Creative, Inc. The Ultimate Guide to Running a Successful Freelance Business

by Cho, Joy Deangdeelert; Ilasco, Meg Mateo

• ISBN13: 9780811871617
• ISBN10: 0811871614
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-07-28
• Publisher: Chronicle Books

Summary

As the hipster classic Craft, Inc. did for crafters, this book will teach all types of creatives—illustrators, photographers, graphic designers, animators, and more—how to build a successful business doing what they love. Freelancing pros Meg Mateo Ilasco and Joy Deangdeelert Cho explain everything from creating a standout portfolio to navigating the legal issues of starting a business. Accessible, spunky, and packed with practical advice, Creative, Inc. is an essential for anyone ready to strike out on their own.

Author Biography

Meg Mateo Ilasco started her freelance business, Mateo Ilasco, in 2005 and is the author of Craft, Inc. and the Craft, Inc. Business Planner. Meg lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Joy Deangdeelert Cho launched her design business, Oh Joy!, in 2005. She works with clients nationwide and authors an award-winning design blog. Joy lives in Philadelphia.

Table of Contents

Introduction	p. 8
Introduction to Creative Freelancing	p. 10
What is Creative Freelancing?
Nine Qualities of a Successful Freelancer
Preparing for Freelancing
Freelance Earnings
Moonlighting
Freelancing Fresh Out of School
Setting Up Shop	p. 28
Picking a Freelance Name
Specializing vs. Generalizing
Where to Work?
Financing Your First Year
Studio Tools and Equipment
Also, Web & Interactive Design
Finding Vendors
Making It Official
Creating a Business Plan
Getting the Word Out	p. 50
Establishing Your Brand
Welcome Exposure
The Portfolio
Your Web Site
Business Stationery
Publicity
Blogging
Advertising
Getting a Leg Up on the Competition
Networking and Referrals
Virtual Networking
Mailings
Ongoing Marketing Plans
Working with Clients	p. 74
Client 101
Getting the Job
Weeding Out Bad Clients
Approaching the Project
Maintaining Communication
Unhappy Clients and Canceled Jobs
Boomerang Buyers
Licensing Your Work
Getting Paid	p. 96
Putting a Price on Your Talent
Hourly Fee Formula
Calculating by the Project
Estimates
Terms
Fee Negotiation
Contracts
When and How to Increase Fees
Billing and Bookkeeping
Taxes
Agents	p. 118
Is an Agent Right for You?
The Benefits of Having an Agent
Finding an Agent
Working with an Agent
Ending an Agent Relationship
Balancing Your Business and Personal Lives	p. 136
Goal Setting
Working Smart
Dealing with Creative Blocks
Me Time
Next Steps	p. 152
Your First Year
Should You Call it Quits?
Should You Choose Growth?
Partnering
Collaborating and Outsourcing
Hiring Staff
Offering Internships
Long-Term Success Strategies
The Future Awaits
Resources	p. 176
Index	p. 180
Acknowledgments	p. 182
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.