[Featured Freelancer] Meet Vandit, A Curated Graphic Designer at Truelancer
Continuing with our series of featured freelancers, today we proudly present to you an Amazing Graphic Designer Vandit Shah who is always known for her outstanding creativity.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Well, I came from what I would call a “not so wealthy background”. My dad couldn’t work because of a heart condition so my mum was the main breadwinner. I always admire her strength and determination and courage. I’ve always had an eye on UI/UX and was fond of finding inspiration for Mobile App UI, Website Design, Logo Design, Brochure Design, Banner Design and so on – I was convinced that I would work in an environment related to the UI/UX and will consult a needy persons as and when needed.
I started working as UI/UX designer for a small start-up company. When I got a good grip on project communication and design tools I began to work as UI/UX director and app consultant. Once I was experienced, I was approached by some friends for freelancing – it went well so I got into it.
How did you get into freelancing?
When I was younger, I always knew that design was my talent I just didn’t know which direction to take it in. My parents persuaded me to study business studies and work in Bank. Well, I hated the business studies! So much so that I never actually made it to the Bank job!! I always remember waiting for the number 20 bus. If the bus was a minute late I would run through the graveyard and back home to my bed!
It was then I decided to take control of my life. I enrolled in various design courses that led me to Freelance UI/UX Designer. I can distinctively remember the day of the interview, I had to design a creative piece of artwork for the teachers to observe. I was ecstatic upon discovering that the teachers very much liked my concertina perspex book equipped with a matching stand. After leaving college I decided to freelance first to gain experience in the industry.
How did you come across Truelancer?
I still remember, when I had no work to do, I read “The 4 Hour Work Week” by Tim Ferriss and it mentioned outsourcing and freelancing online and that’s how I found out about Truelancer.
What was your first job like on Truelancer?
My first job was to create designs for an application; the client was just known French and I’m an intermediate learning French, who asked me to plan and design his app idea; we did it within his budget and he was extremely happy.
What is a typical day like for you?
I usually wake up early at 6:30 AM IST. I always try to stay fit so I do exercise and run for half an hour. Once I am done, I take breakfast with all emails, notifications, and Skype opened up and I begin to answer them. I focus on replying to new leads first in a detailed manner, and I update ongoing projects to clients before they sleep.
I start working at 10 am morning and set priorities. If I have lots of projects, I try to work for 15 hours, or else I enjoy meeting with new clients, consult them and I love to play “Play Station and Mobile Games”. I tend to update all my clients as the day progresses and based on priorities.
How does freelancing compare to a 10-7?
It is a completely different experience. The best part is I get money for my efforts. I feel that I have become more sincere towards delivery and quality compared to the time when I used to do a regular job; 10-7 for me was a fixed salary – freelancing now means no limits per month. I can attend any important functions and events by adjusting my time without seeking permission from anyone.
One more thing, I travel a lot and I can simply work by carrying my mac with me anywhere at anytime.
What benefits have you found by using Truelancer?
Working through TruLancer makes it very easy to manage the projects using the work stream. Another advantage is the ‘SELL SERVICE’ feature which helps get more potential leads and that is the most amazing thing.
Also, don’t underestimate the dashboard part where you can easily find the stats, work streams and invites in one place.
What does your future hold? Where would you like to take this?
I am currently focusing on the mobile app UI/UX and I would like to get specialized at some point as I am developing a small freelancing team under me to help me in additional projects as well as handling clients.
I would also like to build a small freelancing team with a very strong architecture of project management. I would also like to develop native apps for clients which can get sufficient funding, that way I can build successful products for my clients and eventually they will be lifetime clients.
What are your top 5 tips for freelancers who are new to Truelancer?
I would like to focus on the following things while freelancing and especially when you are new here:
- Communication: Communication is essential whether it’s regarding replying to certain questions or explaining your understanding. Without proper words, you won’t ever be able to do good business.
- Timeliness: The time period of response before and after sales – Clients/Buyers here are mostly outside India and are very particular about timing. They expect a quick reply or scheduled reply. Before sales reply and after sales reply timing, both are necessary to retain the client.
- The process of delivering big project: Process here is important and explaining to your client about following that process is equally important as it’s all about the process while delivering the project, as it will be easy to go back and forth to resolve the issues.
- Attention to detail: Don’t just give the quote or your proposal before understanding the requirements as it may lead to an economic loss and may turn out to be the last project with that client. Try to understand the project fully before you commit the deadlines & the most important
- Quality: Quality is the only thing that matters in the end. Even if you have to extra mile, try to provide tested & quality checked outcome rather than just throwing anything to the client as if the quality is good you obviously going to get more projects or references from that client.
Is there anything else you want to say?
- Give respect, get respect
- Don’t over-commit
- Don’t compromise on the cost if you aren’t going to compromise on the quality.
- Be proactive and update your clients before they ask
- Retrain your brain if you need to!
Well! Vandit seems determined to make his way through and come out on top. Our featured freelancers are those people who have achieved commendable accolades in a fast span of time. They certainly deserve the appreciation.
Stay tuned as we come up with more one-on-ones with our freelance heroes and heroines!