Why Starting Your UX Career as a Freelancer is a Win 🏆
Jacob Olenick
Lead Product Designer, Design Systems | ✨ I help UX Designers by posting career tips and content about working as an IC and contract UX Designer.
Hey there,
When I first started my journey into product design, I didn’t follow the “traditional” path of landing a full-time gig right out of the gate. Instead, I started as a fractional product designer, taking on freelance projects for startups and even a few larger tech companies.
And let me tell you, looking back, that was one of the smartest moves I made for my career.
Freelancing: A Stepping Stone, Not a Step Down
For many designers, freelancing is the ultimate dream: being your own boss, picking your projects, and setting your schedule. But what most people don’t talk about is how freelancing can also be the perfect starting point for your UX career.
When I was just getting started, freelancing helped me:
Moving Into a Full-Time IC Role
After a few years of freelancing, I transitioned into an in-house role as an IC (Individual Contributor) UX designer. My freelance experience made that move so much easier. Why? Because I had the portfolio, the skills, and the confidence to show I could handle any challenge.
Plus, companies love seeing that you’ve already proven yourself in the field, even if it was as a freelancer. It shows initiative, adaptability, and self-motivation, all things hiring managers look for.
Freelance as the End Goal
Here’s the thing: For many designers, the ultimate goal is to go independent. You might not be there yet, but starting your career as a freelancer gives you a head start on the skills you’ll need if you decide to make that leap later.
So if you’re debating whether freelancing is a good move for you, take it from me, it’s not just a viable path; it’s a smart one. Whether you end up in a full-time role or decide to go solo for good, the experience you gain freelancing will set you up for success either way.
What do you think? Have you considered freelancing or already taken the leap? Hit reply and let me know, I’d love to hear your story.
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AI-enhanced Web and UX/UI Designer focused on creating impactful digital experiences 💪🤖
3wI started freelancing just before the pandemic as a graphic designer/web designer. I'm now more focused on web design, but I'm also curious about UX design. I've done a few courses and implemented UX principles into my client projects, but I need more experience before I can call myself a fully fledged UX designer. So, I'm thinking about returning to full-time work, but with zero commercial UX experience, it's extremely hard to get a foot in the door.
UI/UX Designer | Crafting User-Centered, Responsive & Visually Engaging Digital Experiences
3wInterpretation of freelance is i think differ from person to person, it is subjective, your interpretation was definitely good, but Here's what i think: starting UX career as a freelancer might not be helpful for someone like me, i wouldn’t know these much of knowledge which im now getting from seniors. I did not had the clear idea of UX/UI. And what the standards are. If i would start freelancing, i might got into trouble, The biggest challenge of freelancing, perhaps not getting the right feedback from the right person. So i think starting career from a Software company made my way much clearer and faster. Yes! Everyone dream about going independent, but it’s possible only if you have the right knowledge.
Empowering Startups & SMEs turn ideas into Intuitive, Conversion-focused, Seamless UI/UX Design | $5M+ Client Revenue| User Experience Design | Webflow, Framer Expert | Helped 50+ businesses in Ecommerce, FinTech & SaaS.
4wVery interesting content 😃
Product Designer ✣ Seeking opportunities in B2B ✣ Impacted 1 M users through my designs
4wVery interesting! Surprisingly, my story is quite similar. My first paid design project was a freelance gig, which I got thanks to a designer friend who trusted me. Since then, it’s been an incredible journey. For anyone looking to start their design career today, here’s what I’d recommend: 🔸 Take on freelance projects to build a diverse portfolio (as you mentioned). 🔸 Do pro bono work to gain experience and connections. 🔸 Practice improving the UX of existing products in the market. With these steps, I believe your portfolio will become exceptionally strong!