Looking for Work?

Hey guys,
I am always looking for talented independent contractors to help me out with some of the clients/projects I've got going on. It dawned on me that while I could look on eLance, Guru, Sologig and Monster, I'd rather ask you guys first.

Who Gets Chosen First?
If you participate in this blog regularly, if you've purchased some of the resources I've created or even if you're just telling other freelancers about this blog - I appreciate it and I feel it'd only be right that I give you the first chance to bring in some work if you're looking.

Why don't I just hand out projects to anyone looking for work? Well, take this example: let's say you have a client that cleans carpets and upholstery that's been feeding you design business for months; however, at a networking meeting another carpet cleaner you've just met hits you up with, "Hey how about you giving me a shot at cleaning your carpets?" Who are you going to hire the next time your carpets need cleaned? I am betting you'll choose the guy that's been giving you business - at the very least you'd better not let him find out that while he's supporting your business, you're not supporting his (he's rightly going to be ticked off).

Bottom line: If you're just out to see if you can score some quick work, I've got no problem with that, but I'd suggest holding off on asking me for work right now. Besides, if you don't know me or support my ideas/philosophies, how would you know if you'd even enjoy working with me? I might be horrible to work with :)

If you're new to this blog why not come back and visit a few times, even comment on some posts before asking for some work? If you like what I am writing about and you feel led to, consider picking up a resource or recommend the blog to other freelancers that would benefit from it. How you get involved or help is totally up to you, it's just important to me to work with people that are always looking to develop win-win situations rather than focusing on what they can get. Does that sound fair?

If you have, or are supporting me/this blog, if we've known each other over the years, or if you've been referred by a mutual friend, keep on reading and see if we're a good fit!

Why Play in the Minor Leagues When You Could Play in the Majors?
One last thing I'd mention to you guys, "No one ever becomes rich sub-contracting for others". If you know you've got talent but you just need business, why not invest your time and resources into learning how you can get clients - they are out there.

Instead of receiving a fish to eat for a day, why not learn to fish so you can eat for a lifetime? If you truly believe that you have the talent to play in the major league of freelance design, why work in the minors for someone else (even me) as a sub-contractor?

I've done sub-contracting before, it sucks. I worked with a creative agency that farmed me out, but when I (accidentally) found out how much they were making versus how much I was getting paid I said, "Enough of this garbage, I'll go out and get my own clients - thank you very much!" The REAL money is in getting your own clients, not working for someone else.

Anyway, I don't mean to dissuade you from reading on, I just see so many talented freelancers that cut themselves short by working for others. If they only devoted some time and energy to learn how to work for themselves they'd be successful for sure.

Make sure you read and follow ALL of the directions below (read them carefully...remember not following instructions is a clear warning sign to clients/employers that you might not be detailed oriented - it's almost a sure way to get removed from consideration).

An Ideal Candidate Would be:
A talented designer who either is looking for additional work to supplement what she/he is doing, or a designer who would rather focus on creating rather than dealing with clients and customer service. Rather than having several designers bid on projects, I am looking to work with one reliable, motivated contract designer on a long term basis who wants projects fed to her/him as they become available.

Graphic Designers Should Have:

• A similar / complimentary design quality and style to what I am cranking out
• Available for up to 1-4 projects a month
• Able to respond to a phone message or email within 2 hours (during the business week, Mon-Friday 8:00-5:00)
• High speed Internet connection, working knowledge and ability to FTP files
• Pantone book (solid understanding of color theory and good color combinations)
• PC platform compatibility (yes, I know Macs are better but, what can you do?)
• Significant experience designing logos and branding packages for real companies

Web Designers Should Have:

• Strong knowledge in Dreamweaver/HTML/CSS – must be efficient in turning comps (.psds) into HTML to code.
• Also be knowledgeable in: Javascript, E-Commerce, Content Management Systems, Community message/discussion boards, Secure Web Sites (Client log-in), On-Line Payment Systems, Database Driven Web Sites.
• Solid understanding of practical benefits and limitations of Internet technologies (Flash, Java, DHTML, CGI, ColdFusion etc.)
• An understanding of the image optimization for the web and the issues around page weight and loading times.
• Most of your communication will be internal, however you will be asked to communicate directly or in conference with a client, so a pleasant demeanor and professional oral and written communication skills are required.
  

Benefits:

• Work from your own home.
• Hours are flexible, as long as you get the work done in the assigned time frame.
• Turn around times are brisk but realistic.
• You’ll be working in a productive, supportive environment with professionals who want to help you grow and succeed. You’re going to enjoy working with me.
• No downtime waiting for answers - when you have a question, you can always expect a quick response back so you can keep moving forward.
• Clear, comprehensive design parameters.
• Paid ½ up front and ½ as the project is delivered. Designers are paid on time. Designers are paid by project but it ends up being between $25 - $40 an hour, DOE.
• Designers are encouraged and praised for good work.

Interested? Do This Next:

• If you feel you might be a good fit, Email me at jeremy(-at-)beingastarvingartistsucks.com and include a pdf or jpg images of your best branding, logo design work. Please keep the total image(s) sent under 1 MB.
• Feel free to provide a link(s) to other projects you’ve created
• In 5 sentences or less, let us know why you think we’d be a good fit for each other. Resumes are not needed.
• No phone calls, faxes or follow up.
• If you'd like me to at least provide some ideas and constructive feedback on your presentation, please note that as well.