Story: Collaboration
I am using Upwork for both a freelance and client account. I recommend it to all freelancers. You can understand how a client chooses a freelance. Very important.
When I work freelance, I am learning how to manage a creator. I want to use their talent which I do not have, but if I don’t describe what I need, they don’t hit the bell. It will be my problem.
In this blog, I would like to write a process with a case study.
Project setting
When I make an account, social media or business software, they ask for a portrait. I took a photo with a professional photographer a few years ago. It was not the best weather, cloudy, but it’s okay. I am still using it. It’s appropriate for LinkedIn, but should I use it on Behance, Twitter or Zoom? These platforms can be more flexible. So, I would like to make a self-portrait somehow, instead of a photo.
Research for the direction
At first, I have to make clear what I want. I searched “portrait” on Google. I could find the style, pencil, art, watercolor, etc, on the top. I did not want an audience(people who look at it) to feel serious or cool. It does not need to be realistic. It may be graphics, impactful, 2D… These inspirations come from a research.
Upwork general
I can find an artist, but it is very difficult to contact anyone if I don’t have an art direction.
Art direction
©Julian Opie
Julian Opie is a visual artist of the New British Sculpture movement. – Wikipedia
Julian Opie is a famous artist in the advertising industry too. The artwork of the music album cover made him famous still more. I knew his work, but I could not remember the name. Somehow search on Google, I could find him. I decide on the direction.
Upwork
I updated the project last night on Saturday. I have received 39 proposals so far. One of my mistakes is that I did not filter. The image shows a candidate whose is achievement rate 62%. There is no chance to get the project below 90%, ideally 95%. 0 earning also makes a client worry.
If you are freelance, I recommend compromising the price until you reach at least 1K. When you reach 10K, you can choose the project & client.
This person did not read the job description. Just copy and paste a cover letter. It did not work.
She was chosen. Because her cover letter was personalized. She sent me the previous work and exactly what I am looking for. I described details after hiring. I do not tell them ASAP. It displays my lack of management. The deadline is necessary. You can ask them, how long does it take?
Project management
Please don’t rely on everything on freelancers. A client has responsibility for management. You have to make sure their understanding each step. The worst-case scenario is that you push back the work when they completed. Both are feeling bad.
Each time I write, thank you for your work. I mention what I like, 1 to 3. Then, I ask for revision. I try to improve the outcome. So, zero modification project does not exist, at least 1 revision. Acceptance is easy. Asking for modification will be your skill.
Feedback for 1st proof:
– Outline and hair is the same color(please check URL above)
– Left eye slightly move to the right
– Highlight should be not center(please check URL above)
– Face outline slightly make sharp
– Neck slightly make short
– T-shirts are u-neck, not straight
– Right shoulder slightly down, make it relax
– Hair outline makes it slightly stable
Feedback for 2nd proof:
– Feedback(top to bottom)
– Less bump on the hair
– Left eye slightly moves to the right*
– Eye-highlights slide to right(not center)*
– Make face slightly sharp
– Make neck slightly short*
*Please don’t trace my line. I have a only mouse and it’s not accurate.
*If I can adjust them on ps, please don’t take much time.
Completed
Please don’t rely on everything on freelancers. A client has responsibility for management. You have to make sure their understanding each step. The worst-case scenario is that you push back the work when they completed. Both are feeling bad.
The result was cooler than real. That’s is my mistake.
Tips:
– Describe a project clearly, and deliverable at the beginning
– Show images/references
– Ask revision whatever the first proof is good
– Don’t say ASAP
– Complement
– Revision is maximum 3 times as a manner
– Send appreciation/5 star reviews, + bonus if you can
Conclusion: How do you work as a freelance?
If I do everything myself, profit may be better, but I like to work with creators. I learn their work process and I can think out of the box. The outcome can reach what I did not expect.
Describing the project and management sometimes takes time. I think it’s the next step and joy as a freelance web/graphic designer.
