This week in class, we covered or discussed what it would be like to work as a freelance, as well as comparing the difference of work between corporate and freelance. We discussed the many different types of freelancing within design, such as completely independent, working in an agency or even being at a call for some smaller businesses.
This was interesting to know, as I actually started my first freelance position for a small business just last month, which gave me a good heads up as to what to expect during this lecture. Such as falling under more of the independent area, like creating my own invoices, stating that I’m classed as freelance to the government and even creating real design work for clients.
The next area that was covered during class was Tenders. I had a quick peak in advance at this and found it a little daunting or difficult to understand. However, when it was explained during class, the best way I grasped it was to see it as a much more in depth/ detailed version of a design brief.
The other thing covered within this lecture was quote, the other side of what a tender is, only seen for smaller business and used primary by freelancers to help protect themselves when accepting work. It was really beneficial to understand what a quote is and how it was structured, especially knowing what I could have prepared to help protect me if I ever do end up going for any freelance work in the future.
I think the most useful thing I learned from todays class, was what way to approach a client in terms of being paid or discussing pay when freelancing. That is itemising. What this in tails is when breaking down to a client and talking what I deserve to be paid for my work, It would be beneficial to break each area down step by step, with as much explanations, calculations and justifications as possible. It was reassuring to find out that the majority of clients are usually aware with how freelancers work, their pricing and and understanding when approached with how a designer should be paid.