Types of Freelance Work

Freelancing allows you to work from the comfort of your own home.

When the daily nine to five grind starts to grind your last nerve, you might consider quitting your day job for a career as a freelancer. Freelancing can give you the freedom to set your own hours, be your own boss and follow your passion. One advantage to becoming a freelancer is that startup costs can be low, so you don't necessarily need to go into debt to start a freelancing business. Freelancing doesn't have to be full time. If you aren't ready to give up your dependable biweekly paycheck, freelancing on the side can bring in extra income to help you pay those bills or save for that cruise.

Freelance Writing

If you have expertise on any subject (or if you are willing to do research), there may be freelance writing opportunities for you. Many companies outsource their technical or business writing to freelancers. You can also query print magazines with article ideas. Editors at these magazines usually hire freelancers on a per article basis, but if you prove to be a skilled and dependable writer they may contact you about writing future articles. You can also write or contribute to online blogs, newsletters or websites to make money. Another option for freelance writers is to write, self publish and sell ebooks.

Freelance Photography

Is photography your passion? Put together a portfolio that showcases your work. Include nature photography, portraits, sports and event photography or any other type of pictures you take. Show yourself off as a well-rounded photographer. As a freelance photographer, you can sell photographs to newspapers or magazines. You can also sell your photographs to companies to use on their websites or blogs. Another option is to sell stock photos to companies such as iStockphoto.com. These companies purchase your photographs and sell them to other individuals or companies (who are required to credit you as the photographer) to use.

Graphic Design

Companies want logos, and they need graphic designers to create them. Graphic designers may also be hired to create advertisements, brochures or presentations that rely on visual effects to send a message. Freelance graphic designers should have a portfolio ready to show potential clients. If you don't have experience working as a graphic designer but have the necessary skills, try volunteering to do work for local groups for free. This won't put food on the table, but it will help you build your portfolio and help you get paid work in the future.

Consulting

Did you work in a specific field, such as finance, for years? Are you an expert on any particular subject matter? You can consider selling your expertise as a freelance consultant. Companies may come across projects that requires outside advice. This can include finance consulting, legal consulting (if you are an attorney) or even marketing or interior design. As a consultant, your fees will usually be on a per hour basis, rather than the per project basis that is common in other types of freelance work. Create a resume outlining your experience in your field, and start advertising your availability as a consultant.

References

• "Writer's Digest"; 10 Reasons the Freelance Life is a Good Life; Art Spikol; February 2011
• A Freelance Worker: All About Freelance Photography
• A Freelance Worker: All About Freelance Graphic Design