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Business

Freelance for newbie

Hi! How to start freelance without portfolio? Where is get the first client? My goal is front end development.

Joshua Briley
Joshua Briley
Courses Plus Student 24,645 Points

You can definitely build a portfolio without clients. Can you use your front end development skillset to solve one of your own problems? Do you have a family member you can help? I did this a few years ago, and not only did it add to my portfolio, it gave me a great story to tell. Also, look to the open source community and see if you can contribute to a project that appeals to you. Head over to Git, and get involved. :-)

Maxim - Joshua told you all you need to know.

Help your friends, family and get involved.

It's good practice, keeps your mind busy and makes you feel good if you can help others.

Sooner or later your work will be found and paid for.

Take your time and build your character.

1 Answer

Greg Kitchin
Greg Kitchin
31,522 Points

Make sites for imaginary companies or organisations, just make it very clear that they don't actually exist. The exercise is to prove you can actually build a site. If you can have a few examples on a portfolio, hopefully that'll be a good showcase for prospective employers.

To be honest, you do need a portfolio of work. Having something on your CV is one thing, but having something to showcase is far better, in all fields (I know a few comic creators who have gone onto great work with starting relatively small presses, but they've built on their work over the years, showcasing their growing expertise).