Fastspot is an interactive agency based in Baltimore, Maryland, that creates beautiful websites, applications and brands along with offering a wide selection of technology and marketing services. I recently had a chance to speak with Tracey Halvorsen, Fastspot's Principal and Creative Director. Tracey is also a painter, author, speaker and of course, a designer. She shared some great advice for freelancers and designers, including effective ways to use social networking, important things to remember when starting a freelance business and skills aside from design a designer should work on.
Below are a few of the questions from the interview, which I'll be sharing over the next couple of weeks.
- How has social media changed the way you communicate and do business?
"Not only is Twitter useful to broadcast and interact, it's also incredibly useful to research prospective clients, learn more about potential employees and watch what your competition is up to." Read Full Answer - What advice would you give to someone considering leaving a full-time job to start a freelance business? When is the "right time" or does that not exist?
"Get back to people, follow up, always put the ball back in their court. I call it client service hot potato - if I'm holding it, I'm getting burned." Read Full Answer
- If you could pick a few things designers should improve on or learn about, that have nothing to do with the creative side of our work, what would they be?
"Remember your prospective clients are busy, so don't waste their time, and don't make them work hard to understand what you are selling or why they should hire you." Read Full Answer
Jumbalaya iPad app by Fastspot (Image Used Courtesy of Fastspot)
Freelancers usually have not had to deal with the accounting side of the business. As a printer and dealing with designers I think a number of them have struggled with the bookkeeping and gov’t reporting/tax requirements. Taking a bookkeeping or accounting class at a community college gives them some idea of what to expect. Going to govt websites or consulting a CPA going into it can save real $ in fees and penalties. Almost all the freelancers I have seen have been bitten by this for the first year until they learn the hard way.
Wow I might say this is a nice design. Full of concept and really direct to the point. Hope Tracey can develop more my skills as a designer.
Having just set up my own graphic design business and going freelance, some of the advice on here is really usefully.
Very Nice Indeed.
I think sometimes its important to review your options before moving to freelance work, but I have most defiantly seen the benefits. Firstly I ensured I was getting the right business advice so thank you Tracey for your tips. Also I wanted to “big up” your mention of social media it has done wonders for my business, although it may seem time consuming it really pays off.