I chose to leave my day job after about 12 months consideration. I saved up, put some money in the bank and took out a bank loan to last me 6 months mortgage payments just in case I failed miserable. Luckily, thing have gone very well for me, I didn't need to touch any of my savings and I paid the loan off within 6 months. So why are most designers afraid to go it alone as a freelance web (or print) designer? I can only assume it's a distinct lack of confidence in themselves... not necessarily their ability to do the work but to go out and get the work, have the self discipline, communication skills with clients and day to day running duties of a business.

Although there is a significant increase in the number of graphic designers offering freelance design services, I don't know whether it's down to the recession or they are realising they are truly underpaid and freelancing potentially provides better opportunities and higher pay. I thought it would be worth writing a bit about things I have learned so far and if you decide to follow me in the realms of freelance design, then here's some important rules for you to follow to achieve success:-

1. I learn't this in my previous place of employment when they sent me on a time-management course... you have to learn when to say 'No'. It is important to be able to say 'NO' if you disagree with the clients brief. Don't be afraid to re-write the brief of you have a legitimate reason for doing so and be confident in explaining your reasons. After all, you are the professional, you're not an artworker and there's no point in being a doormat if you believe the clients requests could have a major impact on the output of the product (which they will blame you for later on). If the client resists, be polite, be positive, hold your ground... if they really won't accept your changes, try to compromise but make sure they are aware of your concerns. In worst case scenarios, don't be afraid to pull out of the project but because you may encounter trouble that is not worth your time or effort and there are many more clients out there appreciative of your skills
   
   
2. Communicate well with your client, don't be afraid to ask questions. I tend to find clients speak to you with the assumption you know everything about their product or service and majority of the time I haven't a clue what they are talking about. So I find it imperative to get as much information about them and their services or products, make notes, offer suggestions, ask about competitors, what they like, what they don't like. Always be polite, positive, and persistent.
   
   
3. Whilst working as a freelance designer, make sure you always push yourself to research, lean and enhance your working skills and keep up with modern trends and styles. It's a never-ending process, and to fall behind puts you behind.
   
   
4. Relax! Find the time. I have a puppy which forces me to go out every day for a walk, even when i'm up to the eye-balls with deadlines. It gives you some breathing space and refreshes you. Sometimes I find I can waste 30 minutess looking at my screen thinking.. 'my god i'm tired'... I would be much better off stretching the legs for 30 minutes, returning fresher, more relaxed and more awake!
   
   
5. We have to enjoy what we're doing or what's the point? Even when you get those jobs that seem never ending, and the clients always changing everything. As designers, I think we were born to moan, and moaning is healthy as long as you don't do it to your client and you can it as a positive challenge. Ideally the challenge is cracking this job that's just not working, and when it's right you'll be much happier for it. If all else fails, just think of the paycheck if that's what it takes to get you through it, but whatever it takes, enjoy it.
   
   
6. The importance of a relaxed personal life. I left full-time employment because of the stress of day to day work which reflected badly on my overall personal happiness, which then reflected on my enjoyment of working. As a freelance designer I've found my work is much more enjoyable, it's in my own time and my time is managed by me. I do find more time to myself where I can either work on my own creative projects or if I wish simply hit the playstation at 2 in the afternoon, or if I wish to do these things all day and not actually start my work until 8pm is my choice, it's a case of freedom which I find very valuable to a happy life.
   
   
7. Good working relations is vital as a freelance web designer or graphic designer. It's very important to build good working relations with anyone and everyone. Even those that aren't necessarily repeat customers... ask yourself... will they be back next year with design tweaks, or a new website or a new brochure. There's also good word and mouth which is more valuable than anything, it's how I get most of my work and rely on it heavily. Implement ethics and honesty, do not commit to promises you can't keep, it's always better to be truthful and meet expectations.
   
   
8. Take the time to learn about business and finance. As a freelance designer, you are managing a business of your own. Just because you have no employees or office space, it doesn't make it any less of a business. You are the boss of your company and you have to learn the ABC'S of business, learn about tax, invoicing, retrieving payments, tie management, project management, talking to clients, meeting deadlines, everything is done by you and is your sole responsibility.
   
   
9. Do not take rejection or criticism personally. Not every client will appreciate how long you've taken on kerning your type or even know what it is. Not all client's will appreciate a pantone isn't used in web design, not every client will appreciate your experience in laying out a user journey. Because of this, they will come out with some brash ideas, some of which a just not viable, but you have to consider one thing, they know their clients better than you do, so if they want to make the 'SAVE MONEY' offer bigger, brighter and flashing... it's not because they don't like your work, it's because they know their clients well.
   
   
10. Hit your deadlines! Whatever you're freelancing in, whether you're a freelance web designer or a freelance graphic designer it's important to hit deadlines. Be professional and committed. If you can't hit the deadline don't take the job on, one missed deadline could result in bad word and mouth and the results could be a lot worse for you than one unhappy customer.