Freelancer Interview: Matthew King

Our second freelancer interview is Derby based designer Matt King. Read on to hear about Matt’s experience of working in his freelance design business.

Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Matthew King and I run my own freelance graphic design business called Matthew King Creative. I offer services in branding, print & digital design and work with businesses ranging from startups and local business to fully fledged brands such as Bundesliga, Go Outdoors and Erewash Borough Council.

What led you to start freelancing?

I started working freelance part time on the side as a way to enhance my skills and eventually the business started growing and gaining attention. When I was approached by the Bundesliga to work for them as freelance digital designer I couldn’t refuse and made the jump!

What three things do you wish you’d known before starting out?

1. That it isn’t as daunting as what it seems and is in fact extremely fulfilling.
2. Understanding the value of my work and pricing it more confidently.
3. To have known more about the great tools there are out there to help you manage your work and time.

What issues have you had since starting up?

Pricing my work correctly so it matches the value of the services I offer and being confident in quoting prospects.

What’s the best thing about freelancing?

I love the ability to be able to manage my own time and work with numerous agencies, clients and business. In contrast to the old agency life where I’d work 35-40 hours a week 48 weeks per year, freelance has enabled me to work from home 1-2 days a week, work in house with 1-2 different agencies for the rest of the week so its varied. You become exposed to working & communicating with so many more people.

How would you like to develop your freelance career in the future?

I’d like to grow my network, meeting new people and businesses while developing the working relationships I have with my existing clients. I’m a big sports fan and would like to score more great projects like that I did with the Bundesliga.

Anything else you’d like to tell anyone thinking of or currently freelancing?

That it can grow much quicker than you would realise and have the confidence in your abilities to be able to freelance. Just start out on the side of your full-time job if it’s easier and see where that takes you. On the other hand I do know some individuals who have been so bold as to make the jump without the work in place and they have still flourished!