Trying to turn flash skills into a profit

[GreenLantern]

I have come to a point with flash where I am wanting to do some work for people.

I have been playing around for years with flash, and I think it's time to do something. I am wanting to do this, mainly for some work to do that is not my design. In other words I am wanting to do a project in which I am not the person who came up with the idea. Then on the other hand, I am also wanting to make some money.

Any hints for a newbie free lancer?

[DariusMonsef]

Don't tell us; tell everyone you know... in your real life.

[mlkedave]

Do you have a portfolio, I mean it would be pretty tough to get clients without something to show of your skills.

[GreenLantern]

That brings me to my next question.

What should be in my portfolio. All I have really is a bunch of experiments that I have done. I don't have any solids sites, or webpages.

[Yeldarb]

well, first off, experiments are good to put in, also a strong site as your portfolio is a must. you could also try offering your services to non-profit organizations (churches, clubs, etc), for a small fee to beef up your portfolio, then move on to trying to get some corporate clients, who will be willing to pay you more. i'd recommend local sales, as the competition on the internet is extremely tough.

how old are you? are you still in school?

[GreenLantern]

Sounds good to me! Should I aim to extend my services to any certain not-for-profit groups? I guess what I'm getting at is.... If I am wanting to do websites for corporate people does it matter if my portfolio is full of bands, clubs, etc.

I'm 24, out of school.

[Digigamer]

Originally posted by RedMirrorBall
Sounds good to me! Should I aim to extend my services to any certain not-for-profit groups? I guess what I'm getting at is.... If I am wanting to do websites for corporate people does it matter if my portfolio is full of bands, clubs, etc.

I'm 24, out of school.

I wouldn't think it would matter as long as the sites for those banks and clubs are up to the quality that the corporate people are looking for :)

[Yeldarb]

right, the goal isn't really to help the non-profit groups (although it does make you feel good about yourself :) ) but to to show your skills. Put your entire heart into making the best site you possibly can. Try to wooo potential customers into choosing you over another company.

[GreenLantern]

Sounds good to me!

Do you have personal experience is this type of thing?

[Yeldarb]

sort of lol, my portfolio is in a rebuilding stage right now lol. I am a full time student, so I don't have much time to work (I try to work as much as possible because I love flash). I have made some clan sites for very low prices (one I even made for free). I haven't gotten the portfolio up yet though, I still have my old one there.

Also, a good idea would be to ask them if in return for you charging them cheaply if they would be willing to give a link back to your site (portfolio). I've done this, and I continue to see the traffic on my site grow. It's basically free advertising, because your clients will want to tell everyone they know about their new website. Also be sure to ask them to please spread the word about your business to any of their friends or affiliates who may need a website.