If you prefer a non-traditional work environment and work well on your own, working from home can be a life-changing improvement. For those with children, the flexibility of working from home can be especially welcome. Say goodbye to commuting, traffic headaches, and parking and gas expenses.
However, working from home is not for everyone. Some people thrive on the energy that develops in an office environment, and require the creative input of a team. Some may find it hard to get motivated when working alone, or may dislike having their work and home in the same space. Spouses and children may find it difficult to understand that even though you’re at home, you are still “at work.” Before deciding that working from home is for you, it is wise to think about all the pros and cons, and perhaps take on some small home-based projects, before committing to the lifestyle.
If you decide that a home office is the right option for you, it is important to set aside a space that is your “work zone.” If you have the luxury of an actual home office, take the time to set it up to your liking so it is a space that you enjoy. Getting dressed nicely can also help you stay motivated—it’s hard to feel like conquering the world if you are wearing your bathrobe!
Set goals for yourself and keep your files organized. Check with your accountant to make sure that you are taking full advantage of any tax benefits you are entitled to with a home office. Working from home, or creating a web-based business, can also give you the opportunity to work with a wide variety of clients from all across the world.
Keep in mind that even though you don’t have to keep a 9 to 5 schedule, the rest of the world does! This means that many stages of your work, such as approvals and deadlines, will likely take place while other people, such as suppliers or clients, are at the office.
If you are the one hiring a graphic designer, hiring a home-based freelancer can be a great option. Be sure to iron out details before you sign the contract—no one likes to pay by the hour when they can’t be sure of how many hours a job really takes, so I do recommend agreeing on a set price whenever possible.
With all the technology available today, it is easier than ever before to work from home. Between instant messaging, FTP sites, email, webcams, and online meeting sites, a graphic designer is often able to work completely from home. It is a good idea, however, to still meet with clients face-to-face every now and then, in order to maintain a solid relationship and ensure that you have a firm understanding of their needs and expectations.
Some clients also prefer to see a hard copy proof prior to printing to ensure that the final product meets their approval. Online proofs can be acceptable, especially for repeat orders or jobs for which the client is not picky about colours. Be sure to remind customers that the colours on their screen will likely vary from the printed colours. My preferred way of exchanging proofs is via a PDF equipped with comment-adding functionality.
Working from home is solitary. Try volunteering somewhere, joining an online community, or getting a part-time job “on the outside.”
Graphic design is a career that lends itself well to working from home, and if you are motivated and self-disciplined it can be a great way to move forward with your work.
Jasmine Brooks, Project Coordinator
MPR Communication
jbrooks@mprcommunication.com