The Freelance Industry Report 2021
Welcome to The Freelance Industry Report, where we gather insights on how independents are redefining the future of work.
10,000+ Independents Were Surveyed
Every independent surveyed earns at least $70k+ annually, and works worldwide in design, engineering, product, writing, content marketing, or social media.
It's a Lifestyle
Work / Life Balance
How many hours a week do you work?
From The Experts
What I am primarily looking for with new projects is a fit on both a visual and aesthetic level as well as on a personal level with the client.
Art Director & Visual Designer, Awwwards Independent of the Year 2020
Projects by the Numbers
On average, how many projects do you have going simultaneously?
Being independent is one of the best ways you can be free to create immense value for your clients and customers. The only constraint is your imagination.
Dan MallFounder & CEO, SuperFriendly
As an independent, you get to decide whom you work for, what you do, and how you do it. It means being free to make your own choices, choices that you are ultimately responsible for.
Josh PitzalisProduct & User Retention Strategist
Being independent doesn't always translate to a better income. Both paths can enable you to make money, but being independent gives you way more creative freedom.
Alejandro LeónDesigner, Developer & Entrepreneur, Founder of spline.design, Golden Kitty Award Winner 2020
Whenever I’m deciding to take on a new project I always start by asking myself: Do I agree with what this represents, will I enjoy creating it, and would I want to do this sort of thing again?
Aljournal Franklin IIGraphic Designer & Visual Artist
Becoming independent has taught me the power of saying 'no'. The moment I was solely working on projects I was passionate about, was the moment I knew I made the right choice.
Jill RussellSenior Designer & Art Director
Getting Hired
Top Skills
From The Experts
Being independent has given me the freedom to schedule time for passion projects and broadening my skill set — something I would have never been able to, or have had the energy to do at a full time job.
Senior Animator & Director
Getting Paid
Paid Your Way
Do you primarily charge hourly or per project?
From The Experts
While initial client leads are the hardest to get, all my subsequent leads came from existing client referrals. Do good work and build relationships.
Designer, developer & entrepreneur, Co-founder of Monograph
Looking To The Future
From The Experts
It’s our responsibility as freelancers to support the people in our network by sharing rates, contract tips, leads, etc. A collaborative ecosystem is what keep companies from being able to take advantage of creatives.
Designer & Art Director
Freelance Industry Report 2021
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more insights into the future of work.