundations of a good design and also of a successful designer.
Communicate Effectively: Clear and effective communication is crucial when working with diverse clients and design verticals.
Seek Feedback: Request constructive criticism and learn from both positive and negative feedback.
Learn to shift gears and manage time effectively: As a versatile freelance designer, you’ll often juggle multiple projects simultaneously. Stay organized, set priorities, and manage your time effectively. Utilize project management tools, calendars, and task lists to ensure you meet deadlines and maintain a high level of productivity.

You have 12 years of experience. How much has the design and way of working changed in those 12 years?

The design keeps evolving every moment. Even when I observe different trends and design practices from day to day, I notice various improvements and changes, which are certainly for good.

Over the past 12 years, the design industry has undergone significant changes in terms of both technology and working practices. I would like to point out a few of them:

Rise of Digital Design: The widespread adoption of smartphones, tablets, and other digital devices has led to a major shift toward digital design. User interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design have become essential elements in creating successful digital products and services.

Notably, UX is not just limited to designing an app or a website. It is much larger, ancient and ever evolving. Understanding of UX and its principles is applicable when you design a poster for a fashion brand, create a short-animated film for a leading politician, design a ConOps infographic, design an investor pitch deck for a start-up, design soles for sports shoes, and for innumerable situations and implementations.

Mobile Design & Responsiveness: With the proliferation of mobile devices, designers have had to adapt their approaches to accommodate smaller screens and touch interfaces. Mobile-first design strategies have become prevalent, focusing on creating seamless experiences for users on smartphones and tablets.

The concept of responsive design emerged, emphasizing the need for websites and applications to adapt and provide optimal user experiences across various screen sizes and devices. This approach ensures that content is accessible and legible regardless of the platform used.

Design Systems: Design systems have become increasingly popular, especially in large organizations. These systems provide a centralized library of reusable design components, patterns, and guidelines, enabling consistency and efficiency across multiple products and teams.
Collaboration: I frequently collaborate with developers, marketers, and other stakeholders to ensure a holistic approach and seamless integration of design within the overall product development process.
Change is Work Methodologies and Dynamics: Many design teams have adopted agile methodologies such as Scrum or Kanban, working in iterative cycles with a focus on frequent user feedback and continuous improvement. This approach allows for greater flexibility and quicker adaptation to changing project requirements.
Design Thinking: The adoption of design thinking methodologies has grown significantly. Designers now approach problem-solving by empathizing with users, defining their needs, ideating possible solutions, prototyping, and testing to ensure that products meet user requirements and expectations.
Inclusion and Diversity: The design industry has made efforts to address inclusivity and diversity concerns, recognizing the importance of creating designs that are accessible to a wide range of users. There is a growing focus on incorporating diverse perspectives and cultural sensitivities in design processes.
Tools and Software: Design tools have evolved significantly, offering more advanced features and capabilities. CorelDraw, PowerPoint, Adobe Creative Suite (After Effects, PhotoShop, Illustrator, etc.), Lunacy, Adobe XD, Sketch, Figma, Google Suite, AI based tools like Midjourney, Canva, etc. and other tools have become popular, enabling designers to create high-fidelity prototypes, collaborate remotely, and streamline their workflows.

9 Remote Work: The past few years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, have boosted the adoption of remote work in the design industry. Tools for virtual collaboration, project management, and remote design reviews have become essential for distributed design teams.

Overall, the design industry has experienced a shift toward digital mediums, increased collaboration, a focus on user-centric approaches, and the adoption of new tools and methodologies.

In your work, you must use a large number of different software. How did you learn all that software? Did you go to some courses, study online, did someone help you or did you master everything yourself?

Except for:

CorelDraw: 1-month course; my 1^st employer-sponsored me to learn this software for implementation in footwear design.
2D Animation: 2-week course in 2D Animation; I did to brush up my animation skills.
UI/UX Design: Online 2-week UI/UX design course; I did it to complete a formality asked by a previous client as a criterion, though I had been in UI/UX design for quite some time.

All other skills, tools, software, and platforms were self-learned.

However, having said ‘self-learned’, it doesn’t mean that I did not seek support in my learning through other means. The experience gained while working on live projects certainly added a lot of expertise and value to my skills.

For example, a few years ago, while working on an interactive PowerPoint deck, I felt that using a few animated characters to narrate the context would bring life to the entire presentation. This was another motivation for me to learn 2D animation, and then keep practicing and improving on it, which is still helping me in bringing a lot of value to my clients and myself.

I must admit that though different software and tools may have different functionalities, and may look difficult to learn, the fundamentals remain the same, which makes diversifying your software knowledge possible and less challenging. For example, CorelDraw and Adobe Illustrator have different tools and functionalities, but they still carry great similarities in the way they are implemented. Other platforms follow similar principles.

In order to keep myself updated with the latest software, tools, and technologies, I keep checking various design influencers, literature available on the web, online workshops, design case studies, etc. to learn and upscale myself. YouTube is a super resource for anybody like me who wants to learn different tools and platforms at a negligible cost.

In your career, have you always been a freelancer, or have you ever worked for a company?

Yes, I have worked in full-time employment with a few leading companies from the year 2009 to 2017 in different design and creative roles. Being a freelancer has never been a plan though becoming a successful freelancer was always my dream.

Immediately after graduating from FDDI in 2009, I joined Lee Cooper UK in their India-based footwear R&D center (in a full-time capacity). I did my internship there being a student, where I was offered a job to join the company and lead their R&D initiatives after my graduation, which I humbly accepted. I worked there until 2013 before I had some health issues and took up some freelance work to sustain my income and survive.

After that, I joined a few more companies full-time. One of them was Droom, which was an online eCommerce platform for selling and buying used automobiles. That was a drastic transition for me, moving from a hardcore fashion, footwear & accessories industry to a 100% tech-based e-commerce venture in a project management role. Things were challenging for me for some initial months when I had to design their algorithms and contribute (not as a designer, but on an analytic level) to their UX design efforts.

I would say that working with Droom in 2017 was my first interaction with UI/UX, which I wanted to leverage and exploit. However, my past (and vast) experience in the footwear industry was a challenge to earn a more pivotal role in UI/UX design as I was considered a fresher in this highly tech-driven industry. This again added to my frustration, followed by the bad health of my father, I left this job to support my family because I had to travel almost 120 km every day from my house to the office, which wasn’t going well. I left Droom at the end of 2017 and desperately started looking for a new full-time job.

But fate had something else stored for me. Despite having an impressive professional background and accomplishments, I could not secure a satisfactory paying job and support my family. I gave several interviews with no results.

That was high time for me to choose a different path that pays me (career growth was not a priority for me at that time as I was struggling to even secure a fixed monthly income to support my family).

That’s when I started connecting with my past bosses and other valued networks, which actually worked. I got a freelance opportunity with Aakash and Co, Delhi that provided me with a fixed monthly income. Though it was quite less, I shall always be grateful to them for their support in my challenging times.

The next collaboration in this direction has been with WorxWide UK (formerly BidsAndBeyond), and on. I am still collaborating with newer, long term clients and expanding my business.

That was the start of my ever-growing ‘proud full-time freelance’ career. I am grateful to God that I could not get a full-time job at that time because now I have a handsome income, luxury, and reputation, have been able to build assets, my own office, and have a large base of global valued clients which I might have never gotten in a full-time job.

What are the main differences between working in a company and working as a freelancer?

There are many differences, including the pros and cons of both working as a creative designer in full-time employment VS freelance mode.

However, I strongly feel that hiring talented freelancers is being preferred over full-time resources, and this trend will continue to grow. As companies navigate through economic uncertainties and strive to stay competitive, they often opt to hire freelancers instead of maintaining full-time employees. This shift allows them to tap into a vast pool of talented designers and creators without the long-term commitment and expenses associated with hiring permanent staff. From my perspective as a freelance designer, this trend has presented a tremendous opportunity to successfully run my own brand.

Many full-time employees think that freelancing is a ‘Be Your Own Boss’ concept. This is a misconception. Everyone has a boss, and that’s a reality. Freelancing is certainly a job, just like being in a business too is a job. Likewise, many freelancers think full-time employment as fully secure, comfortable, and full of perks, which is again not true. Full-time employment comes with a lot of conditions, challenges, and most importantly, the dependence on a single source of income., which makes it a risky and volatile choice in today’s scenario of cost-cutting and lay-offs.

However, freelancing is definitely a gateway to entrepreneurship and business ownership with minimum resources, infrastructure and much lesser costs. There are freelancers who are more successful, self-reliant and earn similar and sometimes better than many established startup founders. Being a freelancer, you are a company, a business, a brand, a team in yourself, which is so empowering and satisfying.

There are some pointwise differences that I want people to understand and clear doubts if any:

Stability and Security: Full-time employment typically offers more stability and security with a regular paycheck, benefits, and potential career growth within the company. Freelancers have more flexibility but may experience income fluctuations and need to manage their own financial security, but this may vary depending upon the project and client you’re engaged with.
Work Schedule and Flexibility: Full-time employees generally have a set schedule and work regular hours. Freelancers have more flexibility to choose their working hours and can adapt their schedules to fit their lifestyles and personal preferences. But this can be otherwise as well. I usually work for 13-14 hours every day, and some days even more, and I hardly get any week off or free time. But I enjoy keeping myself busy with creative stuff.
Variety of Projects: Freelancers often have the opportunity to work on a wider variety of projects and clients, spanning different industries and design verticals. That’s the reason I work with diversified projects across different industries on a regular basis. Full-time employment may offer more specialization within a specific company or industry.
Client Relationships: Freelancers build direct relationships with clients, collaborating closely on projects and managing client expectations themselves. In full-time employment, client interactions may be mediated through account managers or project managers, reducing direct client involvement for designers.
Creative Control: Freelancers have more autonomy and control over their creative decisions. They can shape their own design process, choose the projects they want to work on, and have more influence over the final design outcomes. But again, this is conditional, as many clients expect their in-house design process and existing methodologies across their projects and want the same to be practiced by their service providers. In full-time employment, creative decisions may be influenced by the company’s brand guidelines, management, or team collaboration.
Benefits and Resources: Full-time employees often receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and access to company resources, software, and equipment. Freelancers need to manage their own benefits and invest in their own resources and tools. But there are many clients who offer some full-time perks even to freelancers based on tenure and contracts.
Networking and Professional Development: Full-time employment can provide opportunities for networking within the company and access to professional development programs or mentorship. Freelancers need to actively seek networking opportunities, and industry events, and invest in their own professional development. Yet, networking and professional development is somewhat the same and vital across both formats.
Administrative Tasks: Freelancers are responsible for managing their own business operations, including invoicing, contracts, taxes, and marketing. Also, legal, taxations, and other compliances are there to be taken care of solely by freelancers. Full-time employees have administrative support within the company, allowing them to focus primarily on design work, without much external effort.
Creative Freedom and Experimentation: Freelancers often have more freedom to explore experimental or unconventional design approaches since they are not bound by company policies or guidelines. Again, this comes with conditions and may depend on case to case OR client-to-client basis. Full-time employment may involve more adherence to established brand guidelines and design standards.

As a freelancer, what is the most demanding thing for you – coming up with an idea, working with people, regular communication, work organization, administration, or something else?

I think the client (or organization with whom I am collaborating), their intent, and scope of work is very much important.

Client/Organization: Understanding the ideology, history, mission, vision, and credentials of the client or organization is crucial in determining the potential for long-term success in a collaboration. This knowledge not only motivates freelancers or hired resources but also allows them to anticipate opportunities for consistent growth and upskilling within the partnership.
Intent: While it may sound self-centered or harsh, it is essential to address the issue of clients, even those considered “good,” potentially attempting to exploit freelancers by engaging in practices such as payment evasion, contract misuse, or blocking payments. Therefore, it is crucial for freelancers to ensure that they receive fair compensation for the services they are delivering.
Scope of work: While financial aspects are important in any project or collaboration, the nature and scope of the work hold equal significance. Personally, I find immense satisfaction in working on challenging and unique projects that provide opportunities for personal and professional growth. It is also essential to ensure that my skills align with the scope of work to meet and exceed the expectations placed on me by clients who have entrusted me with their projects.

I have been fortunate that each collaboration and assignment I have undertaken has been distinct in terms of project expectations, work nature, collaborators, stakeholders, and more. The diversity in these experiences has not only been refreshing but has also consistently provided a supportive environment for me to thrive.

What do you consider the best part of the freelance lifestyle?

One of the most appealing aspects of freelancing is the flexibility it provides. As an experienced freelance designer, I have the ability to mutually discuss and settle when and where I work. I can set my own schedule (up to an extent), which can help better work-life balance and the freedom to pursue personal interests or take breaks when needed, though I hardly have any. For quite some time now, I have been super busy with multiple parallel engagements.

With over 5 years of freelance experience, I have been fortunate to build a diverse portfolio and a network of clients. This opens up opportunities to work on a wide range of projects across different industries and design verticals. The variety keeps my work fresh and engaging, preventing monotony and allowing for continuous learning and growth. I also have the advantage of refining and improving my creative skills and developing my own design style. I have a large amount of freedom to take creative control over projects and make decisions that align with my vision and expertise, which is not so common in full-time employment. This level of autonomy is incredibly fulfilling and satisfying.

Freelancing allows me to build direct relationships with my clients. I have the opportunity to work closely with them, understand their goals and preferences, and provide personalized design solutions. This direct interaction often leads to a deeper understanding of client needs, better collaboration, and a more rewarding creative process. I usually choose to work on long-term projects with a threshold ticket size, ensuring I get compensated well.

Freelancing helps me foster an entrepreneurial mindset. As a freelance designer, I have the opportunity to run my own business, build my personal brand, manage client relationships, set up commercials, make strategic decisions about my career, and more. This level of independence is very empowering and satisfying, as I have full control over my professional trajectory and the ability to shape my own success.

And what is the downside of freelancing?

Being into freelancing, I have seen fluctuations in income as a regular phenomenon. Ups and downs can be serious and drastic. Some months may be financially rewarding, while others may be slower. It can be challenging to predict and manage cash flow effectively, especially when starting out or during periods of economic instability. But with regular upskilling, diversifying skills & portfolio, and investing time and efforts in this career, I have managed to maintain lesser fluctuations than other professionals in respective design domains.

You’re responsible for finding and securing clients. This requires ongoing marketing efforts, networking, and building a strong online presence. Finding new clients can be time-consuming and may involve dealing with rejection or competition. So, having a thick skin does help.

Coming on to administration and compliance, I have to handle various tasks such as invoicing, timesheet maintenance, contract negotiation, project management, accounting, taxation, etc. These activities can take time away from actual design work and require organizational skills and attention to detail.

Often, as a freelancer, I work alone as a one-man army. This, in my initial phase, led me to feelings of isolation. Without a team environment, collaboration and brainstorming may be limited, potentially impacting creative ideation and growth. But now I am familiar with such a situation and feel quite comfortable to continue performing.

While versatility is a benefit, it can also be a challenge. As a freelancer, I always have to continually learn and adapt to different design verticals, tools, practices, expertise, and technologies. Keeping up with industry trends and continuously expanding your skill set can be demanding and extremely important to continue being successful. It also helps deliver above expectations to the existing customers and expand the portfolio of new potential customers with better business returns.

Unlike full-time employment, I generally do not expect to receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, or paid sick leave. However, I make sure to invest in my own health insurance, retirement savings, and more to buy my peace of mind which helps me in better productivity with backup and safety in place.

How important is constant learning of new skills and improvement for designers and freelancers?

Constant learning of new skills and improvement is of paramount importance for designers and freelancers, and this holds true for my experiences as a freelance creative designer with over 12 years of expertise. Throughout my career, I have witnessed the significant impact that continuous learning has on professional growth, marketability, and client satisfaction.

As a freelance designer, I’ve encountered diverse projects across various industries and design verticals. Each new project brings unique challenges and requirements, demanding a versatile skill set and a willingness to adapt. By actively engaging in continuous learning, I have expanded my knowledge base and acquired new skills that allow me to tackle a wider range of projects. Whether it’s mastering new design software, exploring emerging design trends, researching, or understanding evolving user behaviors, staying updated is vital to remaining relevant in the fast-paced design industry.

With evolving technology and market dynamics come evolved challenges. AI versus designers is one of such aspects we see today on a regular basis, leading to layoffs, budget cuts, and more. In such an ever-evolving design landscape, constant learning enables me to deliver innovative, effective more than expected design solutions, and stay relevant. By staying curious and open-minded, I have embraced new techniques and approaches that enhance my creative process and improve the outcomes of my work. It’s not been an easy practice, but with time and patience, you get to master it. Through experimenting with different design methodologies, researching industry best practices, and attending relevant workshops and conferences, I have been able to push boundaries and provide cutting-edge designs that meet and exceed client expectations.

Furthermore, continuous learning has helped me develop a strong personal brand and reputation as a freelance designer. By demonstrating a commitment to professional development, I have gained the trust of clients who value my up-to-date knowledge and expertise. This has resulted in repeat business, positive referrals, and an expanding network of contacts within the industry. Clients appreciate designers who invest in their craft and are capable of delivering modern and effective design solutions.

Beyond technical skills, continuous learning has fostered my personal and professional growth throughout my freelance career. It has nurtured my passion for design, fueled my creativity, and inspired me to explore new avenues of expression. By actively seeking out learning opportunities, I have cultivated a mindset of curiosity, adaptability, and resilience that has been invaluable in overcoming design challenges and embracing new design directions.

What requires more learning, new design techniques, or new freelance skills?

In my opinion and professional observation over the years, learning both design techniques and new freelance skills is highly important for every aspiring freelancer. And not just freelancers, even full-time employed resources too should invest time and efforts to continue learning as the market dynamics are highly volatile given the situation of frequent layoffs, job crisis, rise of AI, and more.

Moreover, recent unfortunate events in financial and start-up sectors, such as the collapse of big US banks have created waves of uncertain employment, which made it imperative for every designer to continue maintaining their pipeline of new opportunities.

However, the amount of learning required for new design techniques versus new freelance skills can vary depending on individual circumstances and career goals. Generally, designers typically invest more time and effort in learning new design techniques compared to acquiring useful and contemporary freelance skills. It’s like putting more effort into learning to drive a new car rather than practicing it on different roads and traffic conditions.

Design is a creative field that constantly evolves with emerging trends, technologies, and user expectations. As a designer, staying current and mastering new design techniques is essential to deliver innovative and impactful solutions. Design techniques encompass a wide range of skills, such as typography, composition, colour theory, user experience (UX) design, and interaction design. Advancements in software, tools, and design methodologies further contribute to the need for continuous learning in this aspect.

On the other hand, acquiring new freelance skills often involves developing a broader set of entrepreneurial and business-related skills beyond the regular design practice itself. These skills may include marketing, client management, negotiation, project management, budgeting, compliance, legal, and time management. While these skills are important for freelancers to succeed, they are generally less demanding in terms of continuous learning compared to the rapidly evolving nature of design techniques.

You are also a mentor at DesignLab, a US-based design education center. How did that collaboration come about?

My parents, particularly my mother who was a teacher, has always inspired me to seek involvement in the education industry. I desired to share my expertise in a subject I excel at. As a step in that direction, I had the opportunity to deliver guest lectures in several institutes in Noida a few years ago. Although these opportunities were informal and arranged through connections, they ignited a passion within me to pursue teaching. I decided to actively search for teaching opportunities specifically in the field of design.

In 2022, I was fortunate to be offered a position as a Mentor at DesignLab, a prestigious design education center based in the United States. The process involved applying for the position, participating in multiple interviews, having my portfolio reviewed by their selection panel, and more.

I am honored to have established a formal association with DesignLab, where I currently teach students who aspire to become designers or are already working professionals. The majority of my students come from the United States, Canada, Europe, and other Western countries. My teaching focuses on various aspects of design, including UX Design, Visual Design, Career Guidance, and practical design practices. The goal is to assist students in transitioning into the design field and enhancing their career prospects by providing them with valuable insights and knowledge. With my extensive experience in diverse creative fields and design domains, joining DesignLab has allowed me to fulfill my dream of becoming a teacher and aiding aspiring designers in shaping their careers.

How important is it to help others, as a mentor, with advice or in any way?

Helping others as a design mentor or in any way is of great importance. Throughout my career as a designer, I have come to realize that sharing knowledge, insights, and advice not only benefits others but also contributes to personal and professional growth.

As a design mentor, I have had the privilege of guiding and supporting aspiring designers, junior professionals, or even colleagues in their creative journeys. By offering advice and sharing my experiences, I have been able to provide valuable guidance that helps them navigate challenges, overcome obstacles, and accelerate their learning curve. Mentoring allows me to give back to the design community and contribute to its overall growth and development.

When I assist others, it creates a positive ripple effect. By sharing knowledge, I promote a culture of collaboration and continuous learning among my clients’ stakeholders and collaborators. As designers support and uplift each other, we collectively elevate the quality of design work and contribute to the advancement of the profession as a whole.

Moreover, helping others is a mutually beneficial experience. When I engage in mentorship or provide guidance, I gain a fresh perspective on my own work. By articulating my thoughts and explaining design concepts to others, I deepen my own understanding and refine my skills. It challenges me to reflect on my design process, consider alternative approaches, and stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices.

Additionally, being a design mentor allows me to build meaningful relationships within the design community. By nurturing connections with mentees, peers, and fellow designers, I expand my professional network. These connections often lead to collaboration opportunities, knowledge exchange, and even personal growth through the insights and experiences shared by others.

You were nominated and invited to the World Incubation Summit (2017) at Toronto (Canada). Tell us a little more about it.

In 2018, I embarked on my full-time freelance journey after previously initiating a solar energy start-up called Soletrix. While I was working at Droom, I dedicated my spare time to develop and launch the start-up, which surprisingly gained momentum even without significant promotion or effort. During this period, the organizers of the World Incubation Summit recognized the potential of my start-up and extended an invitation for me to participate in the event in 2017.

Unfortunately, due to my father’s declining health and my own financial struggles, I had to abandon the plan of traveling to Toronto and attending the event. Additionally, these challenges resulted in the eventual closure of Soletrix, dealing a significant blow to my entrepreneurial aspirations. Nonetheless, being nominated and invited to the World Incubation Summit remains a noteworthy accomplishment for me.

However, it wasn’t too late for me to embark on a new entrepreneurial path. In 2018, I embraced freelancing and ventured into building my own empire. Today, I am proud to say that I have achieved considerable success, satisfaction, and take pride in the accomplishments I have attained over the years.

Artificial intelligence is increasingly present in online business. Have you started using some AI apps in design or in freelancing?

Though I am an old-school, who loves to create content from scratch, backed by my research, inspirations, and testing, there are a few AI-based tools that I use often.

Canva: This is a popular graphic design and interactive media creation platform that offers a range of AI-powered features. I don’t use it much, as I like creating content from scratch with fresh ideas. However, it provides access to a vast library of templates, images, and design elements, incorporates AI assistance to suggest design improvements, offers color palettes, and more that help me with a variety of ideas and inspirations.
Remove.bg: Remove.bg is an AI-powered tool that automatically removes the background from images. It saves a lot of my time and effort by swiftly extracting subjects from photos, allowing for easy integration into different design compositions or presentations.
ColorSpace: I’ve recently started using it. ColorSpace is an AI-driven color palette generator that assists designers in creating harmonious color schemes.
Lunacy: This is an underrated design tool, which is very powerful and feature loaded. This is a Sketch alternative for Windows and helps to create cutting-edge visual designs, graphics, UI/UX designs, and more very easily. And it’s Free to use!
Midjourney: This is an AI-based visual and graphic generation platform. I use it to create caricatures and illustrations for various purposes, such as converting them into animated live characters, and more. It also helps me in my research of design trends, and inspirations, and generates high-end quality visuals for mock-ups.

Do you think that AI could one day threaten the work of designers, or do you see it more as a new tool?

I don’t think this AI should be observed as a threat to designers. Instead of viewing AI as a threat, designers can use it as a new assistive tool to enhance their work and improve efficiency. AI can assist designers in areas such as generating design variations, optimizing workflows, or providing data-driven insights that inform decision-making.

To stay relevant and grow in the era of AI, designers can focus on developing skills that complement AI technologies rather than competing against them. Here are some strategies:

Build a deep understanding of human-centric design: AI may be able to assist to analyze data and patterns, but understanding human needs, emotions, and behaviors is an area where designers can excel.
Improve on creativity and innovation: Designers can foster their creativity, embrace experimentation, and think outside the box to develop unique and imaginative solutions that AI cannot replicate. By being open to learning and adapting, designers can integrate AI into their workflows and leverage it as a complementary tool.
Develop complementary skills: Designers can focus on cultivating skills that work in tandem with AI technologies. This includes mastering data analysis and visualization, understanding AI algorithms, the ability to create to-the-point and accurate AI prompts and tweak them, and their implications for design, and staying informed about the ethical considerations surrounding AI use in design.

You have worked for many famous brands. How did you make those contacts and manage to get such jobs?

During my initial phase, around the year 2018, I depended on senior executives from my past employers to get me the first break in freelancing, which actually worked. However, soon I realized this ‘only’ collaboration won’t help me much financially.

I soon started looking for new parallel engagements and opportunities both through referral and organic ways. Referrals (primarily introductions; there is nothing new with this and most of us already know how it works) help a lot to get genuine introductions with fair intent. However, with referrals, you may have to compromise your freedom to negotiate on commercials and other terms as keeping your referrer obliged too is important.

So, it is important to keep your proposal flowing and reach out to new clients and companies even outside your network.

Yes, that’s true, while many of my fellow freelancers and peers struggle to get breakthroughs or acquire a basic term contract, I am privileged to have some of the largest companies and institutions as my regular clients. Here are a few ways that I use to acquire genuine and high-paying customers:

Well-updated resume: Yes, you read it right. Many freelancers think that a beautifully crafted design portfolio is the only thing they need. However, a well-crafted resume with an updated resume with the most relevant information is equally necessary. My resume has really helped me a lot to get selected from a crowd of other profiles. Remember, there are many companies that still use resumes to filter freelancer profiles and proposals to the next stage of portfolio review. So if your resume is not compliant with industry standards and best practices, the chances of your portfolio review are lesser.
Attend industry events (physical/ virtual): Many industry events have shifted to virtual platforms, providing opportunities to connect with potential clients and industry professionals from around the world. I participate in webinars, virtual conferences, and industry networking events (both on-site and virtual) to expand my network and increase my chances of finding long-term freelance clients.

Also, visiting physical (on-site) trade and industry events and expos helps to identify serious and genuine clients who have a budget to pay for my services, while getting a glimpse of their business reputation and scale.

Industry-specific websites and directories: I keep exploring websites and directories that cater specifically to my niche or industry. These platforms include job boards, project listings, and directories where clients actively seek freelance professionals.
Professional networking platforms: I extensively utilize platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in my target organizations. I connect with organizations’ leadership teams, project managers, hiring teams, etc., and join relevant groups to increase my outreach efforts. Engaging with potential clients and establishing connections that may lead to long-term freelance opportunities.

Keep updating your LinkedIn profile (and other social media profiles, if any) regularly. Search for relevant opportunities and respond to them in a very professional manner. Avoid blunders like commenting ‘I am interested’ under an opportunity post.

Remember that finding long-term freelance clients requires patience, persistence, and consistent effort. Actively promote your services, build relationships, and provide exceptional work to establish a reputation that attracts clients who are looking for ongoing collaborations. I never compromise on the quality of my services and deliverables even if I have to walk the extra mile. This is not easy to practice and adopt, but slowly and gradually you’ll get into a no-compromise attitude, which certainly pays back.

Also, don’t limit your hunt to your demography. I always keep my eyes open to international opportunities which has always helped me get clients with great projects and compensation.

What is your advice for freelancers, how to find more work and better jobs?

In my experience as a freelance designer, finding genuine and long-term customers is certainly challenging, and requires a proactive and strategic approach. Here are some insights and strategies I have discovered:

Build a strong online presence: Invest time in creating a professional website or portfolio that showcases your work, expertise, and client testimonials. I use Linktree to consolidate all my active portfolios and important links for my clients to check them under one roof. Ensure your online presence reflects your unique style, skills, and the value you can bring to potential clients.
Clearly define your target audience: Identify the specific industries, businesses, or individuals you want to work with. Understand their needs, challenges, and preferences. By narrowing down your focus, you can tailor your marketing efforts and communication to attract the right kind of clients who are more likely to form long-term partnerships.

In my case, my preference has always been institutional clients with mid-to-large ticket size, and who are open for an hourly bracket based engagement. When my clients value my parameters, it becomes my duty to fulfill their needs and expectations even if I was to walk an extra mile.

Utilize social media effectively: Leverage social media platforms that align with your target audience and industry. Create engaging and relevant content (if you can) that showcases your expertise and highlights your portfolio. Engage with your audience by responding to comments, participating in discussions, and networking with potential clients. Consistency and authenticity are key to building trust and attracting long-term customers.
Leverage professional networks: Tap into your professional networks, both online and offline. Connect with colleagues, friends, and past clients who can refer you to potential customers. It has really been proven in my case. Attend industry events and trade shows, conferences, and meetups where you can network and establish connections. Word-of-mouth recommendations from trusted sources can often lead to long-term client relationships.
Be proactive in seeking opportunities: Don’t wait for clients to come to you. Actively search for job boards, freelance marketplaces, and industry-specific websites where businesses post freelance opportunities.
Deliver exceptional work and customer service: When you land a freelance project, go above and beyond to deliver outstanding results. Meet deadlines, communicate effectively, and be responsive to client feedback. By providing exceptional work and building strong relationships, you increase the likelihood of repeat business and referrals.
Cultivate trust and maintain relationships: Long-term clients value trust and reliability. Nurture your relationships by staying in touch with past clients, sending updates on your latest work, and offering assistance or insights when needed. Building a strong rapport with your clients can lead to ongoing collaborations and referrals to other potential customers.

Finding genuine and long-term customers online takes time and perseverance. It requires a combination of building a solid online presence, leveraging networks, proactive outreach, and consistently delivering exceptional work. By focusing on building relationships and providing value, you can attract clients who appreciate your skills and are willing to establish long-term partnerships.

SolidGigs, DesignCrowd, LinkedIn, Toptal, PeoplePerHour, Fiverr, Authentic Jobs, etc. are some of the famous and trusted platforms to get organic freelance engagements. However, don’t limit yourself to these and explore all direct and indirect ways to get potential introductions. Remember, all these marketplaces are usually crowded with your competitors. So the more you invest time exploring ways to reach your target customer, the better chances you have to win a potential project.

Furthermore, I’ve noticed a common mistake made by both new and established freelancers. They tend to overlook the necessity and significance of having a relevant and up-to-date resume in addition to their portfolio.

Many companies utilize an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to streamline the process of reviewing profiles and resumes, enabling them to filter out the best-suited freelancer profiles for their specific requirements. However, a poorly constructed resume will always serve as a hindrance to receiving calls from potential employers and clients.

It is crucial to remember that when you engage in the organic pursuit of freelancer projects, you are competing with thousands of other applicants. If your profile or resume is rejected at the initial stage, your prospects may not even have the opportunity to review your portfolio. Hence, your resume holds the same level of importance as your design portfolio in terms of showcasing your work samples.

And what do you advise, how to keep clients and turn them into regular clients?

From my perspective as a freelance designer, satisfying clients and building long-term relationships involve several key elements. Satisfying clients and building long-term relationships is a combination of excellent design skills, effective communication, proactive problem-solving, and exceptional customer service.

By consistently delivering quality work and demonstrating your commitment to their success, you can establish yourself as a trusted partner and secure long-term collaborations. In simple points, I would advise the following:

Understand and empathize with your clients. This is the backbone of the human-centered design approach and pays back in the long term.
Keep communication channels open and transparent.
Deliver high-quality work and adopt a ‘no-compromise from quality’ attitude.
Be open to critical feedback and implement revisions.
Offer proactive solutions, advice, and suggestions with tactical and long-term POV..
Provide exceptional customer service and be ready to walk the extra mile for customer satisfaction.
Maintain ongoing relationships.

Have you ever used platforms for freelance work, such as Upwork or Fiverr? What are your experiences with those platforms?

Yes, I used them around the year 2018, and luckily, I got initial success as well. However, over time, these platforms have become overcrowded. Even the recent Covid crisis, waves of global lay-offs, and more have contributed to this crowd of work-seeking professionals seeking their 1^st breakthrough in a long time.

Though my freelancer profile might still be active on Upwork or Fiverr, I haven’t got any opportunities from them. Reciprocally, I’ve been fully active on organic methods rather than depending upon these freelance marketplaces.

What qualities must a designer possess to be successful?

For a designer (freelance OR full-time employed) building a successful and well-paid career requires a combination of these qualities, personal branding, marketing strategies, and a commitment to delivering exceptional work.

From my 12+ year design career, I feel that continuously refine your craft, improve your skills, have a solid, versatile, and impressive portfolio, build strong relationships, and leverage your expertise to attract clients who appreciate your skills and are willing to pay a premium for your services.

Let me elaborate on these qualities as follows:

Exceptional Design Skills: Possessing a strong foundation in design principles, creativity, and technical proficiency is crucial. Stay updated with the latest design trends, software, platforms, technologies, and tools relevant to your field. Continuously improve our skills through practice, experimentation, and learning from others.

Self-initiated learning is pivotal for your success. You’re on your own, and it is imperative to get ahead of others to stay relevant in today’s rapidly evolving technology and market dynamics. Continuous learning helps you stay relevant, offer innovative solutions, and command higher rates.

Strong Work Ethic: Freelancers must have discipline, self-motivation, and the ability to manage their time effectively. Being reliable, meeting deadlines consistently, and maintaining a professional approach are key factors that contribute to success and help build a solid reputation.
Effective Communication: Clear and prompt communication is vital to understand client requirements, providing progress updates, and addressing any concerns.

I do actively listen, ask relevant questions, and ensure that myself and my client/prospect are on the same page and there are no misunderstandings or gaps.

Basic Business and Legal Knowledge: Carefully calculating and proposing fair pricing, negotiating contracts, understanding taxes and legal points, managing finances, and handling client relationships has greatly helped me in my success.
Adaptability and Versatility: Being open to learning new skills, embracing new technologies, and adapting to different client preferences can broaden your opportunities and increase your value in the market.

Do you have any habits that you believe help you to be successful?

In my journey as a freelance designer, there are a few habits that have played a vital role in my success. Here are some of the habits that have contributed to my growth:

Continuous Learning: I have a deep passion for learning and staying up-to-date with the latest design trends, techniques, and software & tools through online courses, tutorials, and industry resources. This habit allows me to offer fresh and innovative design solutions to my clients.
Effective Time Management: I prioritize and plan my tasks to make the most of my time. By setting realistic deadlines and breaking down projects into manageable chunks, I ensure efficient workflow and timely delivery. This habit helps me maintain a balanced workload and deliver quality work consistently.
Strong Communication Skills: I understand the importance of clear and effective communication in client relationships. I actively listen to my client’s needs, ask clarifying questions, and provide updates throughout the project. I ensure that both parties are on the same page, which helps build trust and fosters successful collaborations.
Attention to Detail: I have developed a meticulous approach to my work, paying attention to even the smallest details. This habit ensures the accuracy and precision of my designs, resulting in high-quality deliverables that meet or exceed client expectations.
Client-Centric and Human-Centric Approach: I prioritize understanding my client’s goals, target audience, and brand identity. By placing their needs at the forefront of my design process, I create tailored solutions that resonate with their vision and empathize with their customers’ needs and situations.
Professionalism and Reliability: I maintain a professional attitude in all my interactions with clients. I respond promptly to their inquiries, meet deadlines consistently, and follow through on commitments.

What is the best way to organize when working with several companies?

When it comes to managing multiple clients simultaneously as a freelance designer, staying organized is crucial to ensure smooth workflows and timely delivery of projects. Every client wants their submission at the earliest, and it is necessary to value their urgency while keeping another workflow active so that no valued customer feels they are not attended well.

I start by assessing the urgency and importance of each project. I identify deadlines and prioritize tasks accordingly. This helps me allocate my time and resources efficiently, ensuring that I meet client expectations and project milestones.

I maintain a detailed schedule that outlines my daily, weekly, and monthly tasks, as much as possible. By setting specific time blocks for each project, I can focus on one client at a time without compromising on quality. This helps me maintain a structured workflow and prevents overlapping or conflicting deadlines. I depend on Google Sheets, Google Calendar, Jira, and Monday for my project management tasks.

Establishing clear and easy communication channels with each client, and ensuring efficient and effective collaboration has been very helpful to me. I use platforms like Skype, WhatsApp, email, Slack, or dedicated communication tools to share updates, discuss feedback, and address queries uninterruptedly. Many times, the clients have their own nominated channels, like MS Teams, that I use in compliance with their T&Cs. Also, I provide regular progress updates, share work-in-progress drafts, and seek feedback at appropriate stages.

I maintain well-organized digital file systems for each client, both locally and on the cloud. I create separate folders for project assets, reference materials, drafts, and final deliverables. This enables quick and easy access to files, eliminates confusion, and ensures that I can retrieve any necessary information promptly and securely. WeTransfer, PCloud, and Dropbox are few tools that I trust and depend upon.

I allocate additional time for unexpected revisions, unforeseen circumstances, or any urgent client requests. This buffer time helps me accommodate any last-minute changes without jeopardizing other projects’ timelines. It provides a safety net and allows me to handle unforeseen situations smoothly.

What was the best advice you got at the beginning of your career?

This happened during my early days at my 1^st job in 2009. My then boss, Anil Tickoo called up for a distributor-level meeting to review the 1^st cut of my design collection. However, the review was not so good which was disappointing to me.

In my disappointment and frustration, Tickoo said to me:

Rishi, do remember that mistakes and setbacks are part of the creative process. Don’t be discouraged by failures or criticism. Instead, learn from them, adapt, and keep pushing forward. It’s necessary for you to embrace resilience and innovation as key traits that will help you overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.

And what’s the worst advice you’ve ever got?

I don’t remember as such

What was the hardest decision you ever had to make as a freelancer?

Sometimes I have to say no to some projects. Having had quite tough and struggling times some years back (before I started full-time freelancing), I know how important every project and opportunity is that comes my way. I understand they can help in contributing to my financial growth.

However, I also need to make sure a new collaboration should not disturb or go against my existing valued clients or engagements, as I have other duties to fulfil as well. And therefore, it is imperative for me to carefully evaluate all pros and cons of a new collaboration or engagement well in advance before starting a relationship with a new client.

So, saying no to a new client or opportunity is the hardest.

If you could start all over again, what would you do differently?

With my practical experience of over 5 years as a full-time freelancer, I feel better prepared and confident than ever before.

If I could start all over again, I would use my experience to carefully evaluate the intent of a client. I have made several mistakes in my career, where one was choosing to work with the wrong client. I was unfortunately cheated and duped. And somewhere my hesitation to say ‘no’ too contributed to that situation.

I made sure not to repeat such situations again in the future and invest time and wisdom to stay away from such problems.

The best advice for those who are considering a freelance career?

In my own experience, freelancing has become the future of work, especially in light of the layoffs and cost-cutting measures implemented by companies worldwide. Traditional employment models have seen significant shifts, with many organizations downsizing their teams or relying more heavily on freelance talent to meet their creative and design needs.

However, freelancing should never be looked upon as a shortcut to success or an easy path to riches. It requires hard work, dedication, and perseverance. If you want to build a successful career as a freelancer, be prepared to hustle and put in the necessary effort. Be prepared for the ups and downs of freelancing. It’s not always smooth sailing. There will be times when clients are rare, projects are challenging, or payments are delayed. Stay resilient, learn from setbacks, and keep pushing forward.

Never stop learning and improving your skills. The design industry is constantly evolving, so stay updated on the latest trends and technologies. Invest in your professional development through online courses, workshops, and self-study, in every possible manner to stay ahead of the competition.

Remember, it is crucial to present your accurate and promising design ideas and solutions to your clients and employers, ones that you genuinely believe are superior to what the client proposes. I have observed numerous freelancers and consultants who, in their eagerness to maintain a good relationship with their clients and please them, often agree to implement ideas and solutions that are imposed upon them, even when they recognize that these ideas will not be effective.

If you persist in this approach, it won’t be long before your client replaces you with a more affordable resource who unquestioningly follows their instructions and completes tasks in less time.

Identifying genuine and non-genuine clients could be difficult for new freelance designers. How can they protect themselves from such unpleasant experiences?

As a freelance designer, it’s crucial for me to be able to tell the difference between genuine and fake clients. This helps me protect myself from those who might try to take advantage of my work without any intention of paying me.

Firstly, I pay close attention to how potential clients approach me. Genuine clients take the time to provide detailed project requirements and ask relevant questions. They show a real interest in my work and demonstrate a level of professionalism. On the other hand, fake clients often send generic messages with vague project descriptions. They may not have a clear understanding of what they want, and their communication might feel impersonal or off.

To further verify the authenticity of a client, I conduct thorough research. I visit their website, check their social media profiles, and search for any online presence they may have. I look for positive reviews or feedback from other freelancers who have worked with them before. If I come across discrepancies, or inconvincible inputs, or notice a lack of information or reviews, it raises a red flag, suggesting that the client might not be genuine.

In order to protect myself, I always insist on using written contracts. These contracts clearly outline the project scope, deliverables, timelines, and payment terms. By having everything in writing, both the client and I have a mutual understanding of what is expected from each other and genuine clients always appreciate the professionalism and transparency that comes with a written contract. Additionally, I always encourage prospects to deduct applicable taxes to be paid to the Government with a certificate/ receipt of such deduction.

To further safeguard me, I consider requesting deposits or milestone payments. This approach ensures that the client is committed to the project and has the financial capability to pay which genuine clients don’t hesitate to consider.

Trusting my instincts is crucial in identifying non-genuine clients. If something doesn’t feel right or seems too good to be true, I listen to my gut feelings and proceed with caution. It’s important to avoid working with clients who raise suspicions or exhibit unprofessional behavior during our initial communication.

The post Rishi Mathur appeared first on Freelancelifemagazine.

Fiza Tahir

Freelance Team — Fri, 07 Apr 2023 14:32:05 +0000

Fiza Tahir is a content and copywriter, founder and CEO of SEO Typist an SEO content writing agency and a leading SEO content writing service provider. She is living in the small village of Toba Tek Singh, Punjab, Pakistan. Fiza have completed “Master of Philosophy in Physics” from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. Having leadership qualities from start, she wanted to make her name based on her hard work, passion, and success achieved by innovative work. Fiza always learns to be a winner and it was the thing that motivated her to do something creative. So, she decided to make her identity in the field of Freelancing. In addition to this, Fiza was an exceptional student in her formal education which helps her a lot in her success journey.

You are a web content writer and you worked as a trainer assistant in the content marketing and advertising program. Which of these jobs is more demanding?

Fortunately, I got a chance to work as a trainer assistant of my own mentor and it was nothing less than a blessing for me. The work was related to my freelancing career and I enjoyed serving as an assistant. Everything gives us a unique experience, so yeah, I also enjoyed my journey as a trainer assistant. Summing it up, I love to work as a web content writer and I also found it delightful to serve as a trainer assistant.

What attracted you to the job of a content writer?

I always wanted to do something unique since my Childhood, and Freelancing attracted me. I have learned multiple skills in freelancing but due to my formal education, I was unable to focus on all the skills at a time. So, I preferred content writing as I was proficient in English and have passion to play with words since my school time.

Did your knowledge of content marketing and advertising help you promote your writing job?

Yes, my knowledge of Content Marketing and Advertising has proven beneficial for me to promote my writing job. I strongly believe that nothing can be achieved overnight. We have to work hard and the same was in my case. Firstly I learned things properly in order. After learning a complete skill set, I was able to implement it in my writing career by playing with words.

You have worked in PITB as a Trainer Assistant in the Content Marketing and Advertising Program. How did it start?

I started my freelancing career at PITB back in 2019. I was a student of this program and it was my hard work and consistency that leads me to a new level of success, “A trainer assistant”. My mentor Sir “Inaam-ul-Haq Mansoor” also praised me and he was aware of my capabilities and the success that I made in a short span of time. He decided to add me to his team and I served as my own mentor assistant. It was my dream that comes true.

What are your experiences from that job, was it hard, or did you enjoy it?

As it was relevant to my field, I got a lot of experience from that job. After completing my duties as a trainer assistant, I started my own course and I have successfully completed 5 batches. My success ratio is 80% and my students are earning successfully from the online marketplaces.

What is the most important thing you learned during that job?

Overall, it was an excellent experience for me. I learned many new things from that job, but one thing that was ideal for me is it polished my communication and mentorship skills. Both of these abilities are helping me in training my students in an effective and creative manner.

What skills must a content writer learn to be successful?

To be a successful content writer, there are several skills you need to master. Content writers should have exceptional writing skills to create compelling and engaging content that captures readers’ attention. The writers should have the ability to conduct extensive research on various topics, including industry trends, best practices, and news. Additionally, content writers should have a good understanding of search engine optimization (SEO) and how it works. Content writers should have a good understanding of social media platforms, how they work, and how to create content that performs well on these platforms. As a creative content writer, you should have excellent communication skills to work effectively with clients, editors, and other team members. Content writers should have excellent time management skills to meet tight deadlines and deliver high-quality content on time. Last, but not least, content writers should have a creative mindset to develop unique and engaging content ideas that stand out in a crowded marketplace.

How important is constant learning and improvement of skills in the job of a content writer?

Constant learning and improvement of skills are extremely important in the job of a content writer. As a content writer, you are responsible for creating content that is engaging, informative, and effective in achieving the desired goals of your clients or audience. To do this successfully, you need to stay up to date with the latest trends and best practices in your industry and continuously hone your writing skills.

You have been nominated in the list of Extraordinary Freelancers of Pakistan. Tell us a little more about it.

In the extraordinary freelancer list, there are top freelancers of Pakistan having a huge name in the field. Some of them are “Hisham Sarwar”, “Tanveer Nandla”, and “Inaam-ul-Haq Mansoor” and all have experience of more than 20 years. This book was published by the Pakistan Software Export Board and they gave me the unique recognition of being one of the top 100 freelancers in Pakistan. I am lucky to be in the list of the renowned mentors in Pakistan.

You also have a very nice website – https://fizatahir.com. How important is it for a freelance writer to have a website?

Having a website can be very important for a freelance writer. Here are a few reasons why:

Professionalism: A website gives you a platform to showcase your work and present yourself as a professional writer. It also allows you to have a professional email address that is linked to your website.

Visibility: A website can help you reach a wider audience and increase your visibility in the online world. You can use your website to promote your work and services, and also to share your writing on social media platforms.

Credibility: A well-designed and professional-looking website can give you credibility and help establish you as a serious writer. It shows potential clients that you are committed to your work and take your writing seriously.

Portfolio: Your website can serve as a portfolio of your writing, showcasing your best work and providing potential clients with examples of your writing style and abilities.

Contact: A website can provide a simple way for potential clients to get in touch with you, making it easier for you to network and find new work opportunities.

How do you get clients, through freelance platforms, your website, direct contacts, or some other way?

I have not limited myself to a single platform. That’s why I don’t rely on one earning platform. LinkedIn has proven a very beneficial source of income for me to make my Name in the virtual world of Freelancing. But, overall, I am getting clients from my website, and also from freelance platforms.

What do you think is crucial in getting clients, communication, portfolio, experience, or something else?

When it comes to getting clients, there are several factors that can contribute to success, and the importance of each may vary depending on the industry and target audience. However, some essential elements that can help in getting clients are:

Effective communication is key to building relationships with clients. Clear and concise communication, active listening, and prompt responses to inquiries can help establish trust and confidence.
A well-curated portfolio that showcases your skills and experience can be an excellent tool for attracting clients.
Having relevant experience in your field can help you establish credibility and demonstrate your ability to meet client needs. Highlighting your experience in your portfolio, resume, and cover letter can help attract potential clients.
Building a strong professional network can be beneficial in getting clients. Attending industry events, joining professional organizations, and connecting with other professionals in your field can help you expand your reach and gain exposure.
Maintaining a positive reputation is critical in attracting clients. Word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied clients can be a powerful tool in growing your client base.

Many freelancers want to have regular clients. How do you manage to motivate the client to come back and order new content?

As an experienced content writer, I never compromise on the quality of the content. That is the reason, the return ratio of my client is 100%. I always try to assist my clients in an exceptional way. Also, when I find something missing in the website’s SEO requirements, I offered them free content strategy plan along with tips to rank in search results. All these little things and efforts can make anyone able to get returning clients.

What do you think writers shouldn’t do if they don’t want to lose a client?

Writers should ensure that they meet the deadlines agreed upon with their clients. It is important to maintain open and clear communication with clients, providing regular updates and addressing their concerns promptly. Providing subpar work can disappoint clients and cause them to look for other writers. Clients often provide feedback on the work submitted. Maintaining professionalism is crucial when working with clients. Writers should treat their clients with respect, maintain ethical standards, and avoid any behavior that could be considered unprofessional.

Do you have a favorite topic that you love to write about?

Having the expertise to write on any topic, I am not bound to a specific niche. I can write on every topic, and I have wide knowledge and skills in writing website copies and blog articles.

What was the best advice you got at the beginning of your freelance career?

In the world of freelancing, you need to be consistent and hard-working. My mentors always motivated me to do something creative and advise me to be consistent. This was the best advice that is still helping me in achieving a new level of success.

What are the biggest benefits of freelance life for you?

There are several benefits to the freelance life, including:

Freedom: Freelancers have the freedom to set their own schedules, choose their own clients, and work from anywhere with an internet connection. This allows for a better work-life balance and the ability to work around personal obligations.

Variety: Freelancers have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects for different clients, which can help them develop new skills and broaden their knowledge.

Control: Freelancers have more control over their work, which can lead to greater job satisfaction. They can choose the type of work they want to do, the clients they want to work with, and the amount they want to charge for their services.

Increased earning potential: Freelancers often have the ability to set their own rates, and they can take on as much or as little work as they want. This can lead to higher earning potential than a traditional 9-to-5 job.

Creativity: Freelancers have the freedom to be more creative in their work, which can lead to greater job satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment.

Does it have any downside?

Yes, the freelancing does have some potential downsides:

Freelancing income can be unpredictable and vary from month to month.
Freelancers typically do not receive employee benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, or retirement plans.
As a freelancer, you do not have the same job security as traditional employees. They are not guaranteed work and can be let go by clients at any time.
Freelancers often work alone and may feel isolated without the social interaction of an office environment.

What is the best way to organize multiple jobs and private life?

Organizing multiple jobs and private life can be challenging, but there are some strategies you can use to make it easier. You should use a physical or digital planner to schedule your work and personal commitments. It’s important to establish clear boundaries between your work and personal life. Always, determine which tasks are most important and prioritize them accordingly. If possible, delegate tasks to others. It’s important to take breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge. This will help you stay focused and productive.

If you had to single out one characteristic that is most important for the success of a freelancer, what would it be?

There are several important factors that contribute to the success of a freelancer, but perhaps the most important one is to have a strong and diverse set of skills that are in high demand within the industry or market they are targeting. Successful freelancers also need to have good time management and organizational skills to balance their work with their personal life as well as the ability to communicate effectively with clients and manage their expectations. By staying on top of industry trends and continuously improving their skills, successful freelancers can continue to grow their client base and build a successful career as a freelancer.

You have trained 500+ students to learn and earn online. How did it happen?

Yes, I have trained 500+ students and my success ratio is 80% in all 5 batches. I believe in paying back to the community as I got training from one of the biggest freelancing platforms in Pakistan. It urges me to give skills to people and make them able to learn and earn online. When my students share with me that they are earning because of me, it makes me proud.

More and more people are starting to work as freelancers. What would you say to those who are starting out?

Here are a few things I want to say to the newbies:

Identify your niche and target market
Build a strong online presence
Set your rates and terms
Network and market yourself
Develop strong communication and time-management skills
Stay organized and professional

What are you most grateful for in your life?

Nothing would be a more beautiful thing in life other than making your parents proud. Being the youngest daughter of my parent, I made them happy and proud. As I have no brother, it was my wish to make my parents “proud parents”. I always wish to have my own name and identity and, in the future, “Fiza Tahir” will be the name of a brand. I am grateful because the almighty helped me in achieving my targets and goals. I have plans to run multiple agencies and software houses across Pakistan with the support and will of Almighty.

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These are some of the best reasons to freelance, according to expert remote workers

Freelance Team — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 10:29:44 +0000

Millennials and Gen-Z have found a secret to enjoying your career – freelancing. It’s no wonder that more and more people are interested in switching their regular jobs to remote and freelance sorts. Here, we’ll name a few amazing benefits to freelance, if you are still wondering whether to do it or not:

Freelancers determine their own future success

Don’t allow someone else to control your business – be ready to take it under your own control. Besides that, freelancers are never monitored, and you’ve probably experienced how creepy it may be, on your regular office job.

Online workers know that life is short and shouldn’t be spent on all-day work

Freelancing offers you a great way to balance your work and personal life. Once you find an ideal balance, you realize that freelancing doesn’t even have to feel like working. This is especially true for freelancers who have made careers from their hobbies. Working in creative fields also improves your life satisfaction.

Companies may offer you a constant flow of work, but you never know what will happen to them in the future

Relying on yourself will offer you peace and safety. Once you know that your business depends on your steps, work, skills, and knowledge, there’s no one else to blame. Actually, that’s amazing because your effort cannot be ruined by some other colleague or a boss.

Freelancing helps you stand out from the crowd

It also gives you a chance to grow to your full potential, which is not the case in many companies worldwide. If you work on some regular job, you’ll probably end up working on the same tasks over and over again, and only be able to prosper in your own role. In freelancing, the sky is the limit.

In the past, having a big house and a big car was something. People connected that to the future. Today, having free time, freedom, and doing what you love and enjoy means being rich.

Check out all the amazing reasons for freelancing at forbes.com.

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The Best Locations Across the Globe to be a Freelancer in 2023

Freelance Team — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 17:17:02 +0000

New research by Craft Documents has revealed the top locations to work and live as a freelancer around the world in 2023.

With the rise of freelancing, workers now have the option to work from home, in a co-working space or anywhere with good internet connectivity.

As 84 per cent of businesses believe freelancers can add positive value to their business, there is a lot of opportunity to freelance across a variety of industries, while working remotely.

In order to determine the best places to live and work remotely, researchers conducted an analysis of various metrics from locations around the world to determine the top spots.

This new data examined the average price of a co-working hot desk, the average rental cost of a 1-bedroom property in the city’s centre, the average Airbnb nightly cost, internet speed, food costs, transport costs, and the number of co-working space – based on the most popular cities for digital nomads.

A spokesperson for Craft comments: “The rise of freelancing and remote working has been a global phenomenon over the past few years. Many jobs that were once traditional 9-5 positions are now being replaced by freelance and remote working opportunities, offering increased flexibility, autonomy and freedom for workers.

“With this, many individuals have been able to pursue their passion, work from different locations around the world, and take advantage of technology to collaborate with people from anywhere with internet access.

“This has allowed for more freedom – meaning you can choose to work from destinations across the globe – from Ho Chi Minh to Buenos Aires. All while exploring new cultures, delving into unfamiliar working environments, and earning an income!”

Most Freelance-Friendly Locations:

Penang (Malaysia), Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam), and Bangalore (India) were amongst the top locations to live and work as a freelancer – topping the leaderboard for having the best access to co-working spaces, a reasonable cost of living, and good internet speeds.

Penang in Malaysia took the top spot due to its affordability and high standard of living, offering the lowest costs for hot desking and rental prices.

Closely following these destinations were Chiang Mai in Thailand and Buenos Aires in Argentina, also offering affordable transportation, food, and accommodation.

For more information, check out Craft Documents blog post here: https://www.craft.do/blog/best-locations-to-live-and-work-as-freelancers

Sources https://www.peopleperhour.com/discover/news/business-survey-2022-infographic/

About Craft: Craft Docs is building the future of documents. Simple, yet powerful, Craft is a significant evolution in the way we capture, write and share information and ideas. Craft won a Mac App of the Year Award in 2021 and is available for iOS, Mac, Windows and Web. Craft offers real-time syncing from any device, an exceptionally beautiful UX, and unique deep-linking functionality. Founded by Balint Orosz, a product design expert and UX specialist, Craft is headquartered in Budapest, Hungary, with hubs in the UK

Home: https://www.craft.do

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Self-employed workers are crazy about this financial app

Freelance Team — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 17:21:30 +0000

Freelancing often requires a lot of planning, managing, and keeping everything in control – by yourself. Just because you don’t have someone else to help you, it doesn’t mean that you should do everything the hard way.

Pymnts.com shows that self-employed workers are crazy about a financial super app called Revolut Pro. This is what every freelancer should know about it:

Online workers know that a flexible world needs flexible multipurpose apps

Revolut has launched a Revolut Pro financial super app that helps freelancers worldwide track and manage their income, expenses, as well as payment management account. Having everything in one place helps remote workers grow and gain financial stability.

One in six working adults in the UK work in the gig economy

The statistics claim that one in six working adults work in this economy for at least per week. Therefore, they are searching for new ways to manage their finances in an easier manner. An amazing thing about Revolut Pro is that it allows multi-currency payments, with both physical and virtual cards. It’s free, and it definitely represents a better option, instead of having a fully-fledged business account.

Freelancers are now instantly accepting payments

Have everything right at your fingertips – accepting payments online with QR codes, invoices, or payment links is easier than ever. If you are a successful freelancer already, then you probably know how these small things help you run your online business. Managing finances all alone and without any help can be truly challenging.

The UK believes that freelancing can help them save the economy. Now, when inflation is on the rise and doesn’t seem that it will stop in the near future, having more and more people freelancing can be a solution. Of course, it’s important that self-employed workers are paid on time and overall protected.

If you are searching for a financial app that has especially been created for freelancers and self-employed workers, be sure to check out Revolut Pro and make managing your online business finances easier and always in order.

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Retirees improve their income with these top-paying freelancing jobs

Freelance Team — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 16:01:10 +0000

Freelancing doesn’t know about the age limit. Retirees all around the world are improving their budgets with these best and top-paying freelancing opportunities. Retirees always search for jobs that allow them to work when they want, as much as they want or need, don’t need special tech gear to do it, and are legal.

Sabina Lohr, a lifelong freelancer, and now entrepreneur, explains to us what retirees do in the freelance business in her article published on worldoffreelancers.com.

Scoping is among the most popular freelancing jobs for retirees

Scoping freelancers, once when trained, can earn from $30,000 to even $50,000 a year. That’s a great amount of money, especially for retirees. What do they do? It’s not something you can do from talent, but definitely need a little bit of training. Transforming spoken sworn legal testimony into written words is what brings money to retirees. The most interesting thing is that you can do this job while traveling the world as well.

Retiree online workers love to earn money by proofreading

Any type of content can be your task – whether we are talking about articles, blogs, e-books, or even legal, and medical documents. This is definitely one of the best freelancing jobs for retirees. If you are naturally good with writing and words, and know grammar well, but don’t want to write – choose this freelance position. Numerous clients in the online business are searching for proofreaders who need to check all that content before publishing. So, this is a neverending task or better said – business.

Transcription is also one of the favorite freelancing jobs for retirees

Amazing this is that this field is constantly growing – the freelancing market needs more and more professional transcriptions each and every day. Here’s an opportunity for all retirees that want to start their freelancing careers – if you’re a good typer, but also have knowledge related to punctuation, formatting, and time coding, this position is perfect. Freelance retirees claim to earn from $45,000 to $60,000 per year by doing this online job.

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The Wealthy Freelancer

Freelance Team — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 13:54:26 +0000

by Steve Slaunwhite, Pete Savage and Ed Gandia

Do you want to be your boss? Do you set your hours? Do you only want to work for certain clients? Many do, which is why so many professionals are turning to freelance.

Despite these benefits, being a freelancer can be difficult. Every freelancer understands the agony of being unable to go out with friends due to a late-running project.

But this does not have to be the case. So how can you have both freedom and security?

The Wealthy Freelancer, written by Steve Slaunwhite, Ed Gandia, and Pete Savage, is summarised in this article. This book explains:

Why every successful freelancer needs a buzz piece
Why you should make your day resourceful
How every successful remote worker can leave in a wealthy triangle

To expand on this, the authors developed 8 secrets to guide you on a successful freelance journey.

Lesson 1: A successful freelancer should understand that business may be slow.

Lesson 2: To attract your desired clients, properly market your services to the right client.

Lesson 3: Create a spectacular buzz piece to position oneself as an expert in your subject.

Lesson 4: Use high-impact marketing methods that are effective and profitable.

Lesson 5: Avoid downturns by constantly developing prospects.

Lesson 6: Price your skills for success in your freelance business.

Lesson 7: Work in focused bursts and meticulously organize your duties to accomplish more.

Lesson 8: Create many revenue streams and live in the Wealthy Triangle to achieve a healthy work-life balance.

This book’s main message is: Keep an eye on your goals, income, and lifestyle as a freelancer, and keep focused on each project without losing sight of prospects, and projects.

About the Authors

Steve Slaunwhite is an accomplished marketing consultant, copywriter, and author who has written books, including Fast Track to Great Clients and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Starting a Business.

Ed Gandia and Pete Savage have succeeded as coaches, marketing specialists, and copywriters.

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Cathy Mangulabnan

Freelance Team — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 18:28:45 +0000

Among the many successful freelancers you can find on Upwork, this time we present to you Cathy Mangulabnan. The services she offers are Virtual Assistant/Project Manager/Executive Assistant/Lead Generation. She is married to a Seafarer and a mom of two. Cathy is an undergraduate of BS Nursing at Our Lady of Fatima University in the Philippines. She works as a freelancer since 2011, closely with business owners from different countries, and sometimes also with a team.

“I am enjoying my work and I like what I do!” says Cathy.

“I grew up and currently living in Quezon City, Philippines.” adds Cathy. “I love reading and learning new things most specially about skills and personal development. I love to cook for my family. I love music, watching action movies and traveling.”

She says that spending time in nature with family helps her to relieve stress, improve mood, increase life satisfaction, boost feelings of happiness and wellbeing. Cathy always wants to get an opportunity to relax during weekends after long hours of work. It is also a time for her to spend time with family, which is important to have a healthy work-life balance.

– How do you manage to cover so many different jobs (Virtual Assistant/Project Manager/Executive Assistant/Lead Generation).

Time Management is essential for managing multiple clients. You need to identify which task is the high priority, which task you can quickly get done so you can move on to the next one and get it done.

I organize, track and plan everything to avoid burning out. I always plan my week. I make sure that my plan is realistic to get the job done. I do one task at a time and take a break. I start on the task that is urgent and high priority and then the task I can quickly get done and move on to the other task that is time-consuming.

I have an extra hand at home. I hired a maid to do household chores and a nanny to look after my 4-years old son so I will be productive. Instead of me doing the household chores, I hire someone to do them so I can manage to cover many different jobs.

– Which of these jobs do you enjoy the most, and which gives you the most problems?

I enjoy all of them because I always like to learn new things. I always look for a job that is exciting to me. You will always learn new things from different companies, clients, and teams.

You must be comfortable and enjoy what you are doing. If not, it will not work, and you will fail to do your job. I always make sure that my clients are satisfied with the services I provide. Their feedback is very important. Whenever I take a job, I make sure I like working on it.

– How did you manage to master so many skills?

The secret is never stop learning. I do not focus on one or two skills. Clients need an extra hand to get things done. Your skills and capabilities must not be limited. The client will hire someone else to do the other job if my skills are limited. It would be great if your client can throw anything on your plate. This helps your client if you are trustworthy, reliable, resourceful, creative and self-motivated.

Clients are impressed if you have many skills. Clients love it when they don’t need to train you to do things. When you assist or help your clients, that saves them time and energy so they can focus on their business.

When you master a skill, upgrade your skills. Learn new things to upgrade a new skill. If you have multiple skills, it opens up many more opportunities for you in the future. It will not be hard for you to find more jobs or clients.

Clients love suggestions and ideas for the company. If you have an idea or two about how it can be done more efficiently, suggest it. Sometimes the smallest ideas can have the greatest impact. Do more than your job requirements, always offer to help others, be proactive, do things without being asked.

– What skills are clients most often looking for from you?

All around Virtual Assistant, I do a lot of different types of work. My skills and capabilities are not limited.

– Have you had the opportunity to work full time, or have you always wanted to be a freelancer?

Since 2011, working as a freelancer is my full-time job.

When the client offers me 30 hours a week, I still have 30 hours to work with a different client. Now I have 60 hours to work per week! Some clients will offer you 50-60 working hours a week. Working with another client will upgrade my knowledge and skills. I love and enjoy working with business owners from different countries. I like the opportunity to work with them.

I do not need to commute. 1-2 hours going to work and 1-2 hours going home from work? I will spend those 2 – 4 hours commuting to work or spending time with my family.

– What influenced you the most to start freelancing?

I need a job! I need extra income! I can’t just sit here and wait… My daughter feels so sad when I am not around and she gets sick when I leave her with a nanny. I decided not to work and just stay at home, but I still feel like I want to earn additional income to help my husband. I really want to work!

A friend introduced me the Upwork. I had a netbook at that time, so I am only using a netbook when I started working as a freelancer. Then I set up my Upwork account and looked for a job, and after a month, I got a job through Upwork.

I hired a nanny to do the housework and look after my daughter while I am working. My daughter no longer feels sad! I am always with her 24/7.

– How do you approach failures or setbacks?

I always try not to fail. I always do my best to keep my clients satisfied. Their feedback is important. I feel good if I get good feedback from my clients because it means that I am effective all-round Virtual Assistant. I ensure that the work has been done successfully because if they are happy and you exceed their expectations, they will come back and hire you again.

– What are your success habits?

Clients need me as their extra hand to get things done. I always make sure to get things done in a timely manner. I give them the results and I don’t let them to wait.

– What was the best advice you got at the beginning of your freelance career?

Don’t lose hope of getting a client/job. Be patient! Invest in yourself to improve your skills and abilities. If I can, then you can!

I have no experience with all assistant jobs, administration jobs, lead generation, graphics, email marketing, scheduling, etc. I only know in the computer is typing, sending emails and messages. I have a computer that time because my husband gave me a netbook for communication because he is always out of the country.

I used to type slowly in 2011. I don’t know any shortcuts on my keyboard! I used my mouse in copy-pasting! So, what I did was practice typing when I had free time. I visited websites with a typing test.

– And what’s the worst advice you’ve ever got?

Being a freelancer? None. I found my clients and teammates extremely helpful. They will help you grow!

– Have you worked on any freelance platform other than UpWork?

I’ve got referral and direct clients who are outside of Upwork but very few. 90% of my clients are from Upwork.

– Why has UpWork become your choice?

I got a job at Upwork, I get paid, I met and worked with different clients from different countries on Upwork. It’s globally! I am learning new things and developing my skills with my clients through Upwork. You have nothing to worry about whether the client will pay you or not. Upwork freelancers can get secured payments via PayPal or direct deposit. There’s a lot of job post in Upwork daily!

– What are the advantages of a freelance lifestyle for you?

A healthy lifestyle and work balance. I am a happy mother and wife! I am with my children 24/7, I work from home, I can help my husband to save money for our family’s future.

No more daily commuting. I can choose my clients and work with international clients. I can manage my own time, I have multiple sources of income, flexible working hours, I can work wherever I want, skill improvement, control of workload and I have freedom.

– And what are the disadvantages?

Less social life or social interaction. No paid time off so you have to build a vacation into your annual income. No company-sponsored health benefits so you need to have your own insurance, no maternity or paternity leave, working in isolation and no employee benefits.

– What was the hardest decision you ever had to make as a freelnacer?

Since I started working as a freelancer, I am thinking to continue my studies and I wanted to shift to a computer course, but I chose to continue working as a freelancer.

– There are many freelancers with skills similar to yours. What makes you stand out and make you more successful?

My clients want to duplicate me. Ahahahah! I wish I can duplicate myself! I am an extraordinary freelancer, and I am rare to find!

– To succeed, freelancer must also possess certain soft skills, such as communication, organization, time management … Which soft skills were the most challenging for you?

When I was a newbie or new to freelancing. I was so shy. I don’t like video call interviews; I don’t like the online meetings. But eventually, you will get used to it and you will feel comfortable talking to different people.

If you choose to be a freelancer, you need to be comfortable in communicating with your client, teams, you have to know how to manage time, be creative and be a leader.

– What has benefited you the most to become a successful freelancer? Your education, certain books, courses, forums, instructions on freelance platforms or something else?

Learn everything you want to know! There are Google and Youtube! They are my online best friend! Invest in yourself. An investment in your personal and skill development is the best investment you can make.

– If you could start all over again, what would you do differently?

Nothing. I like the way I started. I started with I know nothing on a computer othen than slowness to type, sending messages and emails.

From low hourly rate to a high hourly rate. From a Data Entry to a successful freelancer.

– What is your biggest motivation?

Invest in yourself. Help yourself to gain new knowledge. Never stop learning! Do not lose hope to find a client or job on Upwork or other online job sites. Be focused to find a new job post on Upwork that is relevant to your skills. Once you get hired and have good feedback it will be a good opportunity for you to find and get the new next client.

– What do you love about your job?

It is a non-stop learning. I can work anytime and anywhere I want!

– How important is constant professional improvement?

I have open attitude to learning and development. So, I can proactively do, track, document and reflect on activities that make me better at what I do to develop and enhance my abilities.

– What are you most grateful for in your freelance journey?

I started at $0.83 per hour way back in 2011. I was hoping that time to have at least reach the hourly pay rate of $4. Now, I earn more than I thought!

It was 2011, when I asked some advice from my online coworker because I was not satisfied with my hourly rate $0.83 per hour. His rate was $4 per hour. That time, I want to leave the online job and work in a BPO company. He motivated me to stay and keep working and find clients on Upwork. He told me that no matter how hard you work here in the Philippines, you will grow old, and your salary will not increase like what Upwork can do.

So, I never stop learning and gaining knowledge. I keep my clients on Upwork. I build my profile to stand out! I make sure that my clients will give me great feedback.

So now, finding a new client is not difficult for me. Clients will find me, look at my profile and contact me.

– What is the best way to organize multiple jobs and private life?

Develop habits and build a routine. Find balance. Make a timetable. A time for you to work, a time for your family, a time for your friends and a time for yourself.

– Several factors are important for success. Can you name some of the most important for you?

My knowledge, skills, traits, motivation, attitude, value, trustworthy and being an extraordinary person are the important factors for my success.

– If you had to single out one characteristic that is most important for the success of a freelancer, what would it be?

Trust

– What advice would you give your younger self?

Always read books and learn new things when you are still young. Never stop learning and improving yourself.

– The best advice for those who are considering a freelance career?

Freelancing is for everyone! Freelancing is not only for Experts! As long as you want to earn extra income, you want a part time or full-time job, the freelance career is for you. There are many different types of online jobs out there! Just always learn, gain knowledge, and upgrade your skills. All you need is a computer, internet and your skills to apply for a job.

The post Cathy Mangulabnan appeared first on Freelancelifemagazine.

Long holidays may create these problems for freelancers and online workers

Freelance Team — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 21:01:27 +0000

Remote workers and digital nomads are well aware of the fact that their off days and holidays are longer than ever. Yet, every freelance professional has also thought about how good that may be for their career, as well as for their personal life.

Don’t lose the compass while being on a freelance vacation

The biggest problem probably is the fact that we easily lose a compass when our vacation days last longer. Freelancers also know that if they don’t do something about their free time, no one will. It’s crucial that you spend your free time wisely.

Of course, you’ll take that well-deserved break, but it’s also great to think about spending that free time in a smart manner. For example, you can think about gaining new skills that will pay you off and improve your freelancing career. Many love to start learning a new foreign language when free as well.

Take some time to introspect your personal life and everyday organization as well. What can be done better? In which fields of life would you like to see some improvements? Focus on improving not only your freelance career, skills, and knowledge, but also your everyday functioning because there’s no doubt that it’s all connected.

Financial stability is usually one of the main worries for many freelancers

Okay, great, the holidays have become longer, and you have more free days. That’s great, but not if you’re still struggling with your financial stability. Newbie freelancers are especially vulnerable to this problem because they have still not figured out how to manage their own finances.

With time, you’ll learn how to manage your earnings, but also how to save for those free days. As a freelancer, you never know how much you’ll earn that month, and how much you’ll be free the next month, so savings are a must. Besides that, who loves to be on holiday with no money, right? Be sure that you set aside approximately 15 – 20% of your earnings each month so you don’t have to think about money when free days and holidays arrive. We all know that we not only earn less or nothing these days, but we also tend to spend more.

Read the entire article at nytimes.com.

The post Long holidays may create these problems for freelancers and online workers appeared first on Freelancelifemagazine.