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Ask DN: For those that freelance - how well are you doing, financially?

8 years ago from John Howard, Founder, Lead Designer at Black Airplane

  • Ivo MynttinenIvo Mynttinen, 8 years ago (edited 8 years ago )

    Freelancing 3+ years, profitable since day one – so I guess I'm doing kinda fine.

    Year 1: 70,000 €

    Year 2: 107,000 € - http://ivomynttinen.com/blog/my-year-2013-in-numbers/

    Year 3: 124,000 € - http://ivomynttinen.com/blog/freelance-business-report-2014/

    USD/EUR x-rates varied from 1.62 - 1.1 over these years, just so you can get an idea of the $ value

    Best quarter was about 50,000 €, worst was 15,000 € or something like that.

    Now I'm on an ongoing long term contract for a single client (not sure if you would still count that as freelancing, but I do have the freedom a freelancer does), which totals at around 140,000 €/year + stock options.

    9 points
    • Ivan BjelajacIvan Bjelajac, 8 years ago (edited 8 years ago )

      I'm curious, how did you get all of those leads and clients? I've read your blogs already and am wondering how you managed that since you're from Europe and maybe not in direct contact with the North American market. Like myself.

      I really love your pricing guide btw. Really helpful and a great insight...

      3 points
      • Ivo MynttinenIvo Mynttinen, 8 years ago

        That just happened somehow... guess I was really lucky.

        I've started with one client (speaking U.S. based) who just found me on Dribbble. It was a well founded startup (but unknown) and the founders where very connected in the SF startup scene. They've been happy with the results and told other founders about me so I've got some leads from that direction.

        After I've had a few solid pieces of work in my portfolio, the main source for new leads became my website (the blog is relatively popular so there are many people coming from google just searching for something and then accidentally turn into clients). Surprisingly, Dribbble is not bringing any quality leads anymore (at least for me). Referrals from existing clients are coming in steady and are usually from the U.S (just because the existing clients are from there) and almost always companies/individuals I want to work with.

        2 points
        • Ivan BjelajacIvan Bjelajac, 8 years ago

          Thanks a lot for the answer. It might seem you got lucky, but I'm sure it's due to the great work you do.

          I just have another little question. :) Do you (or did you) ask your clients to referr you to other potential clients?

          0 points
          • Ivo MynttinenIvo Mynttinen, 8 years ago

            Nope, never asked for it - they just did it when someone they knew was looking for a designer/dev.

            However, when you feel like you need more clients, it does never hurt to ask your existing clients if they know someone who knows someone...

            1 point