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Posts Tagged ‘freelancers’
The Wedding-less Video Production Career: It Can Be Done
8/30/2011 1:17 PM By Vince Font
Owning a camera won’t land you a job as a freelance videographer, just as owning an Xbox won’t automatically qualify you to find work as a video game designer. But with the right amount of preparation, dedication and hard work, you could carve out a lucrative career for yourself in the field of freelance web video production.
So what exactly is web video production and how does it differ from jobs traditionally held by freelance videographers? To understand that, all you really have to do is take a look at the explosion in social media marketing. These days, companies are paying people not only to design their websites, but also to write expert content, manage their social media accounts and create videos they hope will bring them high visibility among the denizens of the online world.
Does this mean that as a freelance videographer you can actually make a living without ever having to record a single solitary wedding? The answer to that question is an absolute and unequivocal “Yes!” But don’t waste your time jumping for joy. Instead, consider the possibilities of building a career in any one of the following web video production specialties:
• Creative Online Ads. Although there’s no shortage of freelance videographers, companies are always looking for innovative ways of promoting themselves with creative online video ads. If you’ve developed a signature style and have an eye for what will captivate the attention of customers, you can find many work opportunities here.
• Educational Videos. It’s no secret that how-to videos are hugely popular online and driving tons of traffic to company websites. While it’s great to have creative flair, it’s also important to be able to produce structured, logical videos that teach people how to do very simple things, like troubleshoot a product or set up a user account.
• Viral Videos. A lot of people ask the question “Is it possible to produce videos with the intent of going viral?” Of course it is – it’s just not as easy as making straightforward educational videos or even online video ads that burst with creativity. Making a viral video is a lot like catching lightning in a bottle; it’s tough to predict what will spark the imagination of the populous – but it is possible. Doing so requires having a flair for comedy and being able to think outside of the box. If you’re good at both, you stand a chance at making a living as a freelance videographer.
Benefits of Hiring a Freelance Designer Over a Mega Design Firm
8/17/2011 1:28 PM By William PirragliaWhile there are numerous outstanding large design companies, hiring a freelance designer often delivers better benefits. Employers choosing a user experience designer in lieu of a prestigious large design firm often enjoy better results at a more reasonable cost.
Some of the benefits of filling designer jobs with freelancers include the following:
- Newer freelance designers are committed to outstanding performance to establish their personal brand. A commitment to excellence, when accompanied with skill, is a consistent winning combination. Even the newest freelancer may deliver more excellence than superstar large firm designers.
- Freelance designers typically take employer deadlines more seriously and dedicate themselves to delivering work early. Deadlines are important to freelancers and clients alike. However, employers can face deadlines that can mean the difference between profit and loss in many situations. Freelancers often target delivery of project work early to help their clients enjoy less stressful operations. They also want to move on to their next project quickly for a consistent source of income.
- Freelance designers are more accessible during odd hours. Freelancers, committed to enhancing their brand, typically offer accessibility and consultation. They typically understand that other entrepreneurs and business owners seldom work only 9-to-5 on scheduled workdays. Success is often dependent on going the extra mile to deliver added value to those in need.
- Design changes are not obstacles, but expected activities from employers. Companies who want design changes may face roadblocks with large, prestigious design firms. Freelancers are often open to making desired changes for their clients.
- Freelancers are often more innovative and receptive to cutting edge ideas, technology and suggestions. While large firms can offer innovation and wonderful ideas, freelancers, unburdened with pre-conceived attitudes, can install cutting edge solutions to design issues that challenge even the best professionals at large firms.
- Employers can usually depend on freelance designers to be a resource for future upgrades and improvements. Entrepreneurial freelance designers seldom fire themselves. Most successful talented freelancers love their work and their professional lives, never feeling the need to leave their specialty. Clients usually find their favorite freelancers hungry for additional assignments in the future.
How to Hire the Best Designer for Your Project
8/10/2011 1:20 PM By Jeff OrloffA number of employers have reported being burned at least once when working with freelance designers. Either projects are not completed on time, budgets are exceeded or the quality of work doesn’t match expectations. While it may seem easy to blame the freelancer for such mishaps, more can be done on the part of the person looking to hire a graphic designer.
Look for experience that meets your requirements
One of the biggest mistakes made is to immediately jump at freelance designers with a great deal of experience because we feel safer with them. Instead of looking at the number of years they have been working or the number of projects, look at the type of work they have done. Does it apply to your project and needs?
Clearly describe your needs
Telling someone you want a logo isn’t going to be enough. Explain to potential designers exactly what you want and listen to possible feedback. Another thing that causes a rift between freelance designers and their clients is when the client continuously changes their mind. That is why most contracts only allow for two to three versions before it costs extra. You can really save a great deal of money, get better results and keep your designer happy if you are clear about what you want and stick to it throughout the course of the project.
Be willing to pay for results
One complaint among many freelancers is that clients often balk at their rates. The truth is, if you want to hire a professional you are going to have to pay for their quality and experience. If you want a job done as cheaply and quickly as possible then be prepared to be disappointed with the end result.
Of course no one expects the client to be the only one working at forming a healthy professional relationship, but when they do put forth that effort they are often rewarded with not only an outstanding product but a partner they can count on for future projects.
The Best Features of a Video Editing Job
8/3/2011 3:24 PM By William PirragliaA video editing job can be even more exciting than creative videographer opportunities. It typically depends on your focus and temperament. As businesses demand more and more web video production, the jobs for videographers and video editors continue to expand.
While most people would rather serve as videographer, believing this is the more lucrative and creative function, video editors often maintain that their job requires the most creative talent. Some of the comments of experienced video editors describe the features of this career best.
- “…. you start out with a mess and end up with a wonderful finished product ….”
- “…. I can create raw video into something that engages the audience….”
- “Every day I get to form a lump of clay into something that the audience can relate to and identify with.”
Along with videographer talent, video editors must develop expertise with advanced editing software. Infusing a sense of art into their work, they must also understand the objective of the client, just as the original videographer does.
If your goal is higher than editing modest corporate videos, you should consider a move to or association with top creative talent agencies, like Artisan, with offices in New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles. While it’s more challenging to break into these markets, superior creative talent agencies can often help with this objective.
If you’re new to the market, developing your skills with modest clients is a typical necessity. Building an impressive portfolio during your internship will lead to better compensated, more meaningful corporate video assignments. Freelancers can create rewarding careers specializing in web video production in major and minor markets.
The rewards of converting raw video into the finished product a commercial client wants may feed your creative, professional and monetary appetite perfectly. The demand for your talents is increasing as more motion and emotion is desired by e-commerce. The many new video editing opportunities spurred by the web should allow you to find the jobs you want with the challenges you desire.
Web Video Production Demands Top Talent
7/27/2011 2:34 PM By William PirragliaThe popularity of web video production continues its impressive growth. As the number of videographer positions grows, the need for better quality videos is also increasing. If you are talented and hard working, your chances of securing better videographer opportunities are promising.
The importance of superior content to generate outstanding SEO results is translated to “entertain or die” by the online video marketing guide, ReelSEO. Too many boring business videos are surfacing daily. It’s time to develop and use your videographer skills to become a leading producer. Videographers must better understand their clients’ businesses and integrate their talent to make winning videos.
Here are a few suggestions (or reminders) to make and keep your videos popular, effective and in demand by employers.
- Business bottom line: If people tune out or turn off my video, I’d be better served spending my marketing dollars on something else.
- Communicate with both motion and emotion.
- Keep your audience informed and entertained with every frame.
- Make short videos, usually three minutes or less.
- Keep your sound, lighting and visuals high quality.
- When appropriate, use humor and music to maintain interest.
- Understand what your employer wants—then give it to them.
Top freelance staffing agencies are receiving a good supply of web video production jobs. Videographers should keep these tips at the top of their quality control checklist. Business videos seldom go viral, so professional videographers must blend the information the client needs with the entertainment quotient viewers want.
Those that keep their eyes on the prize, focusing professionally on the quality of and the target audience for their videos, should attract better videographer opportunities and higher compensation. Those seeking a video editing job should adopt similar standards to those of videographers. It is the finished product that defines the business, as well as the talent of the video professionals.
Where To Find Freelance Web Designer Jobs
7/22/2011 12:34 PM By Jeff OrloffFinding freelance web designer jobs has become increasingly difficult over the years because of advancements in technologies that have made it much easier for people who haven’t necessarily mastered the same skills as web coders to put up a working website. Add this to the fact there are so many freelance web developers and designers out there, it’s no wonder so many talent prefer a fulltime job over freelance work to secure employment.
Even though web design opportunities may not be as easy to find as they once were, there are still many avenues to connect with potential clients.
Networking
Most freelance work is found through word of mouth. A friend of a colleague needs a website for their new business or your Aunt Sally wants to start a customized blog for her book club. Talking to people and letting them know you are looking for clients can have a huge impact on your business. Add this to referrals you have from existing clients and you may quickly find yourself with more work than you can handle.
Clean-up work
Another way to find clients is to look for people who need their website redesigned. Websites that are built on old frameworks or have outdated design and capabilities are perfect places to start. Many freelancers also find work from people who didn’t get the quality they expected from a less expensive “designer” they hired.
Freelance talent agencies
One of the best ways to find work is through freelance recruitment firms. They not only connect you with quality clients, but they can be a huge help with billing, communicating and interceding if there are any problems or disputes. Working with reputable agencies also allows the company you are working with know that you too can be trusted to perform the job at hand.
Graphic Design Work Alive in Washington, DC
7/19/2011 12:57 PM By William Pirraglia
Ask a top Washington, DC staffing agency about the demand for graphic designers and they will share some good news with you about the strong job market in the area. Emerging from the recession doldrums are the federal government, educational institutions, public relations firms, non-profits and professional associations - all creating lucrative opportunities for graphic designers.
Searching graphic design firms, the nation’s capital also returns employment needs in positions ranging from interns through graphic design managers. While the unemployment rate for the District remains higher than the national average at 9.8 percent for May 2011 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), the market for creative talent continues to improve. There is also an evident demand for freelance and fulltime graphic designers; The Washington Post recently featured nearly 200 graphic design jobs in the Washington, DC metro area alone.
Interactive media, including growing mobile applications and animation needs, is fueling this demand. However, the competition for the best jobs will be strong. The fallout from the recession has not yet dissipated. There are still more talented professionals than there are creative jobs. Those wishing to take advantage of these new freelance and full time opportunities must keep their skills current, market their ability properly and exhibit persistence and patience.
Don’t discount the print industry. Sure, the “paperwork reduction” efforts of the government are still active, but graphic artists and designers are continually needed to create materials. Even newcomers and junior creatives will find opportunities for internships and entry level jobs that give them the experience and portfolio references they need to accelerate their careers.
Use the recession recovery and economic rebound, however modest, to your advantage as a talented graphic designer. The opportunities in 2011 are there – it’s up to you to maximize your personal opportunities to improve or jumpstart your career. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that jobs for graphic designers will grow at a 13 percent rate through around 2018. Perfecting your graphic design skills promises to enhance your career and income in Washington, DC and across the U.S.
The Young and the Restless: Job Search Tips for Generation Y
6/24/2011 11:57 AM By Julia Shiplett
“I’m sorry, but we’re looking for someone with a little more experience” is a common phrase for recent college graduates and 20-somethings to hear these days. And while job opportunities for young adults look like they are on the rise – according to survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, nearly 20 percent more graduates will be hired this year than last – the lingering effects of the recession are still clearly evident.
As this generation becomes more educated with greater numbers of people entering college, reverse ageism is an unfortunate reality in today’s workplace. The conundrum of how am I supposed to build my experience and portfolio if no one will hire me? is both familiar and frustrating. However, there are things to keep in mind as a young adult looking for creative freelance work or a fulltime job that can help you in your search while keeping you sane.
Translate Your Experience
On both your resume and during actual interviews, remember to translate your past experience into your future capabilities related to the position at hand. Tailor your applications to specific companies and industries – it shows when you send out one generic resume to every job. For example, try to relate how your experience as a graphic designer at the college newspaper taught you to work with teams on deadline and align with the voice of an organization.
Some employees will only consider candidates with a certain number of years of professional experience – that’s a fact you must accept. But if you are persistent enough to get them to give you a moment of their time, here is your opportunity to prove your enthusiasm and dedication to the role. Don’t sell yourself short; if you want others to see you as a professional, make sure you do the same.
Utilize Your Resources and Contacts
Even if most of your experience comes from volunteer work or internships, this is a wealth of professional value to take advantage of. Make sure to stay in touch with colleagues and team members because it’s likely they are pursuing related career paths or industries and may want to connect with you in the future. Also, job fairs and networking events hosted by your university can be a great way to meet future employers or recruiters looking for young talent. And don’t hesitate to turn to family and friends for job leads – the people closest in your life are the ones who want you to succeed the most.
Practice Makes Perfect
If you’re getting feedback on your portfolio that suggests your skills or level of expertise is not at the level for the kinds of employment opportunities you want, dedicate time and effort to hone your craft. Take advantage of courses on specific software and attend local meetups to hear from industry insiders, whether it be about mobile design or best practices in SEO. Find a niche and style that suits you and create a name for yourself within it. Some employees are more interested in your level of expertise in a certain area than simply the number of years on your resume.
Be Patient
This is perhaps the most difficult suggestion to follow as young people are understandably restless to begin a prolific career. But stay calm – your hard work will eventually pay off, and in the meantime try to explore what you really want out of a profession. Assess your strengths and weakness; market yourself effectively and consistently; and keep a positive outlook on your future. Remember the timeless sayings “Good things come to those who wait” and “Carpe diem,” then find your balance in between.
