5 Things I wish I knew before I started Freelancing

Leonardo Verkoelen

Leonardo Verkoelen

July 17, 2023

Blauw Films

Preparation is key

The Gleaners by Jean-François Millet (1857).

My first encounter with freelancing was when I was 9 years old.
I designed a Christmas card on the computer and got paid 5.00 EUR for it!

After that I have freelanced throughout high-school by providing graphic design, visual effects and odd job “creative” services.

Freelancing has opened many doors for my personal career and was essential for the initial growth of Blauw Films.

However, I have my personal gripes with freelancing :)

For the past 4 years I have quit freelancing in favour of full-time IP development at Blauw Films.

Current productions in development at Blauw Films.

It has been an amazing decision but we’ll talk more about that some other time. Now, I’d like to look at freelancing and hopefully provide some insights that help you out!

1. Find your ideal client

It’s important to always ask yourself if the clients you are working with are the right ones. Even if you have few leads and don’t feel like you are in the position to change clients, it’s good to know what you’re looking for.

For me, I asked myself:

  • Do I want to build more expertise in this niche?
  • Am I learning as much as I want from my current projects?
  • Is the reward relative to the value I’m providing?
  • Do I enjoy the relationship between me and the client?

I usually keep a notebook in which I’ve answered these questions many times before. Every time the answers are slightly different.

And as time goes on you’ll gain the clarity you need to make your decision.

But what about actually finding the ideal client?

• Be clear about your value proposition

• Define and explore your niche

• Provide the value your clients deserve

• Keep networking, networking and networking

• Optimise your strategy by making small adjustments

• Repeat until it works (don’t give up, it takes time)

2. Automated Content-strategy

Hey! I thought this was about freelancing?
Why should I care about content strategy?

It’s about reach. And it’s a numbers game.

As you grow your freelancing career, you’ll gain more analytics on your clients. But it’s important to wonder who your ideal clients are, and try to reach them directly.

Ok, time for some simple math.

Let’s say you have a Click-through-Rate of 5% on your marketing strategy.
And let’s say on average, 1.5% of your viewers is interested in your services and reaches out.

With 100.000 unique viewers on your marketing you’re looking at:
500 visitors on your landing page, and 7–8 people reaching out.

Having 100.000 unique viewers is a lot. That will stay true for a while.

And that’s a good reason to dedicate some of time in your week to building a content-strategy. Learn about your target market and your communication towards them.
Then start by automating your socials through, for example, Buffer.

Don’t let social media take away too much of your time needed to improve your skills, network and personal development.

Consistency of posting and marketing is essential to growing your reach.
And within that expanded reach, there is a high probability you’ll find your ideal client.

3. Learn a new language

Opportunities are plenty in the world. Especially if you can expand to international markets. This makes learning a new language a powerful hack for freelancers.

Sometimes —

  • The niche you work in is more established in a different country.
  • The market leaders and thought leaders of your niche speak a different language.
  • Your primary audience is outside of your country.

Learning a language is a long-term objective that has invaluable returns.

Personally I speak Dutch, English, German and Portuguese.

English brings me the most value for simple communication.
However, being able to speak in someone’s native language at an event or a festival is one of the most effective methods for breaking the ice.

Many projects and collaborations I’ve done, have been established from down to earth communication. Not selling or cold-calling.

Simply talking to someone and getting to know them.
You never know what tailored value you can offer a client, until you know their needs and wants.

If you happen to speak their language, the cards are in your favour.

4. Elaborate to yourself what your objectives are

What do I want in my life?

Think of this as personal grooming.
Be sure to do it every once in a while. It is often that you have unconsciously driven away from the path you intended.

This is often not a problem. It’s how most people’s lives go.
But checking in on yourself is the necessary reflection to align your goals.

Think about the bigger picture.

  • Where do you want to be in your career?
  • Is freelancing going to take you there?
  • Are the jobs you’re currently doing bringing you closer to your objective?
  • Is your network providing mutual value that aligns with your goals?

These are some simple examples of questions to ask yourself.

It’s good to elaborate to yourself what your objectives are.
Repetition brings clarity, and clarity brings focus.

I’d like to end with a simple quote that puts this all together.

“Ocean views, small circle it’s the chosen few.
I wrote it down and I followed through” — Nipsey Hussle

5. Never underestimate Word-of-Mouth marketing

Depending on the field you’re Freelancing in, your lead funnels might look very different. For me as a Visual Effects artist and Filmmaker, we would get most leads through social media or our website.

However, as we built expertise and trust from our customers, word-of-mouth became our primary source of quality work.
I don’t mean to say other work wasn’t of quality of course :)

But it is often that the jobs you do in the beginning of your Freelance journey, haven’t been curated to what’s mutually beneficial for both parties involved. They might not be in the niche you want to evolve in, or they might not have the budgets you are comfortable working with.

Projects that come in through word-of-mouth have a certain level of trust embedded in the negotiation. At this point you have more leverage in your negotiation. And both parties can be more open and direct about their needs.

Aim to build trust and a solid reputation in your field.

Patience is essential to this process.

Patience…

Once you’ve established yourself as someone who delivers expert quality on time, you’ll organically enter a curated customer-base.

Negotiating however is a big topic on its own.
But I’ll definitely write a guide on that too.

These are 5 things that come to mind when thinking about Freelancing.

These are not the fundamentals (calculating your rate, contracts, expertise, confidence, etc.) but less talked about skills that have helped me personally.

I’ll soon write another 5 tips that can help you out!

Good luck with your career as a Freelancer! I would love to hear your thoughts and what has helped you in your career.

Have a great week! Leo

Previous Post

There is no previous post

Up next

There is no next post
Do you want to control the look of your skies in post-production? It's important to work with high quality assets to achieve photo-realistic results.

Seamless Sky Replacement Using Our Cloudpack

Do you want to control the look of your skies in post-production? It's important to work with high quality assets to achieve photo-realistic results.

Text Link
Secrets of Effective Production Management: Learn how clear, concise communication can harmonise diverse departments.

Production Management in Animation and the Importance of Communication

Secrets of Effective Production Management: Learn how clear, concise communication can harmonise diverse departments.

Text Link
What are the key areas that require your focus when scaling your business?

The different fields of Business

What are the key areas that require your focus when scaling your business?

Text Link
The importance of People Skills is often overlooked. However, it is considered to account for 85% of your project's success.

People Skills, do you have them?

The importance of People Skills is often overlooked. However, it is considered to account for 85% of your project's success.

Text Link
In this episode of the Royals & Rogues podcast I speak to Alec Miller about the Future of Digital Short Films and the power of an open-source IP.

The Future of Digital Short Films

In this episode of the Royals & Rogues podcast I speak to Alec Miller about the Future of Digital Short Films and the power of an open-source IP.

Text Link
To ensure customer satisfaction in sales, decide on the ticket price based on the combination of material value and emotional reward.

True Costs of going to the Cinema

To ensure customer satisfaction in sales, decide on the ticket price based on the combination of material value and emotional reward.

Text Link
In moments of challenges and setbacks, fostering understanding and avoiding negativity become essential.

The Importance of Understanding

In moments of challenges and setbacks, fostering understanding and avoiding negativity become essential.

Text Link
The power of inspiration and the art of reflection in achieving your creative goals.

Take time for your Thoughts

The power of inspiration and the art of reflection in achieving your creative goals.

Text Link
What does Blauw Films believe in? What did we believe in?

Early Manifesto

What does Blauw Films believe in? What did we believe in?

Text Link
Imagine telling a story from the perspective of a selfie-camera...

A Deeper look into our lives — Selfie Camera

Imagine telling a story from the perspective of a selfie-camera...

Text Link
What are the basic concepts one needs to know before promoting their website?

You know what's important? SEO.

What are the basic concepts one needs to know before promoting their website?

Text Link
Learn about the important aspects of working with clients effectively while providing the most value.

Working with Clients — Rough Steplist

Learn about the important aspects of working with clients effectively while providing the most value.

Text Link
Learn about this simple 5-step approach to elevate the world of your story.

First time World Building?

Learn about this simple 5-step approach to elevate the world of your story.

Text Link
Some things in business never change but have an undeniable effect on your quality.

5 Lovely lessons on Business

Some things in business never change but have an undeniable effect on your quality.

Text Link
When thinking about self promotion have you considered how much noise you make?

Simple thought on self-promotion

When thinking about self promotion have you considered how much noise you make?

Text Link
At Blauw Films I’m primarily responsible for IP Development.
Whether through Transmedia, World-building or simple storytelling, I’m always thinking about stories.

5 Questions to ask when writing your Story…

At Blauw Films I’m primarily responsible for IP Development. Whether through Transmedia, World-building or simple storytelling, I’m always thinking about stories.

Text Link
Recently I had the pleasure of following an acting masterclass by Ivana Chubbuck. She is a wonderful coach most well known for her Chubbuck Technique.

Acting behind the Eyes

Recently I had the pleasure of following an acting masterclass by Ivana Chubbuck. She is a wonderful coach most well known for her Chubbuck Technique.

Text Link
Freelancing, if you're starting out it can be quite challenging. These tips are unconventional but have helped tremendously with my freelance career.

5 Things I wish I knew before I started Freelancing

Freelancing, if you're starting out it can be quite challenging. These tips are unconventional but have helped tremendously with my freelance career.

Text Link
This thought has been at the core of the Blauw Films philosophy. What does the future of film distribution look like?

If there is an abundance, it should be Free

This thought has been at the core of the Blauw Films philosophy. What does the future of film distribution look like?

Text Link
They say some people are gifted with vivid imagination. However, creativity is a skill anyone can learn. And it’s a skill necessary for those in the arts or modern business.

Imagination, Building worlds for your stories

They say some people are gifted with vivid imagination. However, creativity is a skill anyone can learn. And it’s a skill necessary for those in the arts or modern business.

Text Link
Learn how we tackled the dreamy desert landscape in Operation: Deli Platter using Cinema 4D and Chaos Corona.

The Dreamy lighting of the desert

Learn how we tackled the dreamy desert landscape in Operation: Deli Platter using Cinema 4D and Chaos Corona.

Text Link
Hello, hello! My name is Leo :) I’m the founder of Blauw Films and a director. The company has grown over the years and I’d love to take you on a trip down memory lane!

Why did we start Blauw Films?

Hello, hello! My name is Leo :) I’m the founder of Blauw Films and a director. The company has grown over the years and I’d love to take you on a trip down memory lane!

Text Link
Learn about the storytelling that influenced our design decisions for Operation: Deli Platter.

The Thinking behind Operation: Deli Platter

Learn about the storytelling that influenced our design decisions for Operation: Deli Platter.

Text Link
Discover the behind-the-scenes of creating the Operation: Deli Platter poster. Learn about the techniques used to render a realistic banana and banana clip.

Bananas and Banana Clips

Discover the behind-the-scenes of creating the Operation: Deli Platter poster. Learn about the techniques used to render a realistic banana and banana clip.

Text Link
In this article we will look at the power of the ACES color space when rendering over-exposed assets such as our Moon in direct sunlight.

Realistically Exposed Moon renders using ACES Color Space

In this article we will look at the power of the ACES color space when rendering over-exposed assets such as our Moon in direct sunlight.

Text Link
The early developments of Syntactic Labyrinths have been key to defining the look and feel of the film.

Developments of the Hazmat Suits of Syntactic Labyrinths

The early developments of Syntactic Labyrinths have been key to defining the look and feel of the film.

Text Link
A brief look at the early developments of our tribute project Yu-Gi-Oh! Game of Shadows.

Early Developments of Yu-Gi-Oh! Game of Shadows

A brief look at the early developments of our tribute project Yu-Gi-Oh! Game of Shadows.

Text Link
As a huge Pokémon fan I redesigned the classic Pokéball in CG based on original sketches and the universe of Silph Co.

Redesigning the Silph Co. Pokéball

As a huge Pokémon fan I redesigned the classic Pokéball in CG based on original sketches and the universe of Silph Co.

Text Link
Learn how we made an establishing shot featuring a star-filled night sky, created using Corona Renderer's camera settings in Cinema 4D to achieve the perfect balance of brightness, bringing an accurate and enchanting touch to the scene.

Realistic Starry Nights in your Scene

Learn how we made an establishing shot featuring a star-filled night sky, created using Corona Renderer's camera settings in Cinema 4D to achieve the perfect balance of brightness, bringing an accurate and enchanting touch to the scene.

Text Link
Discover the captivating shots of Saturn, from abstract strokes in The Library to the grandeur of the entire planet, and explore the technical process behind creating these stunning visuals in Corona Renderer through an informative tutorial.

Early developments of Saturn

Discover the captivating shots of Saturn, from abstract strokes in The Library to the grandeur of the entire planet, and explore the technical process behind creating these stunning visuals in Corona Renderer through an informative tutorial.

Text Link
A look at how Earth Digital was used to render a realistic scene from Dragon Ball Z

Father Son Kamehameha

A look at how Earth Digital was used to render a realistic scene from Dragon Ball Z

Text Link
Earth Digital has been used consistently in our productions. Explore the techniques we used in the following space shuttle scenes.

Space Shuttle returning home

Earth Digital has been used consistently in our productions. Explore the techniques we used in the following space shuttle scenes.

Text Link
Using clouds assets during sky replacement can dramatically change the quality of your compositing.

Cloud Maps for Sky Replacement

Using clouds assets during sky replacement can dramatically change the quality of your compositing.

Text Link
Last year we had such a project with frequent collaborator skttrd for their track ‘Instant’. For passion projects it’s important to stretch your creativity, take some risks and achieve a desired result.

Abstract music video with a minimal setup

Last year we had such a project with frequent collaborator skttrd for their track ‘Instant’. For passion projects it’s important to stretch your creativity, take some risks and achieve a desired result.

Text Link
Our skies are ever-changing and bring natural beauty to your shots. Explore how we use our Complete Clouds assets to elevate our renders.

The Power of Cloud textures in CG

Our skies are ever-changing and bring natural beauty to your shots. Explore how we use our Complete Clouds assets to elevate our renders.

Text Link
The first entry in our Lighting Mastery series covers the lighting design techniques of Caravaggio, unlocking your knowledge of Clair Obscur.

How we light CGI like Caravaggio

The first entry in our Lighting Mastery series covers the lighting design techniques of Caravaggio, unlocking your knowledge of Clair Obscur.

Text Link
Looking back at the first video collaboration of many we did with King Khamen for his album Powertools.

Reminiscing: Powertools by King Khamen

Looking back at the first video collaboration of many we did with King Khamen for his album Powertools.

Text Link
How do you capture the essence of natural beauty in a non-photorealistic artwork? We will explore the techniques behind Earth Digital for Operation: Deli Platter.

Earth Digital developments for Operation: Deli Platter

How do you capture the essence of natural beauty in a non-photorealistic artwork? We will explore the techniques behind Earth Digital for Operation: Deli Platter.

Text Link
Exploring the techniques behind achieving an accurate night-vision effect through compositing and rendering in Chaos Corona.

Let’s Make a Realistic Night Vision Effect

Exploring the techniques behind achieving an accurate night-vision effect through compositing and rendering in Chaos Corona.

Text Link
Discover The Graffiti Scrapbook, a hand-crafted collection of over 150 real graffiti decals that address the common issue of unnatural-looking graffiti assets in CG renders.

Realism in CGI with Graffiti Tags

Discover The Graffiti Scrapbook, a hand-crafted collection of over 150 real graffiti decals that address the common issue of unnatural-looking graffiti assets in CG renders.

Text Link
Unlock the secrets of achieving subtle realism with custom aperture maps, as we delve into the interesting world of bokeh."

Bokeh of the Human Eye! And cameras…

Unlock the secrets of achieving subtle realism with custom aperture maps, as we delve into the interesting world of bokeh."

Text Link
Planet Earth rendered in the Blauw Films crystal material

Join the community!

Stay up to date with the process behind bringing our stories to life.

Want to start Dreaming in Blauw[1]?

Oh no! That didn't seem to work.

By entering your email, you agree to receive a curated newsletter from Blauw Films.

7250+ Creatives like you!

[1]: Dreams of Blauw are any form of crystallised thought based on honest expression. Sometimes they linger a shade of blue in your after-image.