The editor with the help of a group of practiced design professionals has put together 100 valuable suggestions for creatives that are willing to take the big step towards independency, but the brave designers that already ride their own horses will surely find these hints as much useful.
Although the book has been conceived by a Graphic designer and the expert board comes from the worlds of graphic, publishing and illustration; it fits just as well all creative fields including ours: product design.
"You didn't know your design firm was a personal public relations firm, too?"
So we all know what being a freelance designer means: be your own boss, set your own hours and work with the clients you want, right? Wrong.
Buy this book in US
Well, at least it isn't that easy at the beginning. The golden dream of fun, satisfaction, flexibility and of course money is possible, but it does take an enormous amount of good work, talent and planning to get you there.
Freelancing is about setting a business, and creative work is just a part of it, certainly an important part but there's some more involved.
"It's about being the CEO, CMO, CFO and CIO as well as the bookkeeper, accountant, tech guru, housekeeper and coffee maker. It's imperative that you see yourself as the business and act accordingly, because you are the business."
This book will walk you through the many situations you may encounter, with a humorous yet very serious approach. Short and clear statements, personal anecdotes and both practical and creative advices from people that have been where you are before can be very helpful.
"Most independent creatives chose the on-their-own route so they could perfect their craft, follow their ideals, and express their voice. Sure, ideals don't pay the bills, but following ideals creates the high level of skill and professionalism that creates a sought-after product that, in the end, does pay bills-without selling your soul in the process."
"There's no "free" in freelance."
This is the kind of clever little book that can give you the needed strength and self-confidence to finally start your own design firm, and it can certainly give you a safe set of assets to start out in the best way possible.
100 Habits for Successful Freelance Designers
Editor: Steve Gordon Jr with Laurel Seville
Publisher: RockPort
Year: 2009
December 1, 2009 10:40 PM
hello,
where can I GET THIS BOOK?
thanks
Dana
December 2, 2009 9:48 AM
Hi Dana, if you are in the US you can buy it at amazon, same if you are in Europe, Amazon UK will deliver it to your door. Just follow the links right below the last image.
April 12, 2012 1:36 PM
Thanks for all your efforts that you have put in this. very interesting information.