September 09, 2010

How to run a freelance business

You might have seen this book floating around the internet lately: Creative, Inc. by Meg Mateo Ilasco and Joy Deangdeelert Cho. If you're thinking of freelancing in a creative field, I highly recommend it. When I transitioned a couple years ago from working full time at a design firm to working for myself, I read through several books on this topic. Most of them left me slightly panicky and overwhelmed with complex legal terms and business forms; not to mention many of the books were outdated. But this little volume offers clear, accessible advice and steps to follow. It's realistic: yes, you'll need thicker skin to deal with rejection. Yes, you'll put in lots of hours for what feels like little return (at first). But it's also inspiring. The interviews with successful freelancers are fascinating, and the useful information from Meg and Joy provides a road map to get you where you need to go. I wish I'd had this book earlier!

22 comments:

  1. Carmen CardozaSeptember 9, 2010 at 12:41 PM

    Thanks! I'll pick it up this weekend. I need as much CLEAR information as I can get.

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  2. Dorkys RamosSeptember 9, 2010 at 12:55 PM

    Thank you! This is just what I needed as I've started giving serious thought to venturing into the design field on my own. Nervous, anxious and excited all at once!

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  3. Grandma GSeptember 9, 2010 at 1:42 PM

    Do you think I should start freelancing?

    Mum

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  4. articulateknitsSeptember 9, 2010 at 2:14 PM

    Thanks for the recommendation. I will definitely give this book a looksie.

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  5. cassie/roundbottombabySeptember 9, 2010 at 3:31 PM

    do you have a link for us to purchase from, so you get a kick-back? both my husband & i are on our 2nd years freelancing it. more knowledge is never a bad thing! thanks for this post : )

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  6. Little LauraSeptember 9, 2010 at 3:31 PM

    What a timely post! My husband has become incredibly weary and somewhat bored in his design work right now and has been talking about going out on his own. He actually asked me to today to start research on how he can go about it. Good thing I frequent your blog! You saved me some effort. : )

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  7. Jessica JonesSeptember 9, 2010 at 3:52 PM

    Cassie, no kick back. I once tried to set up some kind of affiliate thing with Amazon, but I don't think it worked since it showed zero people clicked the links over the course of five months or so. And with 10,000 blog readers a day, it seems that surely one person would have clicked something, right? :) Whatever.

    Happy freelancing!

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  8. AnonymousSeptember 9, 2010 at 4:51 PM

    Thanks! I am definitely going to give it a read! (I should be opening up a shop very soon!!! I have been doing a ton of research, so this will be very helpful.)

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  9. PinkPug,INK.September 9, 2010 at 6:43 PM

    Thanks for the review! I wanted to get this book but they didn't have it at the library & I wasn't sure if I should buy it. Now I will! :)

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  10. AnonymousSeptember 9, 2010 at 7:24 PM

    I second your recommendation, Jess!

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  11. UnknownSeptember 9, 2010 at 8:16 PM

    Thanks for the recommendation! I'm putting it on my list right now!! I've been looking to up my freelance business but have been wondering what to do next! Thanks for sharing!

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  12. UnknownSeptember 10, 2010 at 3:26 AM

    Hello! I'm french and I don't speak english very well. Excuse-me for mistakes!

    I enjoy your blog that I feel very nice, luminous and useful and creative!

    Great thanks!

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  13. Heather - ChickabugSeptember 10, 2010 at 7:29 AM

    Thank you!! I totally agree about most other books being scary. So much legal-ese to get through - it makes you want to stay in your cube! ; ) I can't wait to check this one out!

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  14. mSeptember 10, 2010 at 9:53 AM

    I haven't read this one but I read the previous one about running a craft business and have recommended it to anyone and everyone. Great books!

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  15. iam_artisanSeptember 11, 2010 at 5:38 AM

    I want to have this book too... however its not yet available in the philippines...

    -thoughtsofartisan.blogspot.com

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  16. TreadgoldSeptember 11, 2010 at 8:15 PM

    I just purchased this book and eagerly anticipating its arrival in the mail. Good to know there are so many like-minded crafties and artists out there...

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  17. rebekahSeptember 11, 2010 at 10:13 PM

    thanks for the report! i'll check it out for sure!..

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  18. Sweet TSeptember 12, 2010 at 2:44 PM

    Thanks for the book review. I've looked at this several times and wondered if it'd be worth purchasing.

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  19. ToriSeptember 13, 2010 at 7:32 PM

    Sounds like a great resource. Starting something knew (of any craft, trade, or business) can seem daunting. I am sure this will help many feel more informed.

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  20. .tifSeptember 13, 2010 at 10:28 PM

    thanks for this post. i've been looking for a few books to read as i, too, consider leaving my design agency (which is a great place to work, but my heart longs to be at home with my family) to freelance from home.

    besides this book, is there anything else (reading in print or on the web) you'd recommend to someone thinking of taking the plunge to work for themselves?

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  21. jeannette arrowoodSeptember 22, 2010 at 10:24 AM

    decided to purchase this today with your recommendation, along with their other book craft and the craft planning guide that they came out with. thanks for the recommendation!
    http://www.twitter.com/nettaP

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  22. MelissaJanuary 31, 2011 at 5:47 PM

    Thanks for the tip! I just bought this for my Kindle.

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