As a budding freelancer it is so important to get the right advice and direction, because there so many benefits available. You will obviously have your reasons for making the decision to do it, but also consider the fact that you can receive healthy tax reductions, which is definite plus. You also have the benefit of being able to make your own decisions each day. So when your ready to take a break, you can without the boss breathing down your neck.
It can be a refreshing feeling to be your own boss. You do not have to answer to anyone, which means you call the shots. You have the privileged of creating your own environment to suit your own needs and tastes. As an employee, you do not have any control over your environment.
Money is very important factor, and one of the main reasons why full time employees decide to make that all important step into the freelance world.
If you do it right, you can earn a lot more as a freelancer because you charge a much higher rate for your time. If your not sure about rates, then check sites like the a.o.i site for ideas on rates (if your an illustrator or graphic designer).
You will have the benefit of knowing how to interact with clients depending on their budgets and you will learn how to price your services according to the client budget.
Freelancing is much harder to master than full time employment, because there is so much more to consider day to day. It is a good idea to maybe write down a S.W.A.T analysis of yourself, identifying your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Remember, you will not have the same level of protection as an employee, so make sure you have a solid business advisor.
As a freelancer you will only get paid when the work comes in, so if your ill or off on holiday you will not get paid. You need to consider how you will save your money for those rainy days. Marketing is really the key to success in this extremely competitive industry.
Find new ways to become successful illustrators and find a host of other top professionals by viewing their illustration.
