Digital Media Resources

FREELANCE WORK FAQ

What is a freelance job?
A freelance job is a short-term employment opportunity focused on a particular project. The employer may be one person, a group of persons, a company, or an organization.

How long do they last?
Freelance jobs vary in length. Some are for a few days, while others last a few months. The length of the job will depend on the complexity of the project to be completed.

What do I need to apply for a freelance job?
Most employers will want to see your resume and a portfolio, or samples of previous work. When an employer interviews you, bring these materials to the interview. Dress appropriately for the interview, too. If you need assistance with your resume and interview skills, contact Career Services. Your professors or other professionals in your field can give you tips on creating your portfolio.

What skills other than art and design do I need?
You should have business and personal skills, too. It is important to learn about contracts, marketing, and income taxes. You should communicate effectively verbally and in written form. Good listening skills will help you understand the needs of your employer. Organizational skills and meeting deadlines are other important skills to have.

Will I be an employee?
No. Freelancers are independent temporary workers. You will not receive benefits, such as health insurance and vacation time, with freelance jobs. Personal income taxes won't be withdrawn from your paychecks. The personnel office will not have a file on you.

How do I establish a price for a job?
There is flexibility with establishing a price for freelance assignments, and several ways to establish your rates. You can talk to professionals in the field and find out what they charge. There are listservs on the Internet where you communicate with other artists and designers. If you belong to a professional association, you can contact professionals through the association. You can refer to industry publications that include pricing guidelines. Your professors can give you some information on average rates too!

Should I do a freelance job for a low price because I am a beginning freelancer?
It is not advisable to "lowball" a job because you are inexperienced in freelance work. If you can do the job satisfactorily, you should ask for fair compensation. Also, lowballing a job lowers the rates for other freelancers working in your field.

Should I have a written agreement for every job?
You definitely should have a written agreement in the form of a contract or a letter of understanding. An agreement is a written, professional business document that should be completed by you and reviewed with the employer. You should expect to revise it if additional work is required. Also, you should have a contract even with those you know and trust, just to be sure you understand each other.

When should I get a written contract?
You should have a contract before you do any work for the employer, including preliminary sketches. After you are hired for a job, you should give a price estimate and write up a contract. If an employer wants to see what your ideas are before starting the project, write up a contract for that portion of the job. Then, write another contract to finish the job.

Are there standard contract forms?
Yes, for average freelance jobs. Specialized jobs may require you to revise a standard form to reflect the assignment. Career Services has samples of standard contract forms for you to use in books and on our computers.

When will I get paid?
It is standard business practice to pay invoices on a 30, 60, or 90 day basis. Find out what schedule the employer uses at the start of your assignment. Generally, freelancers ask to be paid in installments. In your contract, you could ask for 1/3 of your price at the start of your assignment, 1/3 in the middle of the process, and 1/3 at the completion of the assignment. Indicate in your contract when you would like to be paid.

How can I be sure an employer will pay me?
A written contract with the employer can give you legal leverage in receiving your pay. Refer to the contract when necessary, pointing out the agreement the employer signed. If you have difficulty receiving your pay, you might consider contacting some of the organizations offering legal help listed below.

Do I have to pay income taxes on what I earn?
Yes. Employers will not take out personal income tax from your paycheck. The employer expects you to do this. You will have to file federal, state, and social security taxes on all the income you receive from freelance jobs.

Can I work full-time as a freelancer?
Yes, but you must be organized and pursue opportunities on a regular basis. The freelance job listings in Career Services are a good place to check every 1-2 weeks for opportunities.

Are freelance jobs for me?
Freelance jobs are not for everyone. The work environment and lifestyle is different than having a permanent job at a company. For example, you need to manage your business, record keeping, get leads, and sometimes work at home. You will need to consider the pros and cons before deciding to do freelance work.