Computer Arts Projects issue 114

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Everyone loves the idea of a freelance career: the freedom to work whenever you want, on the jobs you really enjoy. But the reality can be very different. Though you may love being your own boss, you also have to cope with difficult clients, looming deadlines, and the worry that you have to work 24/7, never taking a holiday, in case you miss that next important job.

So which do you choose – financial security in a permanent job, or creative freedom and the chance to leave the office for good? We’ve gathered together all the information you need to make an informed decision about your future.

As McFaul explain in their interview, the art of self-promotion is one of the most essential elements of a successful freelance career, so we’ll guide you through producing a complete promotional pack: your logo, business cards, a website, and portfolio. We’ve also got essential advice on tax and finances, how to stay in touch when you work alone, and a guide to kitting out your studio.

You may already be doing some freelance projects in addition to your full-time job and thinking about making the big step. Or perhaps you’ve been working on your own for a while, and think it’s time to employ some help, or team up with another freelancer. If this issue prompts you to make a decision about your freelance career, I’d love to hear about it – you can email me at the address below.

Kate Evans Editor

IN THE MAG

Project one: Freelance basics

Ten lessons every freelancer should learn
Follow Dean Evans’ essential tips to be a better freelancer

Design your logo
Create a professional identity to suit your freelance career

Create your business cards
Translate your corporate identity onto a business card design

Project two: Freelance survival guide

Get to grips with tax
Dom Hall explains how to tame the tax monster and manage your money

Set up your studio
Rob Mead has the essential hardware and software to suit your budget

The art of networking
Garrick Webster reveals how to stay in touch from your home office

Project three: Develop your online presence

Matt Booth interview
The award-winning freelancer explains the benefits of being your own boss

Build your portfolio website
Quickly create your site to attract new clients

Project four: Creative promotion

McFaul interview
The McFaul team tell us how they managed their rise to the top

Create an animated portfolio
Daniel Lazarus guides you through animating your static designs

Build a rich PDF in CS3.3
Follow Tom Dennis’ guide to using Acrobat Professional 9

Designer challenge
Three designers create a poster for a skate shop opening