www.jessienelsonux.com

Posted in:Design Job Hunting Career Growth

Hello everyone! It's now four years later since I've built a ux / ui / web design portfolio with projects in it and a resume with those small projects / clients.

Earlier this year I finished the last for free design project I can do at this point. I need paid work, I need to stop being a broke substitute teacher when I now have skills that can make me a decent income so I can take care of myself as a 42 year old single woman.

I need some help, what is the fastest way to get design clients and get money in the door by mid December? I can't keep waiting. I'm doing everything I know how to do (network / advertisting services / linkedin premium / etc) and nothing is clicking.

The other issue I'm running into is I can't get clients to want to pay me what I deserve when I do have client calls. I can't build a website or design a mobile app for less than $1000 at this point. I lowered my price down to $850 for a three page web site and was still rejected.

Ladies, the world is on fire, I need to take care of myself decently and I have what it takes to get the work and know how to hustle hard. Anything I should be doing that I'm not / anyone need an assistant on a project / how do I get money in the door with my design skills fast and get people to want to pay me? Thank you all so much for any advice.

Karyn33·Nov 07

Maybe you need to be on upwork or fiverr. Try applying for roles instead of Freelancing because full time employment will be reliable and predictable income. Here's AI making it more competitive https://www.visily.ai/design-assistant/Sending blessings and happy pivoting/revamping especially as the new year comes 🌸

JessieNelson·Nov 08

@Karyn33 Thank you so much!

Iynna·Nov 07

yeah +1 to Upwork/Fiverr - might be a lowlift way to find short term projects?

JessieNelson·Nov 08

@iyanna Thank you so much!

Elicia97·Nov 09

Hi Jessie - I love your mindset, hang in there! I recommend applying to full-time product design jobs for income stability. Plus one to Fiverr or upwork. I also suggest exploring Creative Fabrica, where you may be able to sell designs/digital art but this is a marketplace so it may not yield results right away. I just wanted to share that as a more long term option. But highly, highly recommend applying for full time design jobs. I do not suggest doing this free to further build your portfolio, IMO a 4 year portfolio should be solid.I'm sending a lot of virtual hugs, love and prayers your way.

JessieNelson·Nov 10

@Elicia97 Thank you so much for all this advice and the support, I really appreciate it!

joanagutierrez·Nov 12

Can you please send a link to your portfolio to [email protected] ?

JessieNelson·Nov 12

I emailed my portfolio link over and it came back that my message was blocked, I'm not sure why. Can you let me know where to send my portfolio? I used the email you provided below. Thanks so much.

JessieNelson·Nov 12

Absolutely, thank you so much!

msue·Nov 12

Hi Jessie, just took a look at your portfolio website. I would recommend applying the UX process to your own website. When i opened your website's homepage/projects, it was not clear to me that you are a freelance ux/web designer accepting projects. consider creating a dedicated homepage that introduces yourself, features two projects, the testimonial,, and displays your services/pricing info with next steps (like a RFP form).For your case studies, think about your audience and what information would be helpful to them (like project timeline, final deliverables, your process, etc). I'd consider re-framing your website content for freelance clients and then keeping a PDF portfolio that gets in the weeds of your design choices/ux approach for full time design roles.Want to do a portfolio review? Can chat on a video, I'm also in the NYC areaIn the mean time, I like Sarah Doody's portfolio advice and resources and checkout ADPList.org for more design mentorship

JessieNelson·Nov 13

@msue Thank you so much for replying to my post! I messaged you regarding a portfolio review, thank you so much for wanting to go over materials with me. Jessie

courtneyparkscoach·Nov 13

Hi Jesse, I'm a Biz/Career Coach and agree with the suggestions shared re: getting in the door through Upwork, etc. Here are a couple job/matching sites that focus on creatives if you're not familiar already. I haven't vetted these sites but have shared with others in similar fields.https://joincreatively.com/https://workingnotworking.com/Appreciating your commitment to getting paid work and sending good energy...hope these help!!Courtney

JessieNelson·Nov 14

@courtneyparkscoach Thank you so much for responding and for the links and support! This is all incredibly helpful!