By Mackenzie Rose
Many of those skilled in graphic design allow it to take a backseat to full or part time careers. Nearly 25% of all graphic designers are freelance; however, many of those same individuals work with graphic design in addition to a salaried job in design or in another occupation altogether. Graphic designers—or graphic artists—plan, analyze, and create visual solutions to communications problems. They find the most effective way to get messages across in print, electronic, and film media using a variety of methods such as color, font, illustration, photography, animation, and various print and layout techniques.
When considering taking on freelance work in graphic design, understand that some 200,000 designers are employed full-time by large advertising, publishing, or design firms. Firms that require additional graphic designers are generally particular about work arrangements and work schedules, and may not be able to accommodate some of your work preferences. Consultants and freelance designers tend to work longer hours and in smaller, more congested, environments. Companies want to get the most for their contracts so expect good pay, but recognize your probable work environments.
The Skills
A bachelor’s degree is required for most entry-level and advanced graphic design positions. Bachelor’s degree programs in fine arts or graphic design are offered at many colleges, universities, and private design schools. Most curriculums include studio art, principles of design, computerized design, commercial graphics production, printing techniques, and Web site design. In addition to design courses, a liberal arts education that includes courses in art history, writing, psychology, sociology, foreign languages and cultural studies, marketing, and business are useful in helping designers work effectively.
There are currently roughly 270,000 graphic designers nationwide. Employment is expected to grow about 7 to 13% over the next year and ardent competition for jobs is expected; individuals with a bachelor’s degree and knowledge of computer design software, particularly those with Web site design and animation experience will have the best opportunities. Demand for graphic designers also will increase as advertising firms create print and Web marketing and promotional materials for a growing number of products and services. Last year, the median annual earnings for wage and salary graphic designers were $39,900, yet those who labeled themselves as freelance earned an average of $60,000, and many veterans in the field earned upwards of $100,000 a year. Consider your options in the field; if you are just starting out, take the safe path and start small with freelance graphic design to earn extra income on the side. Once you gain the experience, moreover the reputation, offer your specialized design services and prepare yourself for a successful career as a freelance graphic designer.
Get your name out there! Visit Sologig.com to find great freelance graphic design opportunities.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Friday, June 27, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
CONGRATULATIONS!
Congratulations to Andy O'Hearn and Nancy Zimmerman, the winners of the Sologig Success Story Contest. Both winners will be receiving signed books by author Peter Bowerman.
Thanks to everyone who participated. If you're interested in reading the winning entries, feel free to contact us.
Happy Freelancing!
Thanks to everyone who participated. If you're interested in reading the winning entries, feel free to contact us.
Happy Freelancing!
Monday, June 23, 2008
The Lowdown on Freelance Photography: Is it right for me and where can I find work?
By Mackenzie Rose
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, more than half of all photographers are freelance, a significantly higher ratio than almost every other occupation. Photographers produce and preserve images that paint a picture, tell a story, or record an event. To create commercial-quality photographs, photographers need technical expertise, creativity, and the appropriate equipment for each individual job.
Most photographers face the same challenge early on in their professional career; what kind of photography should I specialize in? Today more than ever, employers are more interested in individuals who appear to know a lot about a specific area of expertise rather than those who know a little bit about several different areas. When you choose a specialty it may seem as though you are receiving less contract offers initially, however, specialization will not only give you a more rewarding career, but will also pay more per assignment.
As a veteran of the freelance photography business, you may already know all about the different areas of specialty, but for those shutterbugs just breaking into the field, here is a list of the major money makers:
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, more than half of all photographers are freelance, a significantly higher ratio than almost every other occupation. Photographers produce and preserve images that paint a picture, tell a story, or record an event. To create commercial-quality photographs, photographers need technical expertise, creativity, and the appropriate equipment for each individual job.
Most photographers face the same challenge early on in their professional career; what kind of photography should I specialize in? Today more than ever, employers are more interested in individuals who appear to know a lot about a specific area of expertise rather than those who know a little bit about several different areas. When you choose a specialty it may seem as though you are receiving less contract offers initially, however, specialization will not only give you a more rewarding career, but will also pay more per assignment.
As a veteran of the freelance photography business, you may already know all about the different areas of specialty, but for those shutterbugs just breaking into the field, here is a list of the major money makers:
- Commercial and industrial photographers take pictures of various subjects, such as buildings, models, merchandise, artifacts, and landscapes. These photographs are used in a variety of media, including books, reports, advertisements, and catalogs and are commonly used as “stock photos” which are sold in bundles or per photo. They are used on everything from nearly 90% of websites to presentations, advertisements and brochures
- Scientific photographers take images of a variety of subjects to illustrate or record scientific or medical data or phenomena, using knowledge of scientific procedures. They typically possess additional knowledge in areas such as engineering, medicine, biology, or chemistry
- News photographers also called photojournalists, these individuals photograph newsworthy people, places, and sporting, political, and community events for newspapers, journals, magazines, or television
- Fine arts photographers sell their photographs as fine artwork. In addition to technical proficiency, fine arts photographers need artistic talent and creativity
In addition to carrying out assignments under direct contract with clients, you may want to license the use of your photographs through stock-photo agencies or market your work directly to the public. Stock-photo agencies sell photos to websites, magazines, ad agencies and others a license to use photographs, and pay the photographer a commission on each sale. These agencies require an application from the photographer and a sizable portfolio of pictures. Once accepted, photographers are usually required to submit a large number of new photographs each year. It is a good idea for freelance photographers working in this area to have a thorough understanding of copyright laws in order to protect their work.
The Skills
Employers typically seek applicants with a good technical understanding of photography. Additionally, photojournalists or industrial or scientific photographers generally need a college degree. Entry-level freelance or portrait photographers need to at least have technical proficiency although many have completed a college degree or vocational training programs.
Photography courses are offered by many universities, community and junior colleges, vocational-technical institutes, and private trade and technical schools. Basic courses in photography cover equipment, processes, and techniques. Learning good business skills is important and some bachelor’s degree programs offer courses focusing on these skills. Art schools generally offer useful training in photographic design and composition.
There are currently over 125,000 people who consider themselves professional photographers, but of those people, how many really understand the job? How many are true photographers? Because of this, if you have the skills, photography is an excellent field to be in right now, especially freelance photography. Some of the best photographers can easily earn upwards of $60,000 a year and that includes all of the freedom that typically comes with a freelance job. No matter what area of photography you specialize in, you are going to find competition. The most important thing is to unlock your imagination and let it do all the work. If you take it as seriously as some of the best in the business, you can be among them in no time.
Get your name out there! Visit Sologig.com to find great freelance photography opportunities.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Friday, June 20, 2008
The ins and outs of affordable health insurance for the self-employed
By Maggie Zahm
Finding affordable health insurance is one of the biggest challenges facing those working independently. Since contractors and freelancers do not typically have an employer offering cost-effective benefit options, it is up to the individual to find and pay for their own insurance. While there are a variety of services, it is often hard to find a package that you qualify for, that fits your needs and is affordable. Until the new Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Act is passed (see below for more details), the following is a list of health insurance options for the self-employed.
Group Insurance
This is by far the best health care coverage plan available. Because members are included under one “master policy,” which has many contributors, the policy provides maximum coverage at minimum cost. The plans typically cover regular doctor’s appointments (less a co-pay that the individual pays upon the visit) and hospital treatment for accidents. Some plans also offer vision care and/ or dental work and partial prescription costs. Members also do not have to participate in any medical exams or answer any health questions before they purchase this type of insurance because everyone pays the same rates, even if they have pre-existing conditions or chronic problems. Rates for group insurance do not rise even if claims are made.
The problem that arises for freelancers who desire to have this type of plan is that group insurance is only issued to large groups of people. Most often, people subscribe to this coverage plan through their employer, and rates are taken directly out of their paycheck. If a freelancer has a spouse that is covered under this plan, the best option for them is to try to get on the plan as well. Also, labor unions, churches and other service groups are sometimes able to obtain group insurance rates for their members.
Insurance through an association or chamber of commerce
Another possible healthcare option for freelancers is that they may be able to obtain coverage through an association or their local chamber of commerce. Although these types of plans are not actual group policies, they still have some related benefits because they are classified as pooled risk policies. This option can still be affordable if the members are young, do not have any serious health problems, and have a low risk of accident. However, rates can change as a the result of a claim.
Coverage through the State
Some states may offer medical insurance benefits programs. This option is typically not a good choice for those looking for quality, affordable health insurance. State coverage does not fully cover preventative care options, like regular doctor appointments, and it is often limited with prescription coverage. If someone becomes seriously ill or injured, this plan will prevent financial ruin, but the costs will add up quickly for smaller, more common health issues.
Coverage through the state may be worth exploring if you have a low income. State coverage programs often have income limits because they are intended for those who cannot afford to consider other options. If you feel this plan may be for you, make sure you have extra money in the bank to pay for routine doctor appointments, prescription costs and partial hospital bills if something serious were to occur.
Individual Coverage
This option is notably the worst option for those looking to purchase health insurance. Members buy their plan directly from the insurance company at a premium rate. It might even be completely impossible to find something you can afford if you have pre-existing conditions or are in poor health.
SHOP Act
Recently, a new health insurance option was proposed. The Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Act seeks to “amend the Public Health Service Act to establish a nationwide health insurance purchasing pool for small businesses and the self-employed that would offer a choice of private health plans and make health coverage more affordable, predictable, and accessible." This legislation would be implemented in 2011 and offer tax incentives to encourage states to reform insurance markets for small businesses and “encourage the development of state purchasing pools backstopped by a voluntary, nationwide pool.” Overall, the act would provide a more efficient way for insurers to market their health plans and for employers and employees to enroll in them. Also with this act, administrative costs for the premiums would drop drastically. Keep an eye out for updates with the SHOP Act, as this may benefit you directly. Check out http://www.opencongress.org/ to view the bill, track and contact Congress members and stay up to date with any new information.
Finding affordable health insurance is one of the biggest challenges facing those working independently. Since contractors and freelancers do not typically have an employer offering cost-effective benefit options, it is up to the individual to find and pay for their own insurance. While there are a variety of services, it is often hard to find a package that you qualify for, that fits your needs and is affordable. Until the new Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Act is passed (see below for more details), the following is a list of health insurance options for the self-employed.
Group Insurance
This is by far the best health care coverage plan available. Because members are included under one “master policy,” which has many contributors, the policy provides maximum coverage at minimum cost. The plans typically cover regular doctor’s appointments (less a co-pay that the individual pays upon the visit) and hospital treatment for accidents. Some plans also offer vision care and/ or dental work and partial prescription costs. Members also do not have to participate in any medical exams or answer any health questions before they purchase this type of insurance because everyone pays the same rates, even if they have pre-existing conditions or chronic problems. Rates for group insurance do not rise even if claims are made.
The problem that arises for freelancers who desire to have this type of plan is that group insurance is only issued to large groups of people. Most often, people subscribe to this coverage plan through their employer, and rates are taken directly out of their paycheck. If a freelancer has a spouse that is covered under this plan, the best option for them is to try to get on the plan as well. Also, labor unions, churches and other service groups are sometimes able to obtain group insurance rates for their members.
Insurance through an association or chamber of commerce
Another possible healthcare option for freelancers is that they may be able to obtain coverage through an association or their local chamber of commerce. Although these types of plans are not actual group policies, they still have some related benefits because they are classified as pooled risk policies. This option can still be affordable if the members are young, do not have any serious health problems, and have a low risk of accident. However, rates can change as a the result of a claim.
Coverage through the State
Some states may offer medical insurance benefits programs. This option is typically not a good choice for those looking for quality, affordable health insurance. State coverage does not fully cover preventative care options, like regular doctor appointments, and it is often limited with prescription coverage. If someone becomes seriously ill or injured, this plan will prevent financial ruin, but the costs will add up quickly for smaller, more common health issues.
Coverage through the state may be worth exploring if you have a low income. State coverage programs often have income limits because they are intended for those who cannot afford to consider other options. If you feel this plan may be for you, make sure you have extra money in the bank to pay for routine doctor appointments, prescription costs and partial hospital bills if something serious were to occur.
Individual Coverage
This option is notably the worst option for those looking to purchase health insurance. Members buy their plan directly from the insurance company at a premium rate. It might even be completely impossible to find something you can afford if you have pre-existing conditions or are in poor health.
SHOP Act
Recently, a new health insurance option was proposed. The Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Act seeks to “amend the Public Health Service Act to establish a nationwide health insurance purchasing pool for small businesses and the self-employed that would offer a choice of private health plans and make health coverage more affordable, predictable, and accessible." This legislation would be implemented in 2011 and offer tax incentives to encourage states to reform insurance markets for small businesses and “encourage the development of state purchasing pools backstopped by a voluntary, nationwide pool.” Overall, the act would provide a more efficient way for insurers to market their health plans and for employers and employees to enroll in them. Also with this act, administrative costs for the premiums would drop drastically. Keep an eye out for updates with the SHOP Act, as this may benefit you directly. Check out http://www.opencongress.org/ to view the bill, track and contact Congress members and stay up to date with any new information.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Acing an Interview
By Mackenzie Rose
Coming off a string of freelancing or contractual jobs, you may have forgotten the stress-filled, often times degrading process known as an interview. Transitioning from your current freelance career to the part-time or full-time employment industry can be difficult and the very first step is to fine-tune your interviewing skills.
Let’s say you apply for a job and based on your beautiful resume, printed on glossy photo paper, you get a call back. “Jim!” the guy says, “Love your credentials and I can see my reflection in your resume here, how about you come in for an interview?” Suddenly it hits you, “I hate interviews.” My hands get clammy, my voice shaky and my eye does this weird thing that makes it look like I am winking, suggestively winking, if you know what I mean. There are simple steps, however, that can turn you into an interviewing ace in no time:
Know the Company
Nothing makes you look more qualified than firsthand knowledge. I don’t mean go into an interview and say, “The stock is down, revenue is miniscule and I give you guys three years before chapter eleven.” Unless of course you have a clever recommendation to add, but at that point you may already be in the elevator catching a last glimpse of the guys in the office using your shredded resume as streamers. Know people, know products and gather questions. Many companies are going to ask you basic questions about their company they want you to know, but if you fire back with questions of your own, it demonstrates interest and knowledge. If you believe in your knowledge of the company, they will too. Don’t quickly glance at the finance pages before the interview; spend some time reading company profiles and corporate biographies.
Read Your Resume
It is hard to imagine how many people go into an interview with the same resume they made some ten years ago. “So Bob, tell me more about this freelance photography job you had back in ’99, what exactly were your job specifications? All it says here is, ‘took pretty pictures’ (or something to that extent).” In this case, two things are going to happen:
1. You, not looking over your resume before hand, are going to have to think on your feet fast or else face the risk of the “um’s” and “uh’s” coming out of your mouth and looking about as qualified as Oliver the Monkey (he actually was one of the smartest monkeys of our era so maybe this would over qualify you)
2. You are going to talk about a job from 1986 as the two people behind the desk both look at each other and smirk before cutting you off and ending the interview
Make sure you read over your resume; it is hard to give the appearance of a qualified competent person if you know the least information about yourself of all things. Take the time, even if it just the night before, to look over your past experiences so that when the question comes up, you are more than ready with the correct response.
Teamwork, Teamwork, Teamwork
In a survey of hundreds of interviewers, it was not degrees or even GPAs that were the most looked for quality in a candidate, it was the ability to work in a team. Most employers will tell you, it is EQ (emotional intelligence) rather than IQ that best predicts career success. Don’t go into an interview and talk about your degree from Harvard or how you got the best grade in Professor Archibald’s Finance 300 class, they already have that information on your resume. Instead, talk about your teamwork abilities gained from prior jobs or even everyday experiences. In most cases, they will ask the question without you ever having to mention it. It is tough to find a job where you are not working with other people. It is important to interviewers that you are capable of teamwork and not some Machiavellian know-it-all who everyone will resent. High EQ with at least moderate IQ means an effective employee while high IQ coupled with low EQ means a highly argumentative show off best suited for the engineering department.
Interviewing is a combination of knowledge and acting, unless of course you are highly unqualified for the job, then interviewing is going up an elevator then almost immediately back down. You need to go in with a positive attitude and a smile across your face. Know your company and more importantly know yourself. Show interest, even if your interest level as high as the time you read Crime and Punishment for English class in the 12th grade, show it. If you don’t interview well, qualifications may mean nothing in the end. Rehearse it the night before if you have to, but don’t fall victim to interview stressors, go in with confidence and walk out with the job.
Coming off a string of freelancing or contractual jobs, you may have forgotten the stress-filled, often times degrading process known as an interview. Transitioning from your current freelance career to the part-time or full-time employment industry can be difficult and the very first step is to fine-tune your interviewing skills.
Let’s say you apply for a job and based on your beautiful resume, printed on glossy photo paper, you get a call back. “Jim!” the guy says, “Love your credentials and I can see my reflection in your resume here, how about you come in for an interview?” Suddenly it hits you, “I hate interviews.” My hands get clammy, my voice shaky and my eye does this weird thing that makes it look like I am winking, suggestively winking, if you know what I mean. There are simple steps, however, that can turn you into an interviewing ace in no time:
Know the Company
Nothing makes you look more qualified than firsthand knowledge. I don’t mean go into an interview and say, “The stock is down, revenue is miniscule and I give you guys three years before chapter eleven.” Unless of course you have a clever recommendation to add, but at that point you may already be in the elevator catching a last glimpse of the guys in the office using your shredded resume as streamers. Know people, know products and gather questions. Many companies are going to ask you basic questions about their company they want you to know, but if you fire back with questions of your own, it demonstrates interest and knowledge. If you believe in your knowledge of the company, they will too. Don’t quickly glance at the finance pages before the interview; spend some time reading company profiles and corporate biographies.
Read Your Resume
It is hard to imagine how many people go into an interview with the same resume they made some ten years ago. “So Bob, tell me more about this freelance photography job you had back in ’99, what exactly were your job specifications? All it says here is, ‘took pretty pictures’ (or something to that extent).” In this case, two things are going to happen:
1. You, not looking over your resume before hand, are going to have to think on your feet fast or else face the risk of the “um’s” and “uh’s” coming out of your mouth and looking about as qualified as Oliver the Monkey (he actually was one of the smartest monkeys of our era so maybe this would over qualify you)
2. You are going to talk about a job from 1986 as the two people behind the desk both look at each other and smirk before cutting you off and ending the interview
Make sure you read over your resume; it is hard to give the appearance of a qualified competent person if you know the least information about yourself of all things. Take the time, even if it just the night before, to look over your past experiences so that when the question comes up, you are more than ready with the correct response.
Teamwork, Teamwork, Teamwork
In a survey of hundreds of interviewers, it was not degrees or even GPAs that were the most looked for quality in a candidate, it was the ability to work in a team. Most employers will tell you, it is EQ (emotional intelligence) rather than IQ that best predicts career success. Don’t go into an interview and talk about your degree from Harvard or how you got the best grade in Professor Archibald’s Finance 300 class, they already have that information on your resume. Instead, talk about your teamwork abilities gained from prior jobs or even everyday experiences. In most cases, they will ask the question without you ever having to mention it. It is tough to find a job where you are not working with other people. It is important to interviewers that you are capable of teamwork and not some Machiavellian know-it-all who everyone will resent. High EQ with at least moderate IQ means an effective employee while high IQ coupled with low EQ means a highly argumentative show off best suited for the engineering department.
Interviewing is a combination of knowledge and acting, unless of course you are highly unqualified for the job, then interviewing is going up an elevator then almost immediately back down. You need to go in with a positive attitude and a smile across your face. Know your company and more importantly know yourself. Show interest, even if your interest level as high as the time you read Crime and Punishment for English class in the 12th grade, show it. If you don’t interview well, qualifications may mean nothing in the end. Rehearse it the night before if you have to, but don’t fall victim to interview stressors, go in with confidence and walk out with the job.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
To Freelance or not to Freelance?
By Mackenzie Rose
In our Democratic society, human needs can be trimmed down to the two most seemingly basic desires: security and freedom. It’s so simple if you think about it, but in this chaotic humanity, it seems so hard to achieve both. As freelancers, you have chosen a life of freedom with little security. Soon, contracts will expire and it will take an effort on your part to find that next job. Poignant as it may sound, miles away there is someone sitting in a cubicle answering phone calls and writing emails who feels secure in his job; yet, he hasn’t felt the sun on his face since he pressed his head real hard against the sixth floor window last week. It’s a bittersweet world out there and we need to pay the bills first and satisfy our needs second. So the question becomes: for freedom or security, what am I working for?
There are certainly issues to consider from both sides of the spectrum. Let’s say you are stuck in a dead end, nine to five job that makes every morning seem like the worst of your life. You’re considering becoming a freelance writer, so you quit your job and get the ball rolling with a new Sologig.com account. You have just left a profession providing security for one of freedom. As David Masello of the Boston Globe wrote of his first freelance transition, “I quickly discovered that it was too early in my career to go freelance. I had few professional contacts at that point and didn’t even know what I wanted to write about. Every night, I would pace the roof of my apartment building, wondering what to do, how to fill the next day.” Before you change your lifestyle, you have to consider what you are doing. Do you have a plan? Will you be able to afford your current lifestyle three months from now?
Conversely, consider the side of a freelance writer, so far work has been good but sporadic and with an excellent string of contracts lately, you are making a pretty decent amount of money. Your friends, however, spend all night talking to you about their jobs downtown and all the contacts they’re making. After a significant dry spell, you decide it is time to leave freedom for security and you begin your job search. You have to question, however, what leaving freedom will do to your aspirations. In that same article from the Boston Globe, Masello writes, “I have made a living as a writer and an editor outside of an office for the last eight years. And there hasn’t been a night where I don’t open the window of my apartment and lean out to look at the city skyline and say, ‘I’m still here, still doing it. I’m my own boss.” Do you want to give it all up? Is security worth your freedom, or better yet, is it even necessary? If you believe you can achieve your desired lifestyle as a freelancer, stick with it.
Freedom and security can seem simple to achieve until you actually try to balance the two. If you are tired of your job whether in a city skyscraper or right out of your bedroom, consider possible outcomes before you make any brash decisions. That big corporate gig may lead to security, but at what cost? Determine your necessary income flow and lifestyle and choose a career path that satisfies your individual needs, whether it is freelance work or not. If you don’t land a contract, or run into a dry spell, realize that with every job, there are going to be rough patches and you may just have to put your head down and work through them. Most importantly, understand what a new job will mean for your wants, your needs and your passion. Always have a plan for paying the bills, but don’t sacrifice your ambitions to do so.
In our Democratic society, human needs can be trimmed down to the two most seemingly basic desires: security and freedom. It’s so simple if you think about it, but in this chaotic humanity, it seems so hard to achieve both. As freelancers, you have chosen a life of freedom with little security. Soon, contracts will expire and it will take an effort on your part to find that next job. Poignant as it may sound, miles away there is someone sitting in a cubicle answering phone calls and writing emails who feels secure in his job; yet, he hasn’t felt the sun on his face since he pressed his head real hard against the sixth floor window last week. It’s a bittersweet world out there and we need to pay the bills first and satisfy our needs second. So the question becomes: for freedom or security, what am I working for?
There are certainly issues to consider from both sides of the spectrum. Let’s say you are stuck in a dead end, nine to five job that makes every morning seem like the worst of your life. You’re considering becoming a freelance writer, so you quit your job and get the ball rolling with a new Sologig.com account. You have just left a profession providing security for one of freedom. As David Masello of the Boston Globe wrote of his first freelance transition, “I quickly discovered that it was too early in my career to go freelance. I had few professional contacts at that point and didn’t even know what I wanted to write about. Every night, I would pace the roof of my apartment building, wondering what to do, how to fill the next day.” Before you change your lifestyle, you have to consider what you are doing. Do you have a plan? Will you be able to afford your current lifestyle three months from now?
Conversely, consider the side of a freelance writer, so far work has been good but sporadic and with an excellent string of contracts lately, you are making a pretty decent amount of money. Your friends, however, spend all night talking to you about their jobs downtown and all the contacts they’re making. After a significant dry spell, you decide it is time to leave freedom for security and you begin your job search. You have to question, however, what leaving freedom will do to your aspirations. In that same article from the Boston Globe, Masello writes, “I have made a living as a writer and an editor outside of an office for the last eight years. And there hasn’t been a night where I don’t open the window of my apartment and lean out to look at the city skyline and say, ‘I’m still here, still doing it. I’m my own boss.” Do you want to give it all up? Is security worth your freedom, or better yet, is it even necessary? If you believe you can achieve your desired lifestyle as a freelancer, stick with it.
Freedom and security can seem simple to achieve until you actually try to balance the two. If you are tired of your job whether in a city skyscraper or right out of your bedroom, consider possible outcomes before you make any brash decisions. That big corporate gig may lead to security, but at what cost? Determine your necessary income flow and lifestyle and choose a career path that satisfies your individual needs, whether it is freelance work or not. If you don’t land a contract, or run into a dry spell, realize that with every job, there are going to be rough patches and you may just have to put your head down and work through them. Most importantly, understand what a new job will mean for your wants, your needs and your passion. Always have a plan for paying the bills, but don’t sacrifice your ambitions to do so.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Freelancer, author: How to land your next big-name client
By Maggie Zahm
Say "freelance writing" and most people think "writing for magazines." Yet, sadly, many magazine writers struggle financially. A lesser-known field of freelancing, but one with far more promising financial potential is "commercial writing" - writing for businesses, large and small and for hourly rates of $50-125+. To find out how to break into this lucrative field, Sologig Freelance put Peter Bowerman, commercial freelancer and author of The Well-Fed Writer series and The Well-Fed Self-Publisher: How to Turn One Book into a Full-Time Living, on the stand to pick his brain.
With clients like Coca-Cola, UPS, The Discovery Channel and Mercedes-Benz under his belt, Bowerman puts working with top businesses into perspective. “People tend to place [the people who work at] big corporations up on pedestals, but the fact is, they’re people just like everyone else. They’re hard working and are usually over worked and over exerted, and they don’t want to hunt around a long time to find what they need,” Bowerman explains. “What it comes down to is being out there and getting your name out there.”
In order to land more gigs with these types of clients, Bowerman suggests forging alliances with other freelancers. “If you craft a good relationship with graphic designers based on mutual trust, confidence, and benefit, they will find work for you as they find work for themselves.”
Bowerman explains that he found a couple graphic designers that liked his work and were essentially the ones that helped to get his foot in the door of his most well-known clients because of the referrals they gave. “It’s not like businesses go through a process where they interview 27 writers for a job. They want to efficiently find the right person, and more often than not, they’ll give somebody a chance if they just happened to show up right in front of them.”
Bowerman also makes it clear that working smart never involves worrying about the competition. “I really don’t concern myself with what else is out there. I know I don’t have to convince the world; I only have to convince a few people.”
Carrying this idea over to how successful—or not successful—the economy is at this time is yet another idea of Bowerman’s. “It’s the same thing as reading the newspaper and saying, ‘Oh, the economy is really bad, maybe this isn’t a good time to start my business,’ when in reality, the economy actually has very little to do with one person’s quest for financial self-sufficiency in whatever their chosen field is.” Bowerman goes on to explain that when the economy is down, it often means more business for freelancers because companies are forced to let full-time employees go. He believes that in this situation, freelancers make more economic sense than traditional employees.
Bowerman attests that the key strategy to success in the field, and especially when forming relationships with graphic designers, is to above all else, “be reliable and be easy to work with.” The rest will come with hard work.
Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Peter Bowerman is an award winning author, freelance commercial writer, speaker, columnist, and professional coach. He was awarded the Georgia Author of the Year title, and his books have received numerous honors including the Foreword Magazine Book of the Year Award and the Ben Franklin Award from the Publisher’s Marketing Association. His websites, http://www.wellfedwriter.com and http://www.wellfedsp.com offer opportunities to purchase his books and learn more about his work.
Enter to Win!
Share your Sologig.com success story and be entered to win a set of Peter Bowerman’s books.
Contest rules:
E-mail us a short story about how Sologig.com has helped you and your business. Feel free to include how you discovered Sologig.com, how it has positively affected your work, how we helped expand your network or anything else you’d like to share! Contestants should send a 200-word or less entry to Maggie at Maggie.Zahm@Sologig.com. The subject line of the email should read, “Bowerman contest.” Entries are due by 1pm CST on Sunday, June 22, 2008.
Prizes:
Two winners will be announced on Monday, June 23, 2008 to win a set of Bowerman’s books. First place will receive the Well-Fed Writer series, and second place will receive the Well-Fed Self Publisher book and the Well-Fed SP Biz-in-a-Box Marketing Kit (on CD). Both sets of books will be personally signed to the winner by the author.
Note:
Applicants of this contest give full consent to allow their entries to be published (in full, partial, or edited form) by Sologig.com to be used for marketing or promotional material.
Say "freelance writing" and most people think "writing for magazines." Yet, sadly, many magazine writers struggle financially. A lesser-known field of freelancing, but one with far more promising financial potential is "commercial writing" - writing for businesses, large and small and for hourly rates of $50-125+. To find out how to break into this lucrative field, Sologig Freelance put Peter Bowerman, commercial freelancer and author of The Well-Fed Writer series and The Well-Fed Self-Publisher: How to Turn One Book into a Full-Time Living, on the stand to pick his brain.
With clients like Coca-Cola, UPS, The Discovery Channel and Mercedes-Benz under his belt, Bowerman puts working with top businesses into perspective. “People tend to place [the people who work at] big corporations up on pedestals, but the fact is, they’re people just like everyone else. They’re hard working and are usually over worked and over exerted, and they don’t want to hunt around a long time to find what they need,” Bowerman explains. “What it comes down to is being out there and getting your name out there.”
In order to land more gigs with these types of clients, Bowerman suggests forging alliances with other freelancers. “If you craft a good relationship with graphic designers based on mutual trust, confidence, and benefit, they will find work for you as they find work for themselves.”
Bowerman explains that he found a couple graphic designers that liked his work and were essentially the ones that helped to get his foot in the door of his most well-known clients because of the referrals they gave. “It’s not like businesses go through a process where they interview 27 writers for a job. They want to efficiently find the right person, and more often than not, they’ll give somebody a chance if they just happened to show up right in front of them.”
Bowerman also makes it clear that working smart never involves worrying about the competition. “I really don’t concern myself with what else is out there. I know I don’t have to convince the world; I only have to convince a few people.”
Carrying this idea over to how successful—or not successful—the economy is at this time is yet another idea of Bowerman’s. “It’s the same thing as reading the newspaper and saying, ‘Oh, the economy is really bad, maybe this isn’t a good time to start my business,’ when in reality, the economy actually has very little to do with one person’s quest for financial self-sufficiency in whatever their chosen field is.” Bowerman goes on to explain that when the economy is down, it often means more business for freelancers because companies are forced to let full-time employees go. He believes that in this situation, freelancers make more economic sense than traditional employees.
Bowerman attests that the key strategy to success in the field, and especially when forming relationships with graphic designers, is to above all else, “be reliable and be easy to work with.” The rest will come with hard work.
Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Peter Bowerman is an award winning author, freelance commercial writer, speaker, columnist, and professional coach. He was awarded the Georgia Author of the Year title, and his books have received numerous honors including the Foreword Magazine Book of the Year Award and the Ben Franklin Award from the Publisher’s Marketing Association. His websites, http://www.wellfedwriter.com and http://www.wellfedsp.com offer opportunities to purchase his books and learn more about his work.
Enter to Win!
Share your Sologig.com success story and be entered to win a set of Peter Bowerman’s books.
Contest rules:
E-mail us a short story about how Sologig.com has helped you and your business. Feel free to include how you discovered Sologig.com, how it has positively affected your work, how we helped expand your network or anything else you’d like to share! Contestants should send a 200-word or less entry to Maggie at Maggie.Zahm@Sologig.com. The subject line of the email should read, “Bowerman contest.” Entries are due by 1pm CST on Sunday, June 22, 2008.
Prizes:
Two winners will be announced on Monday, June 23, 2008 to win a set of Bowerman’s books. First place will receive the Well-Fed Writer series, and second place will receive the Well-Fed Self Publisher book and the Well-Fed SP Biz-in-a-Box Marketing Kit (on CD). Both sets of books will be personally signed to the winner by the author.
Note:
Applicants of this contest give full consent to allow their entries to be published (in full, partial, or edited form) by Sologig.com to be used for marketing or promotional material.
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