TJ Kelly - Web design, development, SEO, Social Media, Wordpress » Business

Fulltime Freelance

TJ Kelly — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 03:25:22 +0000

Is it a contradiction of terms to say that you “freelance full-time?” It’s a situation I see plenty of other designers enjoying, and I’m considering it myself.

Other successful design shops like WooThemes, WeFunction, and Boston Web Studio are sources of inspiration and envy. I’ve had some discussions lately about making the jump to full-time. I’m hoping it may happen sooner rather than later.

The Business of Freelance

The Business of Freelance

TJ Kelly — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 03:38:04 +0000

Part of winning contacts is projecting an air of confidence. Lately, I’ve heard of more than a few designers & developers who take that idea so far that they intentionally border on arrogance and flirt with price-gouging.

How much of that is displaying confidence, I wonder.

These designers don’t flaunt their skills just for fun. They say it establishes a pattern of behavior with a client and often earns them more respect than a willing, flexible attitude.

I still prefer flexibility, but I’m starting to understand the need to stand my ground.

Fulltime Freelance

Why Front-End Developers Are Important

TJ Kelly — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:50:14 +0000

Just read a very interesting (and somewhat justifying) article by Paul Carvill on the value of front-end web developers. It’s kind of esoteric, and it’s probably a minor case of tooting my own horn. But, the points that Carvill makes are valid, and not enough people are aware of them.

Carvill calls it, “How traditional businesses who have moved to the web regularly undervalue their front-end web developers, and are worse off because of that.” He lists and explains the benefits of successful front-end developers and the hurdles that often stand in their way.

What is it about the web business that makes non-industry people think they’re like experts? Carvill’s article addresses the question brilliantly is offers a solid answer.