How does one freelance?

[Jinmu Staddon]

I'm new in the world of arch viz (just graduated from architecture school) and was wondering if anyone had any advice on how to go about freelancing. I'm not sure how to build up contacts and find work for myself. I've seen a lot of job posting/freelancing websites out there, but I was wondering if that was really the route to take since it seems so saturated with my hungry peers. I understand that there is probably no secret untapped resource for me to use to gain an advantage, but there's got to be a more targeted way to find work. I thought that those who have a little experience in the matter might have some wisdom to bestow to the naive and inexperienced.

[rmccoy]

get a good online portfolio and start contacting firms. it's kinda like looking for a full-time job. You should probably start getting some contracts made up and figure out your pricing.

[AndyC]

Network, network, network. Consider ever moment of your day, social and professional, an opportunity. Its tough at first but keep at it, don't undercut your prices, value yourself. Most of all, make sure you are flexible, you'll get a lot of work if you are willing to jump in the deep end and solve problems, fast.

[1d2d3d4d]

Read the book, "How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling"

by Frank Bettger

 

try doing renderings for some of your younger classmates to build up a portfolio...

 

look up all the graphic design sample contracs..

[Tommy L]

If you find anything, let me know.

[Dave Buckley]

broaden your 'targeted companies/clients criteria"

 

start targeting the less obvious predictable list . . . architects . . . my last freelance arch viz work came from a web designer, purely from me telling him what i do during a brief conversation. as far as i was concerned he was asking out of politeness to make small talk.

 

so i agree massively with andy's comment, get yourself out there, check for upcoming events.

 

look at the websites/work of currently successful freelancers in the same field and ask yourself, what it is that's good about them.

 

one of my personal fave's is peter guthrie, i love his work.

 

anticipate changes in the market/new possibilities/make yourself unique

 

assess yourself. why should someone choose you. and if that comes down to price then your work isn't very good or money is no object and you are doing it purely for fun

[alexg]

lots of aspect on freelancing. it could be full model + render job or being an outsource doing bits and pieces for other 3d company.

 

you dont' have to be good at everything

make a list of what you are superb at and direct your marketing based on that

 

some might need a quick model jobs done to assist them in a deadline, some need a photoreal render to impress client.

 

I got a friend specialized doing photoshop perspectives for a fast turnaround jobs, half days work mostly. not fancy renders, but real fast.

Edited October 13, 2009 by alexg

[Jinmu Staddon]

Thanks for the tips. We'll see what I can find....

[ihabkal]

you are in NY, the mother of all great architectural firms. Build a portfolio and go out there door to door distributing fliers and brochures. Call first as some companies don't like pop ins. If I were you I would have sore feet every day.