I’ve noticed that freelancing isn’t a topic that receives much coverage. So I thought I’d share a few of my own experiences as a freelance designer working remotely with clients all over the world. I’m also certain these experiences apply to many other industries as well as design.

Perhaps you’re thinking of hiring a freelancer or even of becoming one yourself. Whatever you’re thinking, there are plenty of advantages to this way of working. Either way I’d say ‘go for it’ without hesitation. You won’t regret it for a minute.

Cost efficiency and flexibility

There’s no denying that cost is the most attractive benefit. No matter how big or small the business, everyone has to deal financial constraints and tight budgets nowadays. And the simple fact is that dealing with one person with low overheads is far more cost-effective and less bureaucratic than hiring an entire agency.

Many more clients now prefer to outsource jobs on a project-to-project basis, rather than hire agencies on a retainer basis (something which, in my experience, is becoming a thing of the past). Costs can be agreed before any work is undertaken, and prices agreed on an hourly/daily rate, or for the entire project itself.

The value of one-on-one

Aside from cost, there’s also the personal factor. By working with a freelancer one-on-one, a project is generally briefed directly and delivered on-time, on-budget and to the client’s satisfaction.

To my mind, a good freelance designer always puts themselves in the clients’ shoes and looks at a brief from the point-of-view of the target audience. By working with a single point-of-contact, things are less likely to be lost in translation, held up in traffic or stymied by complex systems.

Beyond barriers and borders

As communication technology has advanced, freelancers (me included) have found themselves working with clients all over the world. Keeping in touch simply isn’t a problem anymore, as most projects are handled through email.

Initially projects can be briefed over the phone, through conference calls or via online platforms like Skype. Documents of all formats can be delivered through your Inbox or through file-sharing. And smartphone technology means you can access everything at any time and from anywhere.

Interested? Let’s talk.

I’ve only touched on a few of the benefits of working with a freelancer. If you’d like to learn more, or discuss any freelancing projects, feel free to get in touch for a chat. If you’re considering going freelance yourself, then all the best. I’ve found it to be a win-win situation, and I’m sure you will too.