Hi, welcome back! In this blog, I will discuss “freelance” as the main topic. Interestingly, I have the opportunity to interview someone who is very inspiring and had a lot of experience as a freelancer for quite a long time. After learning about freelance in the Fashion Proof Development Planning class, I had a big enough interest to explore deeper. Moreover, in less than 06 months I will graduate from college and start working. Before I start, do you know what is freelancer? Freelancer is a term used to describe a person who is self-employed and do not have a long-term commitment to a company.
A few moments ago, I had a phone call interview with a freelance photographer, named Prayogo Yoedo. He is a quite well known photographer in Indonesia. He focuses on still life photography, which is a genre in photography for portraying inanimate objects in an artistic style. After more than 5 years working as freelancer, Prayogo Yoedo is happy to share his experiences and tips for all of us.
(Pict Source: whiteboardjurnal.com)
Why did you choose to become a freelancer?
At first, I have no idea why I chose to become a freelancer. After graduating from college, I worked as a full timer for local Indonesian department store. My routine job desk is to take pictures of models that constantly change clothes for the department’s catalogue. I finally began to feel bored with that monotonous work. Since then, I left the department store and decided to work by my own.
Do you find any difficulties in becoming a freelance worker?
If I could say, the beginning step of my career as a freelancer is the most difficult point. At that moment, people still don't know who I am so nobody contacted me. So I decided to make as many portfolios as possible. I often invite my friends to be photographed and offer my services to take pictures at events made by my closest friends. I am grateful to be born in the digital era where Instagram has a very good impact to my career. Since than, some people started contacting me.
What is the best thing about being a freelancer?
Honestly, there are many things that I like from being a freelancer where the main thing is expand my networking. Being a freelancer makes me realize that socialize with many people could help our career. Even with different jobs, we can exchange information from one with another, learn a new skill and see new opportunities in the market.
As a freelancer, we can set our own schedule. If I want to have a relaxing day, I can filter what kind of jobs that I want to take and not so difficult to do. I can go on vacation whenever I want and most importantly, I can take as many jobs as I can if I need more money. Moreover, I can do all of the tasks anywhere that I want such as home, cafe or co-working space.
What is your greatest achievement as a freelance worker?
By becoming a freelancer, I can work with a lot of brands and companies from small to large scale. But there is an unforgettable experience. I am a freelance photographer for a local Indonesian brand called Orbit Gear. This brand began to penetrate into international market since a few years ago. Unexpectedly, my work for Orbit Gear was featured on International media such as Hypebeast and Eye C Mag.
(Pict source: hypebeast.com)
Exactly one year ago, I was invited to take part in an annual Indonesian exhibition called Art Week 2019. I feel proud enough to be able to show my works seen by thousands to millions pairs of eyes. Even happier when I finally can meet peoples who enjoy my artwork and gains a lot of positive feedback.
Other than that, working with a lot of brands is also an experience that I will never forget. Some brands include Aqua, Senka Indonesia, local Indonesia magazine such as Dewi Magazine, Real Me Indonesia and many more.
What is your advice for all fresh graduates out there who get interest to become a freelance worker?
The point is don't ever be afraid to try. It will be difficult at first, but just enjoy the process. During the process, we will meet a lot of new peoples and find new experiences that will be beneficial for our careers. This is the point where we will grow to be better. Moreover, we must be able to manage our time and finances. Lastly, try to be a friendly person with good attitude to all clients so they will come back again if they need our service.
From the discussion that I had with Prayogo Yoedo, it can be concluded that being a freelancer has both positive and negative things. Every decision or job that we choose will have its own challenge. Being a freelancer can be adjusted to our personality. If we do not like to do things that are monotonous, attached to work for a company, and have dense working hours, becoming a freelancer is the most appropriate option. So, what is your choice???
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