Who are you, what do you do, why did you decide to go freelance, and how long have you been freelancing for?
I’m Martin Duggan, I am a designer for both print and digital media. I’ve been freelancing full time for 6 months now, but have 13 years industry experience.
What are the top two projects you’ve worked on this year?
Bloom in The Park website redesign and a large medical website that’s still pre-alpha testing, so a bit hush hush.
What are the qualities/characteristics of your dream client? Does such a person/organisation even exist?
Respects and values my skill set and knowledge. Yes, there are a lot of genuine folks out in the business community, and it’s great to work with clients who have a collaborative spirit and see the project, and your involvement, as a team effort.
How long did it take you to get on your feet as a freelancer? What were some of the challenges?
Still getting on my feet, slowly but surely. Only problem I’ve encountered so far is the entire economy being turned on its head.
How has your chosen field changed since you entered it, aside from there being more technologies? What do you think the climate for freelancers is like?
I started my career in design in 1997. 100% of my work back then was for print – from brochures to packaging. Now only about 5% of what I do goes to print. The internet was the biggest single change on my profession from my memory. I think freelancers will have to play their one strongest card – relatively low overheads. I collaborate with other great designers and developers to complete projects, without a centralised office and the related overheads of travel time, expenses etc.
Did you struggle with time management when you began freelancing? How did you resolve those issues?
No. I’m a workaholic. I eat, sleep and… drink visual communication, on artistic and commercial levels. I definitely don’t need anyone else to motivate me, but do need many sources of inspiration.
Give us an overview of the activities you do regularly to keep up with marketing yourself
Interacting with the general business community through twitter mainly, daily. Then keeping an eye out for free business meet ups and getting out to meet lots of great people. Conversations, connections and ideas sparkle and fizzle and the next thing I’m working on a new website for someone – even if it is ultimately to pay back the IMF.
What other methods do you recommend for other freelancers to boost their image and get more positive press?
Get out from behind the Mac and mix with peeps related to your industry and definitely folks from the wider business community. Always be respectful. Move on from genuinely bad clients but don’t get into games of bad mouthing others, put your energy into finding people you CAN work with.
What’s your typical day like?
6:30am keep pressing the ‘snooze’ button, 7am – emails/twitter, work, espresso, work, coffee, spend (not enough) time with my son, read blogs, loads of emails and twitter throughout the day also.
What’s next on the horizon for you?
What I’m most excited about is that I’m working on a series of more fine art prints that incorporate all my skills and knowledge in design, but don’t get to do on commercial client work. Each poster will be fairly high-end, with a message that really reflects my thoughts and ideas. I’ve spent more time on the message so far than the execution, but for me that is the proper sequence in creating art that really reaches people. And finishing up some paintings. So, exhibitions of work to come in the next year.
Any advice for anyone looking to break into this field?
Because there’s such a low barrier of entry now to become a professional graphic designer, to really succeed and excel and get trusted with the bigger jobs, you really need that passion and willingness to continue learning and upskilling, exposing your eyes to great work continually via great sites like Behance, Form Fifty Five etc. Also reading technical books on web/digital technology – not to become an expert, but to maintain an appreciation for new tech.
And finally, which is better – being freelance or working full-time for just one organisation?
I can’t answer this for any other designer. For me, absolutely I need to be my own boss. Digital technology is a game changer. I’m currently working with great guys in Munich and London on exciting projects. If I need to take the morning off and head to the museum or an exhibition then I really don’t want to be running that by anyone else. Design isn’t really 9 to 5. Our clients are, so hence we are. But I very often get my best ideas when I’m out and about, not thinking purposely on a project. So, I definitely need my autonomy to collaborate with cherry-picked individuals and sail my own ship.
And just for fun – entirely up to you if you answer this or not – how true to life is this cartoon by The Oatmeal?
http://theoatmeal.com/comics/working_home
Yeah, if you choose the sacred path of the freelancer, just be prepared to experience ALL of your emotions… and insanities.
Say hello to Martin
Web: www.mdd.ie
Twitter: @MDDdesign
Facebook: facebook.com/MartinDugganDesign
Blog: mdd.posterous.com
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