Week 2

This weeks readings were interesting, especially on pages 48 and 49. Compared to working in an office or with a group of people, a freelance designer lives a loosened life, or so I think from the readings. They rely only on themselves to get it done, and when they are finished with a project, they are relieved of their work week. They are their own boss and only have the clients requests to worry about. With freelance work, you can work right from your home, which is much more easier than beating rush hour traffic to work every morning. On pg. 49, the author states that "the single most important aspect of being self-employed is that you retain flexibility: by staying small you are free to turn work down and free to do only the work you want to do." This is a huge advantage, in my opinion, because we all have had those jobs where we were given a task that we absolutely despised. As a freelance designer, you can simply say no to a client, and be happy to know that you will be getting another assignment. You work your own hours, take as many breaks as needed, and choose who you want to help. My Uncle Drew has gone through many design jobs, from working with iMAX to helping Universal Studios to co-creating the more recent Winnie The Pooh show. While he was in between jobs, he began to do some freelance work himself and told me its one of the best feelings to have, knowing he has complete control of what he does with his work. Of course, the main objective is to please to client, but getting the job done without the stressful work environment is a complete weight off your shoulders. He did complain about not having the benefit of asking for help when he was in a situation with a client. That is one of the disadvantages of freelancing. My Uncle Drew only did some freelancing when he was in between jobs. If he was able to help a client here or there, he would do it, but he wouldn't stress over going out and looking for clients to help. It was like a side job for him. I, personally, thought that freelancing sounded much more easier than working in a large company of designers, but after reading Chapter 3, I'm not sure if freelance designer would be a good title for me. I have times where I need to ask others for assistance, just like any other designer in the field. I would rather have that ability than looking through tons of manuals. Plus, you could be able to see what your fellow designers have done and use their work as examples. As a freelancer, you are simply on your own.

I have been an IDD major since the beginning of junior year. The experience that I have in this field so far has led me to believe that I need more practice in this field. Being self-confident in something requires you to fully understand the capabilities in the field. I am confident enough to know that I believe I have much more to learn. This is why I have chosen to explore my options with jobs and internships once I graduate. When I begin my portfolio, I want the outside world to understand what I am capable and incapable of. I want my future boss to see my portfolio and see what my goals and ambitions are. My goal is to connect further with the IDD community and expand my abilities in this field. I want to work and learn at the same time. The more I work with clients, the more I will learn. My portfolio will speak for me once I graduate and it will lead me in the right path to a job I am capable of. Of course, my portfolio must have "personality" in order to draw the outside world into it. A dull and plain portfolio will obviously lead to a dull and boring occupation. I feel that a portfolio that is too flashy is not what people want to see. They want to see the clear picture of what you are trying to present and express to them.