Truth About Freelance Web Design

[@KaYungCalebLai]

I guess you have to try it to see if it works out or not. I've started freelancing about 1 years ago. Here is my thoughts and tips. • You have to be great at work you do, by great I mean better than at least 70% of the people in the industry or it'll be very hard to generate leads. • Get at least 1 longer term contract work as a based, they may not pay very well, but as least you won't starve when you have low volume of work • Keep charging more as you grow your client base. Referrals are key, ask for referrals often before you finish the work • Don't get discouraged when your work volume is low. Instead use those time to market yourself, update your portfolio and reach out to previous clients for more work. • When working on multiple projects, You'll grow your portfolio much faster than working full time for a company. A portfolio that has different types of work to show will make you more desirable to potential clients. • There are people charging SO MUCH (1+ million dollar) for a website design. The market is not dead, you just need to know where to look. I'm not making this up, check out a youtube channel called The Futur. I used to make 67k in my previous full time job, I quit and started full time freelancing. 1 year gone by and I'm making 2 times more than I used to. Not saying I'll be freelancing forever, but freelancing and making a living is totally possible. You can see my work on dribbble /Caleblai. I can also made a video to share my experience if there are people interested in knowing more.

[@BlackSk8ter100]

Yeah man definitely. Would love to hear more of your story

[@kingdomsongwriting7825]

Same!

[@uigfyrf6087]

Can you tell us where did u started in web design ? Cs degree ? Graphic design degree ? Started with java html css first ? Frameworks ? That wouldmbe so helpful.

[@itsrelativ3967]

The biggest problem with freelancing as your only job is that one month you could bring in $2,000 to $8,000 and then have a 2-month drought making exactly $0. And it's not easy to save that money when you have living expenses and debt. Better hold on to that job at Home Depot or the bank. LOL

[@EvaPerelloTES]

THANKS!!! Totally agree Mike. In my case I've switched career - at my 45's - and this has been my only way to get experience and build my portfolio, in a new country, with no business network. As you can imagine, I started doing projects for free, and then at very low rate/hr ... after that I was lucky to find a small agency that posted a gig online, that surprisely chose me... this was a great opportunity. As you can see, I present my portfolio as a local business that supports "small local business", which is true, considering that I've tried to build a local team to help me with projects. You can also imagine that this attempt wasn't successful either. I was learning, managing, on production and trying to get more clients... too many hats. I'm doing maintenance for my clients and getting new projects and better rate, and gigs on Agencies, but at this point, my goal is to settle myself into a more regular job, and keep growing by learning, sharing my skills and experiences...

[@FuckZionify]

hello miss Perello, greetings from Germany! 😊

[@davidmtromholt6366]

100% agree. Freelancing nowadays is a constant race to the bottom, against people who are willing to work for pennies. Freelancing bureaus are also usually flooded with the type of clients who doesn't understand the true value of someone who does great work - they just want a cheap website with their logo slapped on it, asap. Businesses that have this attitude are not worth working for, as people usually put less value in something they got for peanuts, than something they spend top dollar on. I've been on both ends of the spectrum, sometimes you need a really bad experience (under-paid, under-appreciated) as a wakeup call, but once you've been through it, you dont' want it to happen again :-)

[@OldSchoolNiner]

I was hooked to the words... until I heard an iPhone ring. This is good advice for those that appear meager and have no true ambition. There is a big world out there, ready to pay you for what you do. My advice is this... do not take NO for an answer, always keep fighting.. AND never believe that you cannot achieve. With a positive mindset and a burning desire, YOU can touch the sky!!

[@avimosseri56]

I think that this video is geared more towards freelance web designers rather than web developers. Freelance web designers with some basic html and css knowledge are a dime a dozen nowadays but competent developers, particularly web developers are thriving in the freelance realm. If you can really master a major web framework like Ruby on Rails or Django and get some software/app development skills in there, you can make a more than decent living and more easily transition to starting up your own company.

[@bradsteiner4834]

+Avi Mosseri very good point. Didnt think about that cause for me, web designing automatically involves developing and building layered web solutions. (at least database + logic + view)

[@casual_citizen]

I think not, the customers don't know the difference between a website built with Ruby on Rails or Wordpress. Frankly I don't even think they care if you tried to explain it. If it looks good and it's 1/3 of your price it's just math to them. That's the average Joe looking for a personal website or your smaller/medium size businesses for you. If you're talking about landing contracts for large businesses then you'll have to compete against the all the big fish with a team of 10+ developers and an impressive portfolio to go with that, showing massive websites with all the functionalities you could ask for. As a freelancer you're kinda stuck looking for work with the former rather than the latter. Either that or you're part of the famous 1% of web designers/developers he addressed, which kinda rules you out as the exception and not what people can realistically expect.

[@MelissaRotunno]

I am glad to hear someone say that. So many want to be their own business, but I just want to add and get to be more creative on side projects!

[@OfficialDevTips]

Nice tan! Glad you are feeling good dude! Interesting ideas about Freelance. I've been out of the freelance game for some time, so I was surprised to hear that it's not considered sustainable anymore. I'm not sure if that's the common notion or not. I have noticed, however a shift from agency to in-house or startup design roles being the sought after position in the past few years. Thanks for sharing!

[@Baloo0088]

Hey Mike, I've been subscribed to your channel since about 2012 and used to watch your videos as soon as they were uploaded but I didn't get any videos pop up from your channel since then....so 3 years passed and just out of pure curiosity I did a search for Mike Locke, to my surprise you're still uploading videos. Now I feel like I missed SO much.

[@danas986]

Happy belated birthday, Mike! Thank you for this thought-provoking video, it's something I've known deep down for a while but didn't really want to accept. I guess I will have to find some job, my problem is I've got too used to being my own boss and having flexible workdays that having a 9-5 job kinda scares me.

[@katikatt]

Although a bit late, but... Happy Birthday Mike! :) I couldn't agree more with you. I come from the translation industry, where we all mostly work as freelancers, and it is exactly as you described. All translators are always struggling with how hard it is to make a decent living. And it is funny, because the only translators that actually tell you that you can indeed make a great living as a freelance translator, are the ones whom main source of income is not working as a freelance translators, but selling a series of +$200 courses to "teach" other translators how to become successful freelancers. Freelancing is not sustainable if you are looking for a long term career where you can keep progressing. In fact, as a freelancer you end up spending much more time trying to get clients than actually working on your skills, whether it is design, translation, photography... whatever. Of course, it is helpful to start building your portfolio (which is what I am doing at this point), or to get an extra income, but it cannot become your main source of income nor your top goal in any career. PS: I love your videos, they are very helpful! :)

[@eason777662893]

This guy speaks of the truth! unlike some youtubers that show their fancy cars or houses, then they try to sell motivation stories for money. Thumbs up!

[@rrichardson920]

Hey *****, I'm really glad that you posted this video because that idea of being a freelancer only started to creep back into my mind. Lol! Thanks so much for the abundance of wisdom that you share to newbies like myself who want to make the best decisions without some of the headache that comes along with experience. You Rock!!!

[@MikeLocke]

rrichardson920 Thanks man, glad you hear what I'm saying. Not enough people in this field talk about this because its a hard thing to swallow for some. Freelance is great as a side hustle. But that's all it is, a side hustle. The world of business have so many more opportunities that involves the skill of UI/UX Design that should make people's dreams go from a size of a pea to the size of a mountain. When you realize what I'm saying the skies the limit. I wish I had a round table that we can all chat about it. Would really excite people hear and see the opportunities out there. Thanks man!

[@MaiahisOrange]

I'm currently studying webdesign at community college, it was my initial intention to do freelance, I will certainly do it supplementarily. Thank you for your realistic insight. My goals have definitely been shifted by this video.

[@MikeLocke]

BRWNFRUIT Thank you for understanding. I think many people learn what I said in this video naturally after spending a few years freelancing, they eventually get it. The sad part is many people give up on web design all together because of the stress of not making it in freelance (no money) so they think its a failure. But that's not the case - its no secret that every top UI Designer in the world has a job. Its because the can paid a ton working as a lead UI/UX Designer while continuing to freelance on the side if they want. In addition, they build connections, network with people and create businesses (using the same skills of Web Design, UI, UX Design, etc.). Glad you hear me.

[@SisHattie]

Thanks for the advice. Just returning from overseas working for 16 years. Trying to get myself reestablished in the U.S. needed to hear this.

[@BrandonMushlin1]

Excellent video, I definitely appreciate you taking this head on as you mention, most do not address it. Freelancing as a web designer increases their skills is a step in the door to discuss more services, tools, and options available to the client, thereby allowing passive income from the sites you build. Rarely is a website ever the solution for the client, what happens next with that website is necessary, the outlying strategy surrounding lead generation, updated content, social influence, funnels, SEO, video, when one can master the connections and systems surrounding this model, they can start creating 3-5k per month passively and in other cases much more the longer you are out there providing value. Always look at the ultimate vision the client wants to achieve and reverse engineer the solutions. Keeps you more valuable to clients. I've been fortunate to have clients 15+ years by paying attention to this type of service and value.

[@Kumlla]

Happy birthday Mike, i believe you had great celebration and welcome back!

[@MikeLocke]

Nalley A. Much love!...

[@MattLTaylor]

Happy birthday buddy! Been following you for several years now and always found your videos refreshing and informative. Keep it up man.

[@nirvana7420]

Freelance is NOT for everyone. This is for those who can talk and do at the same time. If you are good enough to write code and no time for marketing yourself then you won't be that much successful in today's competitive world. So having skills is just beginning. You have to know how to sell yourself and your skills.

[@NbaLive4ever]

Happy belated birthday Mike! And man I've been missing your videos. Glad you're back! Good stuff about the truth of freelance. I highly respect your opinions so I'm definitely listening. I might just get your course very soon on my next paycheck. I recently got a new job in ecommerce so I'm definitely planning to learn UI UX design on the side!

[@MikeLocke]

NbaLive4ever ;) ..thanks man.

[@busyrand]

Great Video! Really needed to hear this... I realized I hadn't gotten any updates from your channel in a while and re-subscribed and clicked on the notifications. Great content!

[@jayjayjaythebrand]

Hey Mike/Everyone, for once I'll have to respectfully disagree with you on this one. I know and have read stories about many successful freelance web designers/developers that worked in agencies and corporations and left because the 9-5 life isn't for everyone. The thing people fail to realize is that freelancing isn't about taking in a bunch of projects here and there and praying you can have another client next month to get the bills paid. It's about dominating a niche market whether it be local or global and establishing yourself and your brand as the "go-to" person/group for that market, like the restaurant market for example. It's also then about keeping clients on retainer once you've established a relationship, whether that be from doing SEO for them or maintenance, or hosting, etc. It's also about going for clients just like the agencies do. It seems a lot of people get real freelancing mixed up with casual freelancing and decide you can't make enough to live comfortably when indeed you can. While I do agree that you can't just casually freelance and make a great living, I know for a fact you can freelance "the right way" and make a great living doing so. I also encourage you guys to look up Brent Weaver, or Paul Jarvis. I could give a long list of many more as well. Thanks for another great video Mike, just sharing my opinion. :)

[@MikeLocke]

Clovis Shropshire I hear you man but guys like Brent Weaver and Paul Jarvis are doing exactly what I’m talking about. They’ve built or are building online businesses through personal branding (education, training, speaking, blogging, etc.). The irony is that they’re not just doing freelance full-time anymore. That’s my point exactly. Its not sustainable. They’ve gone into other avenues of income generation. Think about every top design blog on the market. It was started by a designer. A designer realizing that there are better ways to earn money while utilizing their design talents. They’ve all grown into online businesses because they realize you can’t earn that much via freelance. Yes, freelance can be grown into a long-term sustainable business but that’s considered building an design agency (big clients, bigger budgets, longer retention, etc.). Most designers that do freelance (95% of us) think of freelance as working with mom-n-pop shops, doing small jobs here and there. I just see it too often from designers having a 6 to 8 year career in freelance but still haven’t gone anywhere. The proof is there from even the people you’re mentioning. They’re making my point.

[@jayjayjaythebrand]

***** excellent response, thanks Miek I agree 100%

[@MikeLocke]

Clovis Shropshire ;)

[@eggheadeinstein]

Clovis Shropshire I'm with you. 9-5 is exactly like being in prison for me... below-average access to food, prison guards in form of the bosses/managers, and all I do is watch the clock waiting for the time I can be set free. Every night I go to bed miserable knowing i have to wake up and give my skills almost like a prostitute, sleeping with people I would never if not for the money. Worse, there always come a day, unexpected, the company is sold or restructured or god knows what other sudden changes occur and all of a sudden after giving them your heart for a few years, you are at square zero back looking for another job. So while monetizing is much better (i've had some winners hands-free good money for years at a time).... anything is better than waking up to be somebody else's bitch. Especially if they are less experienced and/or unintelligent.. its torture!

[@jayjayjaythebrand]

Egghead Einstein dude tell me about it, I am in the same boat. No matter how much you put in, if you dont make them money you will ALWAYS be expendable. I agree 100%. 9-5 isn't for everyone and people like Paul Jarvis have dominated niche markets and as a result, are now able to start at $9000 per website as freelancers! We can get there one day man. Good luck to you bro.

[@doctamic]

freelancing is tough getting clients, your often bidding against people from third world countries willing to work for peanuts....Although it is a goodway to get paid while learning and to build your portfolio to land that nice $55 an hour job

[@MikeLocke]

doctamic Right, I don't want people to think I'm against freelance. It should just be something you do for extra $$$....while striving for bigger fish (bigger paying work, businesses, etc.)

[@ForceOfWizardry]

doctamic Its tough getting clients if your work is crap. Ive never seen a "great designer" work for peanuts. You get what you pay for in this industry.

[@GraveRave]

***** Jeez, I knew that freelance would be hard. People tend to romance freelancing and they say "Oh, just go freelance if you're having trouble, with full-time" (I retail now). But I guess I fell for the vision where I would get a job full-time, and freelance in the mean time. Then when I generate a lot of money close to what I earn in my full time employ, freelance full-time. However what you say seems to make sense, I've never freelanced before but I know it would be difficult and working a lot of hrs to make ends meet. Anyway my point is I guess now I would have to get a job & freelance. Next create a business maybe selling web UI themes for main income while I freelance for supplementation. What do you think? Cheers!

[@RenatoStuparic]

+Mike Locke even though I have Multimedia and Graphic Tech degree I work in the Glass Processing Company, and I earn around $6500 per year. I don't know how is it in the US, but here in Croatia if you land a client that is willing to pay $300 for custom-designed WordPress site you are a happy man. I would be happy If I could earn $1500 per month doing freelance Web Design jobs, but unfortunately, this is only a dream for me.

[@TheBillaro]

amen

[@shawndrich6250]

You are like Yoda with this ux/ui thing, thanks for taking the time. I'll be 40 in 2 yrs, and i'm just getting into this.

[@ybuzz]

Did you make it ?

[@carlosp000]

totally agree with you man! I have many years working as freelancer web designer and I'm tired of doing this... this type of work doesn't allow me to scale and it's hard to make good money every month

[@markcabangon3885]

Thanks for the insight. The start seemed that way and many who are in the industry have uplifted the freelance position. 8 years and it seemed as though you are correct with the mentality. Thanks for the advice and insight.

[@EpartnersMarketing]

You are exactly right! I'm making the transition from freelancer creative director to have an actual business, because the income isn't consistent enough.

[@Davion474]

I just love you bro. This was well received. Thanks for sharing

[@theodorep.5501]

I totally agree with you and happy birthday! I used to think freelancing as an absolute freedom of the way I work but It's not. In freelancing you have to deal with people(clients) who many times are not clear of what they want to do.Unfortunately these days the majority of clients have knowledge of technology and about making simple websites, so they have a lot expectations from you with a very low budget. In the old days the freelancer was more free because not anyone knew about web design or web development and you were able to direct the client more easily without so many distractions from the buyer. Nowadays freelancer is not differ from a low-budget employee.

[@MikeLocke]

Twelve Monks Yup, very true. Thanks!

[@sshadow2]

So so true! For the longest time, I looked for that op that would spark that revelation of when to freelance full time. The revelation I received was to not quit my day job. Been doing just as you described for a year now trying to build that passive income business, while freelancing when I can. Drop $100k+ employment for $20k freelance? (I am NOT of that 1%.) No thx under any circumstances.

[@MikeLocke]

sshadow2 ;)

[@AVIVAFilms]

People better get used to it cuz in the next few Years, Freelancing will soon enough replacing the Job market & Whiners AND Complainers will be FORCED to get used to enduring Freelancing.........And if u think im joking, look it up on Google.I'm not saying I'm Doubting what u are saying no I'm telling u what's COMING.The Job market Is about to shift......Take hold & Please don't fold.

[@xhaziie]

well this made me sad haha. As someone who just graduated majoring in web design, spent the last 6 months applying for jobs, going to interview after interview, struggling to get my foot in the door until I thought, screw it i'm going to try freelancing. I think ill try freelancing for a while and maybe companies will see me as more desirable with the extra experience. And I find it funny you said 50,000 isnt that much, to me it sounds like soooo much. While I was studying I was making $20,000 a year roughly and barely able to pay rent. Of course if you are the sole provider and have kids etc- the cost of living will be a lot more.

[@SpeakLifeAndListen]

How's it going now? Have you found a job? Just curious.

[@Matticus09]

+Hayley Shaye, what's the update on your status?

[@downtown9508]

You have a job yet?

[@marcoangelo]

Thanks for sharing this insight. I used to be like that 19 year old kid - reluctant to work for anyone else. But that perspective changes everything.

[@archiwumgamefoundmain3181]

True. I agree 100%. It seems like we, as designers have to change and choose more difficult way to get income. And hopefully it will switch the clients attitude in long term activity and finally they will want to pay enough and make us able to create worth effort. Hugs 4 everyone.

[@johnRivs]

I see freelancing as a way to make the snowball start rolling. A springboard where you get experience in your field, to ultimately land a job.

[@user-iy3tv6gu2l]

Mike, thahks for this video. I've heard all my thoughts in the sound. And, Happy Birthday!!!!!!

[@lindseymorgan6212]

So true! I'm lucky to be successful at this now and in that top percentage - but couldn't imagine this + a family. I learned UX/UI and now have the option / offers to work for startups often and would deal with the 9-5 structure of themn(even though remote - which is a plus) if I need the higher pay anytime soon.

[@Shaun_X]

I have agree with you. Most of the very wealthy, suggest setting your self up, with multiple sources of income. If one dips, the other picks up the slack etc.

[@lilhobby]

Mike you're the man! Happy B-day, Love all ur videos.

[@MikeLocke]

Gregory Bedford Thanks for the love. Appreciate you watching my vids.

[@RomeyB]

These are very good tips. It's a slow process. I'll be done with my 1st official client soon and I gave him a very huge discount just so I can get my name out there. Your advice was very helpful and now I know what I need to do from here. I hit that subscribe button because I feel that I can benefit from your videos. Thank you.

[@hsdev]

Mike, out of all the videos I have seen from you I must say this one brought me down from my dream 'cloud' of freelancing. But still, if I am going to have a 'job' there is only one person I will report to - me :) p.s Love the beard Mike and Happy Birthday man!

[@MikeLocke]

HSNYC Web Design Awe man, don't mean to be a downer. A career as a Web Designer (i.e. UI/UX Designer) is bright as ever. Always in hi-demand, an invaluable skill to have. I'm just saying while your dream of working for yourself should always be there - build towards a more scalable (agency type) business long-term while you're freelancing. Your dreams are still alive. ;) ...thanks on the beard.

[@corporalflores]

Great video and advice. I've just begin to learn Web Development at 44 years old, in order to build a business and be more of an entrepreneur.

[@10tonic15]

totally respect what your putting out here, but dude... 50,000 dollars IS a lot of money. here in the UK that's about 40,000 pounds which is 10,000 pounds more than the average family income a year, I have worked 36 hour weeks starting at 3:30 in the morning for 11,000 a year and I shouldn't settle for 40,000? I get that 50,000 dollars is the top 1% but even half of that isn't bad at all, its pretty good to stand on your own feet and be your own boss, choose your hours and work from anywhere, I'd do that for way less.

[@Geomaverick124]

So what you are saying is use freelance as a supplement to the main job you have; gain the skills you need, and then create something (like an app) to make you supplemental income in the long run... You can turn freelance into a business by having a plan to make it scaleable. If you do it by yourself then it wont last in the long run but if you can make it scaleable then it can turn into a business. You start with yourself, once you get good at it you hire a few people on. After you get a good team and establish your brand you hire a few more and become more of a manager of a team then an actual UI/UX designer. Once it gets to that point it becomes a company

[@destructor031]

I think another problem for me doing freelance work for a couple of years it's that I'm not progressing in my learning since I don't have anyone to share or have feedback. It's like I'm always designing for myself with the same methods and not learning new stuff

[@uxlab]

I think that freelancer is not for juniors, but for seniors indeed. And I say that because you need a not of experience while a freelancer. And I agree with you: you need to keep in mind the idea of developing some product for yourself as a freelancer. That's the next level.

[@camnarayan6257]

Thanks Mike! Love your videos and this was exactly what I needed to hear right now. Cheers :)

[@johnterlajejr9008]

Another great view on design Mike. Real world talk right there.

[@iSunilChauhan]

Hello Mike Absolutely agree with your thoughts ... I had been working freelance for 3 years now since I started in the field of web design/dev. Thing with the freelance is variable income that is not enough to support you in the long term. When I started out, I had two experienced people to guide me which kind of reassured me and I joined hands with them. It worked well for 2 year but during this year they experinced slowdown in business and they eventually stopped responding to my messages on skype. I can now feel that they no longer need me. The only reason I started freelance is just so I could get myself enough experience that is demanded by so called full-time jobs. However it is really frustrating to still not being able to get even a junior position to start a full-time career. How according to you should one approach towards getting hired for full time. Every job opportunity I see demands a high High professenciey in HTML, CSS, Javascript and an exceptional eye for design. I am skilled in HTML, CSS coding and have a basic understanding of Javascript and Php. I can work in design tools like, Photoshop , Illustrator , Indesign and Fireworks. I know getting expertize in all these technologies and tools would require me to to attain an age of 40 just like you working consistently on these tools and technologies but is 3 years of self-started endeavor in these tools and technologies not enough to get me hired to even a basic junior developer position. Hey mike can you give me a critical judgment to my work and let me know where I am going wrong. Here is my website/portfolio www.sunilchauhan.com/ At times it is really frustrating to keep going owing to parental pressure as they feel I am wasting my time and should probably look on for other career opportunities

[@nam.truong]

Thank you Mike for sharing your opinion. I felt like a bit lost, I started freelancing over 1 year ago, I am currently studying a Multimedia course and going to finish my Advanced Diploma next year. I find it really hard for me to land a daily job as a designer in my country so I goes freelance because I don't have a lot of experience in the field and normally I am an introvert so I don't have many leads. I went to sites like Upwork, Freelancer,etc. It is really competitive and never easy to land a job, especially when there are tons of people with 5 star rating who are willing to do the jobs with cheapest prices. I don't know if I should keep bidding on those sites or try harder to land a full time jobs. Honestly I find it's hard to work well with people in corporation environment here, too many rules, strict bosses and low payment.

[@MikeLocke]

Nam Truong Focus your efforts on improving your UI Design abilities. Companies will allow and pay you to work for them from home if you are a top notch UI Designer. Don't waste your life in the "race to the bottom" market. Focus on really becoming a "rockstar" UI Designer and you will have many opportunities come your way.

[@nam.truong]

Thank you Mike. I think you are right. I'll try to do as you say.

[@DJRick313rd]

I'm going to look into UX / UI Designing, since I'm getting Logo Design under my belt. I know a guy that sells 3D Design stuff for a lot of money, and he's his own guy. The passive income idea sounds good too. I will message you for further detailed advice on that as well.

[@terrellharper9690]

Good advice Mike! Thanks for that and Happy Birthday!

[@sneakerrc7973]

Hope you had a great vacation and enjoyed your birthday w/ your loved ones, Mike. When can we expect any new videos for your design course?

[@MikeLocke]

Rob Cee Yes, more coming!

[@MossawirAhmed]

I ve been doing freelance ui ux for 11 years now and agree on every signle word you said.

[@pilscy242]

Im a freelance graphic designer and 2 mins into this video, i couldnt do more than agree and like the video

[@RomeyB]

These are very good tips. It's a slow process. I'll be done with my 1st official client soon and I gave him a very huge discount just so I can get my name out there. Your advice was very helpful.

[@bilaltariq50]

oooo you just spelled out my plan....freelance is just to sustain ur self till ur project takes off

[@laurie2508]

Great post. I would like to hear about students, or designers beginning a career, transitioning from intern, to paid, etc. You have a wonderful channel. I teach high school media design in Inglewood.

[@MikeLocke]

***** Thanks Laurie, I do touch on this at different times. I'll try to touch on this more in upcoming videos. It essentially comes down to the student/designer building up a strong/solid design portfolio. An online portfolio (website showcasing your work) in this industry is everything. It is in fact your degree. An amazing portfolio is equivalent to a Masters from USC. It will get you interviews and calls from top tech companies. The process of building a solid portfolio in my opinion usually takes a couple years to achieve. It involves honing your Visual UI Design skills, learning about Usability and UX Design. During this time, I tell people to work on what I call "personal projects", (conceptual projects, websites, web apps, etc.), this allows them to learn through trial and error and work on things they enjoy. Once the student/designer has a nice body of work (3 to 5 solid projects) they should start applying for internships, contract roles and networking on LinkedIn, etc. Eventually they'll get an opportunity. Once they get their foot in the door, they should continue to work on building up their portfolio for further job/career growth.

[@laurie2508]

***** Thank you for such a well thought and written reply. Your videos are really helpful. You have a very professional, accessible personality. Thanks again.

[@K4MR4N1UK123]

Have a primary job or business to back up on before you start thinking about freelance. For instance in my case I am going to be a full time taxi driver working with uber soon and do freelance web design on the side plus some other side business.

[@CricketInsights]

Should we get a freelance web designer for our website and how much are we expected to pay for a fairly basic model with the main emphasis being on our articles and videos?

[@persebra]

Well, that is sobering news. Everything I plan to do seems to be a bad move. I wonder how long before the UI career path is saturated. Thanks for the heads up.

[@GauravFarkade]

Thank you soo much.. Your videos always guides me to take right path,.. !!

[@melonez7038]

Ive been freelancing for about a year and half and its true! Im competing with people who learned photoshop on the side and work for half of my asking price :(

[@ITYWML]

I agree and appreciate your video. Thanks!

[@jacklee1765]

Freelance web design is not just great for earning extra income, it is also a great way to build up your portfolio (especially when you are just getting started).

[@jackmead7292]

Well, would you say then that IF you don't want kids, you don't want a house, and actually live within your own means never creating too much debt for yourself, (as I do right now living very comfortably for two people on a $25,000 year salary), would freelance be a viable option?

[@bysaadmasroor]

Nice talk. But I am confused about whats the difference between running a company and doing freelance? I mean in both cases you are getting work from the internet, may be most of the time.. Thanks

[@eggheadeinstein]

Extremely relative to family situation and city lived. I'm single in Montreal and 3k clear a month is fine, no tax deductions at source.. that 36k is actually 60k... even with my weed habit and gluttonous restaurant food for every meal... 3k is more than enough. The key is no car... and no savings :) Freelance should be seen as an attempt at gathering regular clients who you become their web go-to guy. For guys who aren't married and have no children, we have no extra motivation to get out of the house! Its quiet. I'd take 30k freelance over 60k salary in a heartbeat. I hate offices, the travel, the lunch breaks, the bosses, and working in the daytime... the whole ordeal of a day job is a lot like prison i have to go to every day. When I deduct travel expense, food purchases, taxes and deductions... 30k clear is actually better than 60k. I moved back here from Toronto where I was paying $1300 for 420 sq feet condo... my decision was made when i met a girl online who lived in 4 room flat almost 1000 sq feet for $650. Bottom line? Working from home makes life beautiful, working for some other dude is like being a slave. I've worked at many companies, i'm happy for about six months. One other benefit.. at home you can't be threatened with a sexual harassment lawsuit for something you did months earlier when the girl was not angry at you...or other such stupid shit.

[@MikeLocke]

Egghead Einstein I take it your in your early 20's, right? I've been there. In about 15 years, hit me up and let me know if I was right or not. :) ...actually, hit me up 6 months to a year from now and let me know how freelance is going for you.

[@princephilj]

Mike, hello and good morning. I found your You Tube channel this morning and wanted to first say thank you for this information. I also wanted to ask if you had any advice for someone such as myself who is trying to break into the web design industry. I've got my B.S. in visual communications but still can't seem to get anything or anyone to give me a chance to build upon that. At present, I'm 47 years old and working as an independent contractor as a computer technician but that work isn't consistent

[@Sabreeus]

Happy Belated Birthday! Take care Peace and Love!

[@MikeLocke]

***** Thanks!

[@Rashaadthegr8]

Make a pt. on how to maximize your earning potential as much as possible as a free lancer?

[@rm-fk7fk]

thank you very much.. this video was really HELPful and mind opening .. keep up the good work :)

[@DriRoPeloMundo]

Nice! Its realy dificult to create a sustainable lifewith freelancer.

[@jaymaddox8858]

Happy Belated BDAY MIKE!!!!!!!!

[@janisliepins]

Tnx i am agree .. Right now i returned from vaction and no jobs at all everybody are in vacations.

[@danadznr]

Completely agree with you!! Thank you for making this point clear.

[@qxyynbroadus2276]

Thank you. I needed to hear this. It is refreshing honesty.

[@Ralphunreal]

Hey Mike, do you use axure or omnigraffle for projects or just Fireworks?

[@GroudFrank]

Boy am I glad I watched this video...

[@studiocity10]

Thanks for the info as always mike.

[@AkshayBajpei]

Hey Mike , How much you charge for making informative sites ?

[@JMtheCONQUERER]

subscribed. Excellent vids man.

[@chrisii1867]

Hi Mike. I was wondering, I'm going to my 2nd year in college and am planning to major computer science. I know college isn't essential for the web field but I eventually want to work in software application development. So would it be wise to learn web development right now? (I already know some basics) And have a part time job as a freelance web developer during college. Also, would that help me a lot to get into software application development?

[@aaronmele8944]

whats your take on hosting for clients and receiving residual income from that?

[@quendelf]

I'm sad to say this is true. People so much for so little when it comes to web design. However, one way to succeed with web design is to search out marketing companies that will need web designers on a consistent basis.

[@neerajbansal2613]

good video ! , agree with you. freelancing is not a long term solution.

[@grimsonforce7504]

It's all about managing money the biggest mistake I see people making is treating it like a regular paycheck, I pay myself first then squirrel away the rest. Prepare for dry spells Another mistake I see people making is getting into debt by buying crap they don't need. Be smart.

[@octaviogomes_]

Freelance is great for people like me, ho live in the 3# word, $15.000/year is a lot here in Brazil....

[@mayurjoshi952]

what about freelance as a web developer?

[@infofootage]

Let's face it. Freelancing jobs are going down as well as for the mobile and web development. I was doing some money from Elance.com and odesk.com. after merging both websites to one platform upwork.com. the level of clients, projects and the rates are like shit. South asians developers can accept prices like $1/hour. It does not make any sense to a developer who live in US/Canada to think even to write proposals..

[@RalphCifra]

Great insight Mike. ^_^

[@davidporterrealestate]

I think web app freelance should be able to earn 100k at the high end, that's DB, and C# or similar back end.

[@TheBillaro]

Sorry but my friend is a freelance designer and makes a killing.

[@TheBillaro]

all year long

[@TheBillaro]

She. been years now, she works hard and in the top agencies.

[@senjecko]

Maybe you just need to adapt your marketing strategy or where you're looking for clients? Maybe tweek how you pitch your work, or what services you offer? if the work is there your own personal shortfalls don't reflect the market as a whole

[@tasteofdalife.design]

great points! Totally agreed..

[@entangledvyne]

have you experienced and professional careers with strict non-competes against their designers freelancing? as an aspiring designer I've been thinking a lot about that sort if thing.

[@MikeLocke]

entangledvyne Nah, companies really don't care what you do on the side, as long as its not a conflict of interest.

[@EverydayDrives]

Wait, you're 48 years old ? You look low 30's ! Anyway hope you had a great time, nice video my man.

[@MikeLocke]

Alexandre Lebeau No, I just hit 40. Thanks though, I feel 30 (knock on wood for no back or knee aches). ;)

[@JR-vu4up]

All these jobs are going to SHIT what with Indians and Chinese firms setting up shop that can effectively outsource everything you can do locally for a tenth of the price. The industry is fickle and technology evolves too rapidly for you to have a solid foundation at anything. There will always be people who adapt and people who rise to the top but web design / UI /UX or whatever the hell fancy job titles come about are based on fickle principles and that money will dry up eventually. It's not a question of if, its just a matter of time. Do not recommend this industry.

[@sbh0892]

It's Darwinian, isn't it? Only the most competitive survive. If an Indian or Chinese hotshop is able to provide quality designs for less, there isn't much you can do about it.

[@MuhammadAmir-rb3rg]

does any freelance job can actually make a living?

[@destructor031]

Thank u this is very enlightening!

[@thomasgaye7580]

Thanks for the advice...