The profession of UI/UX Designer has become very captivating, much more if there is an option open for freelancing. Aspirants take up the UI/UX design course as they are attracted to the numerous goodies that come along with building a UI/UX freelance career. Some of these are the freedom to set your own schedule, be your own boss, work from wherever you want to, work for different organizations at the same time, and pick projects that you are passionate about, among others.
However, the elephant in the room remains whether a career as a freelancer is as profitable and progressive in the UI/UX industry. The answer to this is provided by numerous recent reports that state that 35% of the American workforce, ie 57 million professionals, have turned to freelance in recent years. With so many professionals turning towards freelancing, there surely must be some perks and advantage that comes along with it. Let us first take a look into some of the benefits that freelancing UI/UX professionals experience:
1) Flexibility of Time
The very first benefit of any UI/UX freelancer is that they are not restricted to working any 9-5 hours. You have the option of setting your own work schedule, whether it be full-time or part-time, considering your circumstances.
As a freelancer, you have the freedom to take breaks and go for a vacation and have a “me-time” without disrupting or affecting the work.
However, it is to be kept in mind that a freelancer is paid for the work they deliver.
2) Flexible Income
While a permanent employee has to work under the fixed salary until and unless there is a raise, a freelancer has no such restrictions binding them. You are the boss and so you can set your own rates for the services you offer. A survey by the Freelancers Union registered that “the majority of freelancers that left a full-time job made more within a year.”
3) Location
As a freelancer, you will be working remotely, so you can choose the location you feel most comfortable working in. You can work in the comforts of your home, or have a sip of coffee from a nearby cafe and have a quality day at work.
4) Clients and Co-Workers
The boss of the company gets to pick the clients and co-workers they will be working with. You can choose the client that brings in projects that you are most interested in and which offers scope for productivity and growth.
Similarly, you get to examine and choose your co-workers. Looking at their resumes, you can select the ones that bring in the team spirit and contributes significantly to your work, productivity, and professional life.
Steps to Become a Freelance UX Designer
1. Complete Your Degree
As a UI/UX designer, your main task would be to build an app that is simple to understand, simple to use, and visually appealing. In order to achieve this, you will have to learn and master tasks dealing with shape and colour, typography and layout, photos, illustrations, etc. In addition to this, you will also assist in providing your expertise in technical areas.
Thus it becomes very clear that in order to become an expert in the subject matter, you will need to earn relevant credentials that validate your professionalism in front of your clients. This can be achieved by enrolling in a good UI/UX design course that builds your proficiency in building good-looking and easy-to-use apps.
2. Pick a Niche
A career in UI/UX design comes with many options, and it is your responsibility to choose a path that best meets your passion. Only then will you be able to deliver expert and professional services to your clients. These may include:
- Web design, mobile app design, game design, product design, etc
- Healthcare, or personal branding
- Technology like Squarespace websites, iOS apps
- Specific areas like user research, accessibility design
3. Become Financially Stable
Before starting your own business, take some time and stand on your own feet. You have to be financially stable and independent before you become a freelancer.
Therefore, it is mostly advisable that before becoming a freelancer, it is better to have a 9-5 job for a few years. This will not just help you save money to venture into your own company, but this will also refine your skills and expertise in the subject.
4. Set Your Rates
A freelancer unusually sets the rate in three ways: by the hour, by the week, or by the project. It is up to you to decide which method fits right for the job you are taking up.
5. Self-Marketing
As a freelancer, you are solely responsible for the sales and marketing of your business. Therefore, it becomes very important to market yourself for the stability of your business. This can be achieved in the following manner:
a) Build a Website: Build a website that mentions your experience, background, and the kind of work you’re open to.
b) Use Your Network: Make use of your personal, professional, and social networks and let them know about your business venture. You could send an email or personally reach out to your past colleagues, seniors, or mentors to seek referrals.
c) Build a Community: Build a community of followers, who can turn into potential customers, by regularly writing a blog or a newsletter.
d) Analyze your Competitors: For a successful business, it is very important to stay updated and have a good understanding of the market. Regularly check the job boards to find out about the rates of the market. Also, keep an eye on your fellow competitors to see the kind of strategy and techniques they apply to seek the attention of the clients.
This article has aimed to tour you around the benefits of having a freelancing career as a UI/UX designer. Starting a business is never easy, but knowing the right steps can bring great changes. Following the steps mentioned above can change each project you receive into opportunities for a greater and better tomorrow.