Editors Note: Elliot will be sharing more of his thoughts in his main stage session at the upcoming Future of Web Design in London.
In the latest installment of our occasional series “5 questions for…” we chat to Elliot Jay Stocks, a Bristol based freelance web designer. Elliot made the leap to the freelance life two years ago.
In this interview he shares some of his experiences and insights into how new freelancers can forge a career in the web industry. Thanks to Elliot for taking time out to talk with us.
1. What’s been the biggest challenge of running your freelance web design business?
At times, it can be hard to stay motivated. That can take the form of a creative block, or — even if you’re doing good stuff — just not having a desire to work. Of course, we all get that, but when you’re your own boss, there’s no-one else to force you into work!
I’m lucky in that I don’t experience this problem that often (distraction is my biggest issue!) but when I do, I often find that taking a break (if possible) or changing my working environment usually helps. I work from a lot of different coffee shops and pubs, and I find that helps me to focus… weirdly.
2. What tools, online or otherwise, are in your opinion essential for a freelance web designer?
The Hit List is my favourite app at the moment. I’ve got a blog post in the drafts about why it’s such a great app for ‘getting things done’ and I’ll have to get round to posting that soon. In my opinion any to-do list app is essential for the freelance web designer or small business owner.
Other not-very-sexy apps like iCal are high on my list, too, because staying organised is key. My favourite web app is Xero, which I use for all my accounting. I couldn’t imagine doing it another way now, and its seamless integration with my bank is just fantastic.
When it comes to actual production, well, there’s the usual Creative Suite stuff. I love InDesign — because I’m doing a lot of print stuff recently — and I wish Photoshop was that reliable. I’m actually hoping that Apple or someone will come out with a Photoshop killer. I’m sure it can be done better.
Other apps: Transmit for FTP; TextMate for coding. Yes, they’re Mac-based, but then I’m Mac-biased. Actually, add that tool to the list: a Mac!
3. How important was having a pipeline of work when making the leap from employed to self employed?
Very, very, very important! Part of that is about financial security, but it’s also about being able to see where you’re headed. Being able to plan ahead is essential and it’s my personal belief that freelancers and small business owners are actually more secure than employees. I’ll elaborate on that point in my presentation at FOWD!
4. As a lone crusader you obviously have to deal with clients as well as undertaking the design work. On a typical project how much time do you “budget” in for client liaison?
Actually I don’t think about it that much. maybe I’m being naive, but the majority of my clients are pretty easy to handle and client liaison doesn’t usually take that much time.
The only people who have proved problematic in that area have been clients I’ve fired very early on in the process. I do have a few clients who like to talk for a long time on the phone but I don’t mind, because they’re usually important conversations.
5. At Future of Web Design London you will be talking about self promotion, if you could give one nugget of advice for a newly freelance web designer to get themselves on the radar what would it be?
The crux of it is that self-promotion is the most important thing you can do so that work comes to you. There are no hard and fast rules for making it work, but fortunately we’re in an industry where there are lots of avenues to explore.
Writing for blogs, commenting on designers’ articles, and participating in the industry is so important if you want to get your name out there. Sure, doing good work is important and no amount of self-promotion will work if you don’t produce decent stuff, but it’s about getting your name fixed in people’s heads, and having them make the association between your name and good, quality work.
Thanks Elliot :)
