Full-Time Freelancing Transitioning Check-list

So here's the situation, you are now working with a company and have been eyeing on doing freelancing for a long time. But, you don't know how to start?

Hai, my name is Michelle, and I will slowly try to help you with that using my blog entries. I've been a freelance graphic designer for 2 years.

Since I was 9, I always spent the school holidays drawing intensely in my room. When I was 15, I started an interest in photography. Soon after, I began using Photoshop & video editing software with the help of YouTube tutorials. My point is that even though I did not have any prior experience in a professional working environment as a graphic designer, I was deeply passionate about it. So that is why it was easy for me to transition into freelancing immediately.

If you are now a graphic designer(in an in-house or an agency) and want to transition to a full-time freelance designer, this article is for you. I would not recommend truck drivers who don't have any interest in copywriting to suddenly start freelancing as a copywriter. It doesn't work that way. You must be passionate about what you offer.

So without further ado, here is a list of things you should prepare before transitioning into a Full-Time Freelancer.

1. 6-12 months of income saved

The first few months of freelancing will be the lowest income rate in your career. (I used to only earn RM500 monthly, my rent was RM400!)

So you must be prepared to be able to pay for your commitments even without a substantial income. You will need to spend some money on investments(subscriptions & education) other than paying daily expenses like food & utilities.

Cash is king. Save money to secure your survivability.

2. 1-2 ongoing long-term clients

If you could get clients while freelancing part-time(weekend freelancer), good on you!

Now try to find clients who can work with you for the long term.

A good business has loyal customers. If you can't get loyal customers yet, do a post-mortem & diagnose why.

A good entrepreneur is a good problem solver. Once you get 1-2 long-term clients, submit your resignation letter immediately!

3. A portfolio of proudest works

A neatly displayed portfolio will help attract the right client and working style for you.

So put efforts into collecting & compiling your best works.

Focus on quality, not quantity.

If you don't have enough content to display in your portfolio(probably some previous works are P&C), then spend some time creating passion projects.

"Show; don't tell" is the primary key to convincing clients to hire you.

These are some safety nets and bricklayers you can start doing before becoming a full-time freelancer. Freelancing full-time is really not easy. It is not for everyone's personality, but I encourage people to try anyway because it is one of the best ways to achieve freedom.

Thanks for reading. Bye!