Top Online Freelance Design Resources

I just wanted to post a short list of resources that I think would help any designer who is on their way to freelance efficiency! Freelance Switch is a great resource overall and they publish great lists all the time. Here are my favorites from their infamous 101 Essential Freelancing resources article.

• My New Company – Legal and general start-up information
• Designers Toolbox – Free legal forms for graphic designers
• Copyright – Everything you need to know about US copyright
• AIGA Form of Agreement – Standard form of agreement for design services template
• HelpMeWork – US – Services to help you focus on what you know best
• CreativeCommons – For licensing…just about anything
• Creative Public - Useful site for anyone starting a freelance graphic or web design career. A $49.95 fee buys unlimited access to forms, manuals, pricing guides, contracts etc
• You Send It – Send files up to 2GB online
• Jewelboxing – superior packaging for short run CDs and DVDs
• PowerXChange – Extensions for a variety of creative software, including Acrobat, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Dreamweaver
• Dropsend – Email up to 1GB of files
• Media Fire – Send 100MB files online
• Box – Store, share and access files online
• Icebrrg – Simple web forms
• Formsite – Web forms and surveys in minutes
• Kuler – Colour scheme picker
• Pixie – A useful little colour picker
• ColourSchemer – A bunch of colour tools
• Jungle Disk – Online storage for 15 cents a gigabyte
• AskCharity – free online contacts for journalists
• TechInline – Remote Desktop Software
• Protolize – Web Resource Directory
• Proposal Kit – Proposal and contract management tools
• Ta-Da Lists – a simple (free!) to-do list application that can be shared with the world
• Backpack – Service that integrates to-do lists, notes, files, images, and a calendar with reminders that can be sent to your email or cell
• Writeboard – Sharable, web-based text documents that save edits, so you can collaborate, roll back and compare
• ConceptShare - Share designs and get feedback with visual annotation tools
• Wridea – Free tool for writers focusing on idea generation
• GoPlan – Note-taking, calendaring, task management, issue tracking, file management and online real-time chat
• Toodledo – Another web based to-do list
• ActiveCollab – Open source collaboration and project management tool
• MonkeyOn – Your to-do list for things that you want other people to do
• Remember The Milk – Another To-Do List manager
• HighRise – Track communication and conversations with leads, employees, clients, colleagues, vendors
• Campfire – Real-time group chat and file sharing
• Central Desktop – Shared workspaces and web conferencing
• Relenta – Manage your email, contacts, documents and activities
• Google Apps – Communication and collaboration tools from Google
• Zoho – Free office tools
• Campaign Monitor – Email newsletter software
• MailBuild – More newsletter software
• Breeze – Email campaign and newsletter software
• Business-Paper – Easy business cards
• GoToMeeting – Easy online meetings
• Wufoo – Make forms to survey your clients
• AIGA Spec Letter – Sample letter to communicate with clients who want spec work or free pitching
• CPA Directory – Find an accountant (in the US)
• SBA – Small Business Administration, help and advice
• Paypal – Online payment system
• Moneybookers – Online payment system
• Escrow – Online payment system that protects the buyer and seller, useful for those bigger jobs with anonymous clients.
• Resources for the Design Entrepeneur – Free sample forms and agreements
• Work – How-to guides to running a small business
• XE – Quick and easy currency converter for all your international transactions
• Trendwatching – Consumer trends and insights resource

Here are some books to top it all off:

• Graphic Designer’s Guide to Pricing, Estimating & Budgeting — Revised Edition
• 100 Habits of Successful Freelance Designers: Insider Secrets for Working Smart & Staying Creative
• Freelance Design in Practice
• Design Basics Index
• Getting It Right In Print
• How To Be A Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul
• 1 Hour Website (includes template CD-ROM with professionally designed templates)
• Transcending CSS: The Fine Art of Web Design
• How To Be A Freelance Rockstar

Setting a Deadline Date: Freelance Finish Line

Last night I decided to set a deadline date for my transition into a freelance lifestyle. Without this date, my need to continue improving and perfecting would take over and I've read this is often a killer for start-up businesses. I've found that nothing helps you grow more then the challenges and small failures that only happen when you're immersed in a client-based project.

Here are some factors I considered when setting the date:

1. Money. One of the most important considerations (unfortunately) is money. Ideally, I would like to have a 9-12 month buffer of savings that keeps me from sweating the small stuff. Add up your monthly bills, food, and extra expenses and then add another chunk for unforeseen money-sucking events (like your car window being broken for a penny in the passenger seat). Then, calculate the maximum amount you can put away each pay period to cover these expenses. After you have this, ask yourself how many months it will take to save-up the correct amount for a stable freelance lifestyle--and there you have it!

I love using my online banking system because I can schedule my reoccurring deposits along with all my bills. It will even let me know if a future transaction is not kosher so I can drag and shift things around to protect myself from any overdraft fees.

2. Development. Since my specific area of interest will take some time to develop I want to give myself enough time (but not too much) to really narrow my scope and write a business plan packed with information regarding my mission, methods, and resources. This way I have a document I can refer back to when considering the direction of my business and maybe show some interested investors.

3. Life milestones. I am recently engaged, so this means including the wedding and travel expenses in my calculations. I took my total that I would save and subtracted a good chunk of it for this event. Saving for a start-up also means that buying a house will have to wait since a lot of my funds will need to go towards my financial security.

In the end, my calculations are totally based in my ability to predict the future. This means I keep my job, continue with a similar living situation, and consistently cut-down on spending from shoes to french fries.

In light of that, I have also structured two contingency plans:

1. Moving towards part-time employment. As I get closer to my active date since the work load will be getting heavier. This move will effect my pattern of saving but allow me much more time to complete necessary work for the launch.

2. It's quitting time. Let's say I get a promotion and I am able to squirrel away 50% more then I thought, that means I may be able to move on earlier and may be able to dedicated my full attention to my business before needing to get a supplemental job.

Now that I have set a date, it all seems more real; I am now actively working towards a tangible goal. It seems that the success of an independent venture really depends on how much you kick your own butt.