Where to find clients and how much to charge? Motion Design Freelance | WHILE ITS RENDERING #3

Summary

In this video, Nick shares insights on freelance 3D motion design, offering valuable tips for newcomers. He discusses the importance of building a strong portfolio, transparency with clients, and effective strategies for client outreach, including using email and platforms like Clutch.co. Nick also highlights the significance of setting appropriate rates, starting with $30/hour, and gradually increasing as demand grows. He emphasizes the necessity of savings, soft skills, and maintaining clear communication throughout projects. Finally, he advises aspiring designers to focus on long-term growth and avoid rushing into low-paid work.

Takeaways

• 😀 Savings are crucial for transitioning into freelancing, offering a mental safety net for the first few months or even years of building your career.
• 😀 A strong portfolio is essential for attracting clients. Showcase a full project pipeline from start to finish to demonstrate your skills and problem-solving ability.
• 😀 Your portfolio should include your creative process, such as mood boards, style frames, sketches, and rough drafts, to show how you develop an idea into a finished animation.
• 😀 Sending personalized cold emails is more effective for finding clients than relying on social media platforms like Instagram, especially when starting with a smaller following.
• 😀 Be transparent with potential clients about your skills and experiences to avoid misunderstandings and ensure long-term, honest working relationships.
• 😀 Communication is key to building strong client relationships. Regular updates and clear responses help establish trust and professionalism.
• 😀 Be prepared to negotiate your rates. Starting at $30 per hour or $240 per day is a good baseline, with the potential to increase rates as you gain more experience and demand.
• 😀 If you want to grow your freelance business, don't just work for a paycheck—focus on building relationships with a select few high-quality clients.
• 😀 Clients expect professionalism, so make sure you are reliable, responsive, and open to feedback to keep them coming back for future projects.
• 😀 Freelancing is not about working full-time hours; it’s about maintaining a balance. Don’t expect to be fully booked at all times, as this might indicate you need to raise your rates.

Q & A

What is the importance of savings when starting a freelance career in 3D design?

Savings are crucial as they give you a financial cushion, allowing you to mentally prepare for a transition into freelancing. The goal is to have enough funds to cover living expenses for several months while you build your freelance business, which gives you the stability needed to focus on securing clients and growing your portfolio.

What should be the focus of a freelancer's portfolio?

A freelancer's portfolio should showcase the full project pipeline, from initial sketches and concept development to the final product. This demonstrates your problem-solving ability and technical skills, which is essential for agencies and studios looking to hire freelancers.

How should a freelancer approach building a portfolio for freelance work?

Start by creating concept projects, documenting every stage of the process—from mood boards and style frames to rough animations and sound design. The aim is to demonstrate how you approach a project, solve design challenges, and complete the work. This will give potential clients insight into your creative and technical process.

What is the best way to secure your first clients as a 3D motion designer?

The best way is to directly reach out to potential clients using email. Craft a personalized email introducing yourself, highlighting your skills, and sharing your portfolio. Cold emailing can be very effective, even more than relying solely on social media, especially when you're starting with a small following.

What was Nick's experience with Instagram for finding clients?

Nick's experience with Instagram wasn't as effective as expected, especially when he had fewer followers. He only secured a couple of clients over two years. He found that cold emailing and direct outreach led to much better results, particularly once he had refined his email template.

What should a freelancer's email template include when reaching out to clients?

A freelancer's email template should include a greeting, a brief introduction of who you are and what you do, a personalized comment on the client's previous work, and links to your portfolio. It's important to avoid sounding desperate and instead present yourself confidently, showing genuine interest in their projects.

How can a freelancer build sustainable income in 3D motion design?

To build sustainable income, it’s essential to maintain a consistent flow of projects. One way to achieve this is by sending out a high volume of cold emails to agencies and potential clients. Once you secure a few clients, focus on building strong relationships and consistently delivering quality work, which can lead to repeat business.

What is a fair hourly rate for a 3D motion designer starting out?

For a beginner, an hourly rate of $30 or a daily rate of $240 is a reasonable starting point. As you gain more experience and build a reputation, you can increase your rates. Always be mindful of market demand and adjust your pricing based on the type of clients and projects you're working with.

What should freelancers avoid doing during client calls?

Freelancers should avoid lying about their capabilities. For example, if you're not experienced in certain areas, like character animation, be transparent about it. Misrepresenting your skills can damage trust and result in lost opportunities. Instead, be honest and clear about what you can and can't do.

What are the key soft skills needed when working with freelance clients?

Key soft skills include effective communication, transparency, and professionalism. It’s important to keep clients updated regularly, respond promptly to emails, and maintain a positive working relationship. Being responsive and transparent will help you build trust and ensure smoother project execution.