Topic: Freelancing Question/ Getting Started

Hey everyone, I've got a question. To those that do freelance work, how did you get your start? Where do you go for your jobs or do you have your clients coming to you? What would you recommend for setting rates for someone that's just starting?

I am curious as right now, I've recently graduated and currently searching for a job.  Right now I'm struggling to even get replies from companies so I was thinking about looking into freelance. Primarily in either illustration or 3D modelling work.

I'm not really sure on how to get started and trying to enter the industry is rather daunting! Haha.

I'm got a basic portfolio site on tumblr (should I get a better website..?) here:

http://duckworth-designs.tumblr.com/

Re: Freelancing Question/ Getting Started

I don't know much about the industry in the US, but I hear a lot of people are getting gigs from Craigslist. I'd start looking there.
It should also be noted that some of those are people that are quite reluctant to pay you after the fact.

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Re: Freelancing Question/ Getting Started

No.  Not Craigslist, no.  Staffmeup.com production beast.com, mandy.com, even entertainmentcareers.net.  But fucking NOT craigslist.

Eddie Doty

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Re: Freelancing Question/ Getting Started

TalentCircle.org used to be quite good but seems to have died down in the last six months or so.

setting rates can really depend on the gig, figure out how long you will need and how much you'd be willing to do the job then add another quarter on top - if they go for it great if not you have somewhere to work down to.

Clients tend to want to either hire people who have already done a similar job so keep an eye on the jobs that pop up a lot in your field and do some on spec.

Do beware if you want to freelance as your main source of income that there is nothing quick about it and even when you submit your invoice the client is under no obligation to pay you straight away.

I'm not trying to put you off but it's not for the feint of heart.

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