The Freelance Manifesto: A Field Guide for the Modern Motion Designer Kindle Edition

Great read, easy to understand and implement the strategies into use. Did not disappoint. I recommend for anyone starting off in freelance or need a refresher even if you have been doing it for a while.

Haven't finished it yet but it's a good read.

If you already know exactly what you want out of a freelance career, 1/3+ of this book is not helpful. The section about reaching out and finding companies/connections and cold emailing was the most informative, and will be the reason I refer back to this book, as my personal issue has been finding initial connections.Keep in mind that this book came out four years ago, and some of the examples or information may change, especially with the pandemic. There is not a lot of information about remote work or starting from the very bottom, such as if you have had little experience or have not had an in-house job. It also does not talk much about the financial/taxes side of freelancing, especially if you are first starting out or making less than 100k annually. There are a lot of six figures mentioned in this book, but realistically, most motion designers reading this book will take years to achieve this through hard work and building a reputation. So I felt it prepared me for if I were a mid-senior level motion designer about to quit my job. It does mention healthcare a little bit, but in my opinion it did not talk about the importance of fees, taxes, and business expenses that go into a freelance lifestyle. And if you read this review, I would like to personally tell every motion designer starting out to be aware of self-employment tax and taxes in general, especially if you make less than 50k annually as they can be quite high. I also wanted this book to talk more about learning from bad experiences, dealing with issues that arise from communication or clients. This field is growing rapidly, and I know it's easy to be taken advantage of whether you're freelancing, interning, or applying. And this book did not really address too many issues, it was like looking at all of his experiences through rose-colored glasses, even when he explained the trials and tribulations he went through.The book did motivate me to get my reel perfect and start reaching out, which is the goal, so I hope that the tips will help. An easy read that has been broken down into understandable chapters.

“Field Guide” is very appropriate. It is not the answer to all freelancing questions. Another reviewer put it should be called the Freelance Bible. Not quite. The book is geared towards guiding readers at certain points of their freelancing career. “I’m in this situation or point of my freelance career, let me check the field guide to see what to do.” Similar to a Boy/Girl Scout handbook—here are a bunch of knots to tie. They each have their definite purpose, but you can use different ones interchangeable based on your preference. Learn them all, but adapt as needed and to your preference.This isn’t going to teach you how to set up an LLC/S-Corp. The book doesn’t teach you how to write and read contracts. It gives you resources and teaches you how to approach those situations, but you’ll have to put in the extra time with those resources. They’re not going to magically appear from the book.I owe most of my freelance career to Joey. I use him as a resource all the time. I can say I am where I am at because of his lessons before buying this book. I am a bit biased in that sense. “So, then if you are so grateful to Joey, why just four stars?” Joey is always honest and straight with me and vice versa—This is a 4-Star book. It isn’t 100% perfect and doesn’t answer everything. I even found myself disagreeing with certain specifics, despite Joey being so influential on my career. That isn’t a bad thing. Everyone should have that reaction from any book of this caliber. All that said, this book is what every freelancer should use to start their careers. Not just motion designers. Any one.Don’t expect a Biblical experience, though. Expect to be amazed and swept away into wanting to freelance or be a better freelancer. Expect to need to put in the work to be successful at it, too.

This book was a real point to start freelancing from. Joey is really experienced and gives you real-work knowledge. The book is not only informative about the freelance life of motion design but also motivates you well to start seeking your freelance career and tells you how to plan for that. Giving clear information about rates average is really helpful and this is something many people refuse to declare.A little point to talk about, the book is more focused on motion design life in the United States, there are many other countries where motion designers are struggling to find their way into freelance, with much lower rates. Joey didn't talk much about how can those do with their skill set in order to make the community more inclusive.Thanks, Joey and School of Motion for this awesome book, A must-read book for every motion designer!

I am not freelancing yet, but may soon :). This book does a great job of taking the fear out of the thought of freelancing AND shows one how to do it with a better chance of success. Joeys writing style is free-flowing and it feels like you are listening to a friend explain things to you. I was engaged the whole time. I had freelanced in graphic design a long time ago and wish I would have had a lot of this advice.I did notice how expensive it can get with all the little subscription cloud apps, that is recommended or talked about. It adds up. BUT, if you land jobs, the cost is not really that much of an issue and you write it off anyway. Also, I was glad to see him mention multiple times that you must have a good portfolio of work as well. Doesn't have to be award winning, but at least good.But Kudos to Joey for a valuable book to those seeking to freelance!

When I read The Freelance Manifesto last week I realised I had quite a way to go with my outreach game.Things have been working just fine...like 75% just fine but they could've been working a whole lot better.And if I'd read it 3 years ago it would've saved me a whole lot of flapping around with trial and error.It doesn't matter if you're just starting out or a seasoned vet, this is for everyone. It's also relevant to any freelance creative.Special love for the follow-up to the follow-up email nudge that you'll want to check out on page 178 👌So if you're looking to fine tune your process with massive gold nuggets of actionable tips, go pick up this book.

This book is super helpful and practical. It's based on an online course by School of Motion. Whether you're starting out as a freelance animator / motion designer or an established one, Joey's advice is pure gold.I'd been working as a self-employed animator for 6 years before taking the Freelance Manifesto course. After implementing just some of what I learned, my business became more profitable, efficient and I became better at managing projects and my time. It's great to have all that knowledge in book form now. I can't recommend this book enough!

I am a motion design student at university in the UK and a bought this as a Christmas gift to myself and a friend on the course and OH MY GOD!! So many interesting stories, so much valuable advice and it has really opened my mind about possible directions for my career could take when I graduate and I cant wait!

Applicable to all design disciplines, worth a read as a feeelancer for sure, and I hear great things about the SOM course.More depth needed though, as a 15 year industry vet I expected more about freelancing. Still, can’t knock it

Definitely a must have. I am still an in-house animator but this book gave me the courage to switch to freelance, which I am currently working on. It offers real (objective) tips that you can use to start or improve your freelance career.Overall it's easy to read and it not only tackles but also takes away some of the fears one may have about the freelancing life.