to all my freelancer buddies out there

[musicgeekstress]

How does one resist the allure of doing anything else but work when one is faced with an assignment to do from home? How does one conquer procrastination? Does one at all?

Comments

[hysteriachan]

I find it really hard to knuckle down and work--I'd guess that when I spend a 7-8 hour stretch at the computer "working", I'm actually working for about half of the time. It's pretty bad, although I'm trying to improve. I do find physically disconnecting from the internet connection can help, but other than that...

I guess this is more commiseration than any kind of tip--if you figure out some good tricks, let me know! ^_-

[musicgeekstress]

thanks for the commiseration. For me it's the getting started that's really hard. I can think of several things I'd rather do than start my projects and yet they are not things I would do if I had free time, you know what I mean? It's also hard to stay focused, and yes I have a problem with being online too much too. It's been suggested to me to physically move my computer somewhere else but I use it so much in my work as well...plus I'm kind of stubborn about giving up my computer! I guess if I could at least give it a try and see if it works that might be something...but...'puter!! ;P

[musicgeekstress]

I think it would be great if there were more places that hired artists and photographers on staff than working freelance, but sadly those days are becoming extinct. It's wondrous to see so many friends working freelance though, it's surely becoming the norm.
That's an interesting tip you made about being hired too late. I don't know how fast I can work. I think I'm getting better at it but I don't know if I'm yet at the "get it in by 5" point. My multimedia skills need work.
How do you deal with lack of inspiration? Do you hand in work that you feel is sub par? Do you ever surprise yourself?

[bassbeast]

As the token Jew, I just remember the paycheque at the end and use that as my motivation. Oftentimes, I feel like I can't start something, as if I can't turn on the light switch. So what I do is I just start, and let some crap flow for a while before the good stuff comes. Once that happens, I hit the save button. :p

[liradralyn]

Honestly, just concentrate. Deadlines help too, whether real or imaginary. With me it's a tension/release thing. Like the poster above, I have a Todo list and take immense pleasure in crossing something off of it.