Marilyn Monroe once said, I restore myself when I'm alone,
which is classic introversion. However, with modern workplace trends of open-space offices and shared co-working spaces, finding the time and place to do your work alone is more difficult than it would seem.
The good news is there are three great jobs for introverts—or for those inclined toward introversion—and with the right skills, you can find freelance opportunities in all three. But before we get into these freelance opportunities, let's look at freelancing in general and some recent statistics that support its upward trend.
Freelancing
In a 2017 study conducted by independent research firm Edelman Intelligence, researchers found that 57.3 million Americans are freelancing (36 percent of the U.S. workforce), contributing approximately $1.4 trillion annually to the economy. This is an increase of nearly 30% since last year.
That study also concluded that:
- 54 percent of the U.S. workforce (freelancers and non-freelancers) said they're not very confident that the work they do will exist in 20 years.
- By 2027, the majority of the U.S. workforce will freelance.
- 63 percent of freelancers think that having a diversified portfolio of clients is more secure than one employer and have an average of 4.5 clients per month.
This trend toward freelancing is great news for introverts, who prefer to work independently in their own chosen setting. Such personalities tend to find office chatter and activity to be distracting—and at times, even distressing.
So, if you happen to be an introvert, or if you are interested in freelancing as an editor, content writer, or graphic designer, let's take a look at the skills you'll need for each.
Editor
The role of an editor will vary based on the editing services needed. An editor can offer developmental editing, line editing, copyediting, proofreading, or manuscript critiquing services, and each of these are different in their approach and the point at which they are needed for a manuscript.
The most commonly needed editorial service is copyediting, which involves focusing on the technical issues of the copy and requires an excellent command of rules related to grammar, punctuation, spelling, syntax, citation formats and capitalization. A copyeditor will also need to make notes on any false or questionable information such as incorrect quotes, dates, or claims. This skill is especially useful in the publishing world, where false information could mean defamation lawsuits or a tarnished reputation.
Skills you'll need
Editors, whether copyediting or proofreading, should demonstrate the following skills:
- Expert knowledge of English grammar, punctuation, capitalization, citation style, spelling and syntax rules.
- The ability to be meticulous and careful in your work, paying close attention to details.
- An ability to determine macro-level problems of the copy, including consistency.
- Research skills related to checking facts, dates, spelling of names, and quotes. This skill doesn't always apply to editing projects, but is particularly important if you are editing for a publication that could be sued for defamation, plagiarism, or reporting false information.
- A genuine desire to help writers polish their work and ensure it is error-free for publication.
- The ability to manage multiple projects at once, with different timelines and expectations.
Content writer or copywriter
The role of a content writer will vary depending on the client and project. In most cases, a content writer (or copywriter) is responsible for creating content to be published—either online, in print, or both. This content could range from social media posts and blog articles, to press releases, email marketing campaigns and YouTube scripts.
In addition to having great command of the English language, a freelance content writer needs to understand the basics of Internet marketing and writing for certain audiences. While there are copywriting jobs that don't pertain to Internet marketing and publishing, a majority do, and having the skills required to write for online audiences is crucial to selling your services.
Content is king,
as Bill Gates once famously wrote. It's even more important now than it was in 1996 when Gates wrote that. You'll find that businesses ranging from laundromats and distribution companies to plastic surgery centers and wellness retreats (and everything in between) need great content writers to advertise their services and increase their brand reputation.
Skills you'll need
To succeed as a freelance content writer/copywriter, you'll need the following:
- Impeccable grammar, syntax, and English language skills.
- Knowledge of how to conduct research on various topics, and how to find valid, trustworthy sources.
- The ability to read about new topics, and then synthesize and summarize those topics.
- An engaging "voice" that appeals to the reader and makes them want to read more.
- An accommodating, professional attitude when clients ask for rewrites or changes in the draft (which is an inevitable part of the job).
- The ability to manage multiple projects at once, with different timelines and expectations.
- A basic understanding of how content helps businesses grow (here is a great article showing some of the recent statistics and trends related to content marketing).
Graphic designer
Content isn't just words. In fact, graphic design plays an equal part in building a solid online reputation for any company or individual—whether it's designing images for social media posts or creating the overall look of a website.
In the world of freelance graphic design, projects run the gamut from logo creation and web design to digital art and 3D illustrations. While a degree is not necessary, having the expertise and software necessary to compete with other freelancers (who might have degrees) is crucial. As is building a stunning design portfolio.
Since graphic design is so visual, a design portfolio will be your most important asset to market your freelance services. Many designers have both a print and digital design portfolio—which you choose will depend on how you go about finding clients and the focus of your design expertise. For more tips on how to build and freshen your portfolio, this is a great resource.
Skills you'll need
To succeed as a freelance graphic designer, you'll need the following:
- Excellent communication skills to articulate ideas through text and image.
- Excellent listening skills to understand what a client is going for in their graphic design project and what they hope the final draft will look like.
- The ability to think creatively and convey messages in ways that are unique and engaging. This includes ways to solve problems creatively or think "outside the box" in terms of messaging and meaning.
- Expert knowledge of the technology and software needed to design. This might include (but is certainly not limited to) Quark, InDesign, PhotoShop, and Adobe.
- Fluency in programming languages like HTML and CSS, as well as working knowledge of content management systems (CMS) like WordPress.
- The ability to manage multiple projects at once, with different timelines and expectations.
- An understanding of, and "eye" for, developing legible type through a familiarity with fonts and a knowledge of line-height and tracking.
- A thorough understanding of color theory, knowing how colors complement and contrast with each other.
Skills every freelancer needs
Regardless of the line of work you do as a freelancer, there are skills you will need to be successful. Since freelancing requires marketing your own services, much of your time will be put into finding clients who need a professional, skilled graphic designer. This ability to market yourself and bid on jobs is vital if you want to find steady work.
You'll find that if you do great work, many clients will return to you for additional jobs after the initial one. In fact, repeat clients will be the staple of your business, so it's important to make sure that every job you do—you do it well. This will ensure that clients return to you when they need more work done.
You'll also need to research pricing structures to have an understanding of what each task should cost the client. Obviously, freelancers charge a range of prices, and setting your price will likely be one of the hardest parts of the job. Set it too low and it will be hard to make a sustainable living from your freelance work. Set it too high, and you run the risk of clients seeking out another freelancer. The thing to keep in mind here is you should charge your client what you believe your work is worth. Don't under-bid other freelancers in bidding wars, as this could backfire, and you could be stuck with a task that underpays for the amount of work that's involved.
Above all, freelancing offers flexibility and the opportunity to work in a comfortable setting, on your own time, and on your own—just as introverts like it.