I face a technical Problem. First off Im pretty well skilled and talented in various fields from drawing illustrations graphic cad 3d surface rendering architecture etc etc Technically proficiency in many software run them in my computer from adobe to solidworks to 3dmax. I am trying to expand my freelancing work meaning expand and go full time work for myself rather than feed other peoples kids lol. Only problem is Im fairly new designer recent grad of 2011, I have several years as designer experience about 3 years as professional designer. Main problem for me is I have skills I have software I lack necessary connections to make money from freelancing. The problem is I dont really know many people or associated with many companies. I am working at an engineering firm but like I said I dont want to feed other people I want to work ultimately for myself. How do I go about getting the necessary promotions and contacts to expand freelancing work. I dont like the freelancing sites I hate them they are rip offs + I dont like biding and wasting time hoping the people will pick me instead of the 50 other bids. I was considering hiring marketing agencies but they charge like 2000 USD and get little to nothing in return. I have one contact with a mechanical designer who sends me solidworks work every few weeks or so. Its not real money you can survive from but its not bad either I get a fairly decent hourly rate. but if I quit my job that will not be sufficient to live off. So how can I expand my operations? I was offered several times by several recruiting agencies but they are bigger scam artist I want to work directly with the company or the person that needs work done no middle man. Any ideas on how I go about this? I dont mind working for engineering firms and all but Why feed other peoples kids when you can work for yourself and have no middle man and your money goes to feeding your own kids directly.
well i am looking for the same. I am good at solidworks passed out in 2012, had experience in designing but never found a freelancing contract.
Be aware that in most places you need to have a PE license in order to perform engineering/design work as a freelancer. Check your state/provincial laws before planning to go off on your own.
From our past experience, most of the clients are willing to outsource their CAD drafting work by keeping their design intact. Design changes will be approved by the clients. You can find any independent engineer who works on his own and offer drafting and 3D modeling support. UR CAD Services is a leading provider of Civil Engineering, 3D Architectural Rendering & CAD Conversion services.
Since you're relatively new to the industry, try sending your portfolio to potential clients. You need to be aggressive to be able to find your place in this competitive world.
I would appreciate your analysis that you have skills and software but lack of connections. Now, if you are tired of using working on freelancing websites then why don't you try your luck on social media? Here are some tips to make new connections - 1) Join professional social media platform 2) Target the audience who need your service, like you said currently a mechanical designer is giving you work 3) Get connected with your batch mates and check whether their company outsources such services Thanks & Regards Roger King Cad & BIM Service Provider
It's all about networking, fairly aggressively. Find business networking events in your city and go along. Talk to everyone you can, all the time. Even speak to your family and friends and ask them if they know of anyone who needs any work. You might have to start small. Do every job to the best of your ability, no matter how small, and if your client is happy at the end then ask them, "Do you know anyone else that might benefit from my services?" The bottom line is that you just have to talk to people... no matter how scary that is. I know that engineers are stereotypically not good at this (I know that I'm not!) but it gets easier!
The freelance contractors we have in my office are all hired through a third-party firm. One of them has his own and I think he and three other guys created it. The point is, so far in my industry, we actually like freelance contractor, but they all come with years of experience in the private industry, they are all under an organization/firm of some sort, and they are all working onsite, despite using softwares.
