This is Garrett Murray's Maniacal Rage

Anonymous asked:

I currently do a small bit of iOS and Android contract work on the side. I really enjoy it since what I'm working on changes somewhat frequently and I have more control over how I work. I'll be graduating from college in the spring and would like to do contract work full time. Any tips other then simply meeting people and creating great work for clients?

Starting your career going freelance is tricky—you need contacts to get jobs and without having had jobs in the industry, you’re unlikely to have contacts. Because you’re just starting out, you probably have a smaller body of work, which means it will be harder to convince potential clients to work with you. My suggestion would be to take a full-time job at a small studio, if possible. It will give you loads of useful, real-world experience in all the areas that matter for later going freelance: Client and project management, the sales process, billing, and, of course, the actual work. Be sure you find a place where you can really get involved in a lot of aspects of the business and learn as much as you can.

While you’re working, become a part of the community. Write a weblog about your work, talk to other designers, attend conferences (preferably smaller, intimate conferences where you’re not just one of 20,000 people), and build up a network of contacts and friends. They’re going to be priceless when you eventually go out on your own.

It all takes time. It took me nearly 10 years to get where I am today with Karbon, and all of the connections and experience I gained along the way have made it possible for me to continue to do fun projects for awesome clients and work with amazing people. Good luck!