Find Design work.(freelance)

[Coy]

OK so I did a little search on this subject and found this thread

But wanted to go deeper into it, if we could.

I've been going here and there just picking up a couple jobs but haven't really dug deep into it since I do have a full time job and a full house, also because I'm still not comfotable with the way my portfolio is at, at the moment and still buffing out the ruff edges so to speak on my skills.


So far I've landed a couple of jobs from the Gig's area on craigslist.

But if it's OK with resurepus if we could post additional sites that are a good source for freelance work that you have tried and had success with.

Yeah I know... google it.. as simple as that sounds I find it best and most reliable to get the information (for the most part) from others that have used and had success with a site.

I'd like to include as many areas of design as possible since we have a veriety of designers here w/ different mediums they work with. Logo, websites, illustrations, t-shirts etc.

I'm hoping this can become a tool and assist other designers so if you could leave your feedback of any site that you link to, would be greatly appreciated.

[jecrt]

wait - so have you had actual success with craigslist? Anyone I've started to work with ended up being really flaky.

[Coy]

wait - so have you had actual success with craigslist? Anyone I've started to work with ended up being really flaky.

actually about 4 jobs now only one I've had to threaten for payment, but it was a quick sending out of a request for payment through paypal.. and they've returned just today for an ad design.. whoo hooo.

all in all it's been OK really. I've emailed maybe about 20+/- people and some had allready set up something with another person. so considering the "craigslist" personna it's been OK thus far. I wouldn't try to make a career out of it, but it's given my college student a few extra needed bucks.

I had one guy wanting a full body tattoo that I just can't get done in the time frame he was looking to.

[Deathdart]

You should try putting up good portfolios (I cannot stress the word 'good' enough) on websites such as deviantART, Coroflot, Behance, Artician, Flickr etc. and preferably also have your own website. I get almost all my work directly through one of these portfolios. Also be sure to advertise your website wherever possible, in your forum signature, email signature, paid ads, word of mouth, business cards etc. After updating all your signatures, participate in several design forums, hosting forums and any other kinds of forums for things you are interested in, such as books, biking or photography, and slowly you'll spread the word about your website for free to thousands of people. Also be sure to have business cards ready to hand out to any new acquaintances.

And remember that a portfolio isn't just a collection of ALL your work, it's a showcase of only your best work. Though online portfolios can normally have scores of design projects, if you plan to have a printed portfolio or a .pdf to be mailed to clients or employers, be sure to include only 7-15 of your best projects.

[resurepus]

It is ok to talk about freelance sites, but I would rather not list design competition websites on DC. For one simple reason - they are our competition and I don't want to give them extra publicity So yes, for that area, you'll have to google it

[Coy]

I've heard of Guru through some other designers that said They've had alot of success with it. But I've barely signed up and couldn't say first hand if it's good or bad.
Guru.com ? Find Freelancers, Professionals, and Contract Workers for Hire

[tsmith]

FreelanceSwitch Job Board: All Jobs

also check out their site in general, they have many quality articles.

[gdeetan]

I've check craigslist and the rates there isn't really too attractive so am sticking to joining design contests, and get clients there. It's a pretty effective marketing tool as well since you can build your portfolio on these sites, and a lot of people looking for freelance designers will notice you if you have a good enough portfolio.

[robyn]

As for my experienced, having a freelancer works voluntarily (non-profit) also adds your marketing aspects. Try to google around for graphics designer volunteer works. Once, your design runs, well... the next works will be a paying projects.

[cmolina84]

In some design contests sites with time you get people contacting you directly through the site. So it's always good to join as many contest as you can. Sometimes even if you don't win they can offer you some freelance work. It happened to me.

[Gert Cornelis]

Any freelance job sites for a student like me with no money to ge a premium account on the site like you need in guru to get good jobs?

[Chung Dha]

Networking allot of networking and talking and allot of those stuff and giving away business cards, doing allot of promotions. They don't suddenly want to hire you.