Mark is freelance graphic designer and front-end web designer who has a passion for typography, branding and all things digital. When he’s not being creative, he loves laying down some beats on his drums, the great outdoors, drinking tea and watching movies.
Website: narusson.co.uk
Mark is based in Cheltenham, UK.
1. What type of work do you do?
It’s a real mix of identity work, print collateral, html emails and mostly front-end website design.
2. When and why did you become a freelancer?
I’m fairly new to the world of freelancing. Although I’ve been tinkering with it for around 2 years, I took the plunge earlier in the year.
In a way it was fate that lead me to this point. I was contacting by a PR company who’d spotted my details on a freelance site and they asked if I’d be interested in working with them. We got talking and the rest is history.
Ultimately though I wanted more of a challenge, more control and not to have to drive to work every day. I felt my day job wasn’t ticking the boxes anymore and I’d had little success with interviews for full time positions.
3. What do you enjoy most about freelancing?
It’s the freedom to go with your own instincts on projects. I’ve learnt more in a few months of freelancing than in the last 2 years working for someone else. I now get to interact with the clients directly in some cases, have more input in the design and strategic process and get to pitch for work.
At the end of the day I know the work is down to me and that gives me a lot of satisfaction.
4. What do you think is the key to success as a freelancer?
Be brave and go for it. There is plenty of work out there for everyone. Do some networking, speak to friends, family, get on Twitter and Facebook, start a Blog (on my to do list) and have fun.
I’d certainly recommend doing it while holding down a full time or part time job if you can. At least you know there is some money coming in.
5. Do you have any advice for new freelancers?
If you are inexperienced get a full time position FIRST. Learn all the main software programmes, learn how to send stuff to print, how to do layouts, and if you can how to code html. All this knowledge is invaluable in the long run. When you are confident with your skills then become a freelancer. The market place is flooded with people straight out of college with very little practical knowledge, which isn’t good for clients and the industry.
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