The Designer's Block

Stop! Before you do anything! There are a few things you need to do before you even pick up that pen or click that mouse.

A lot of young starters casually start working as freelance designers without a second thought about contracts, payment, National Insurance, tax, VAT and so on. Unfortunately this can cause a lot of headaches further down the line, or worse still, large fines from HM Revenue and Customs (better known as the taxman!).

From experience I would say the following would need to be ticked off the checklist before even starting any work; whether it be a ‘guvvy job’ for the bloke next door, a logo design for your mam’s workmate or even that big pay-off website you can’t wait to sink your teeth into.

Checklist

• Create an identity, stationary and a website
• Create document templates e.g. Invoice, Letterhead, Terms and Conditions etc
• Create an expenses sheet, cash book and sales & purchases spreadsheet
• Get your business cards printed
• Find a recommended solicitor / accountant / book keeper
• Create advertising, such as flyer’s
• Join networks and forums
• Register with HM Revenue and Customs
• Start working!!