Wrapping up the Year as a Freelance Designer with Design By Sevd
- Design & Creative
Sevd Atas once studied theology, translations, and photography but nothing made her feel content. But when she started designing, she found her passion.
“I knew that I wanted to live my life designing brands, creating experiences,” Sevd says. “So, creating strategy-driven brands is my way of helping other people ditch their unwanted jobs and lifestyles, and start being in control of the paths to their dream lives. In doing so, I believe that I am making the world a better place one brand at a time.”
Sevd has been freelancing for four years now. Her first client came from her workplace when she told them about how branding builds businesses. Sevd’s own brand has only grown from there, and she currently works with clients across the world through her Design by Sevd business.
Now, Sevd shares her best advice for how designers can get a successful start to the new year.
Reflect on the past year 💭
To set yourself up for success, it’s important to reflect on yourself and your freelance business before planning for the new year.
“I would say to reflect on your business and mental health and take action accordingly,” says Sevd.
Part of your reflection should include looking back at projects you enjoyed working on, and thinking about what you want to do more of in the future.
Sevd also recommends creating a database for every potential client that gets in touch with you. With a database, you have a place to reference in the future. You can look back at it to remember which potential clients you’ve spoken to in the past and who you need to follow up with.
Plan for the new year 🎉
After reviewing your last year and reflecting on what you want to do, it’s time to start planning for the new year.
“Have clear quarterly goals and plan your steps,” Sevd says. “Take intentional and strategic actions that will align with your goals.”
By breaking down quarterly goals into smaller steps, you create a pathway to future success. As a freelancer, you also need to think about how to work more efficiently. Part of that may include scaling and automating your freelance business with different tools like a scheduling service.
“Always look for ways to work smarter, not harder,” she adds.
Create a project management system ✍️
“I think systems are the most important when it comes to freelancing,” Sevd says, “having a streamlined process of bringing leads in, converting them into clients and managing the project.”
Contra makes it easy to manage your whole freelance business in one place. You can discover new freelance opportunities or invite existing clients to collaborate through Contra.
“Contra is an amazing platform to build your process because it basically does everything for you! The value Contra provides to freelancers cannot compete with any other platforms,” she says.
Sevd uses Contra to land new freelance clients and manage projects 🔥
Sevd appreciates how Contra makes freelancing “unbelievably” easy.
“I use Contra to find new clients, send them a pre-made proposal and contract, manage the project, get feedback and get a testimonial so that I can find more clients!” Sevd says. “The jam here is that it is so easy for clients to use!”
Sevd uses Contra to find clients, bring in leads, and manage client projects. You can do the same by first creating a Contra profile. Just add a little information about you, your services, and your projects. Once you’ve cultivated a Contra profile, you can start growing your freelance business:
- Find paid freelance opportunities. Every opportunity posted in the Opportunities feed includes a transparent budget and scope of work, so you know exactly what’s expected.
- Be featured in the Discover feed. Clients on Contra use the Discover feed to find Independents they’d like to work with.
- Manage freelance projects for existing and new clients. Manage client work with milestones and flexible projects.
- Get paid commission-free. Unlike other platforms, Contra will never take a commission from your payments. You keep every penny!
“Other freelancer platforms decrease the standards of design projects and it makes the clients see our work as work that could be done for $5,” Sevd says. “Contra makes sure that our work has a value that needs to be respected.”
Create a Portfolio by Contra ✏️
“Freedom is the most important thing I want for my life, so freelancing is my way of healthy living,” says Sevd.
If you’re wanting more freedom in your life like Sevd, you should set up a portfolio that shows off the services you offer. As a freelancer, you must have a portfolio you can send to potential clients. Thankfully, Sevd’s portfolio is a perfect example of how every Independent should cultivate their portfolio to attract clients.
Sevd’s Portfolio by Contra presents her work as a brand and web designer. Her Portfolio by Contra displays multiple client projects for different brands and includes the tools and skills she used to create them. Sevd’s services includes the exact deliverables clients will receive, a starting price, and even work examples. Potential clients can easily scroll through her work samples, services, and recommendations before deciding to work together.
By creating a Portfolio by Contra, you’re setting yourself up for a successful year. With the press of a button, you can change your Contra profile into a beautiful Portfolio by Contra. Why not start today?
Design By Sevd on Contra
