This forum has provided me, and I trust others, an opportunity to reconnect with former Community members and stay in touch with those who were active until the closure. I'd like to post a public invite to a world traveler Scott E aka Stencil Media, to connect with us and join the party! Please pass the word along and let's see if we're able to reach out to Scott, if he'd like to be found of course!
For those who might not be familiar with Scott, here's a glimpse of Scot's humor and freelancing journey.
What job category do you work in?
Design and Multimedia
When did you begin using Upwork?
I signed up around 2010, but only started using it properly when I transitioned over from Elance around 2015.
Tell us a little about yourself and how you got started Freelancing, or running your business online?
I was working as a customer experience manager for a large communications company when the recession hit. The company decided to consolidate their sites, so myself and around 500 colleagues were made redundant.
Finding work was difficult at the time, and I'd always been interested in visual effects and animation... so I put my spare time to good use; watching tutorials, reading books and practicing when it comes to After Effects.
A friend needed a video for his startup, so he hired me to create it for him. He was really happy with the result, and then I had the beginnings of a showreel. That allowed me to land other jobs, and the rest as they say... is history.
What do you enjoy the most/least about working online, Scott?
I don't think I dislike anything about working online! I maybe miss the flirting, the parties and the after-work drinks... that goes hand in hand with a bricks and mortar employer, but that's about it.
What do I enjoy the most? You can be sat there in your 'lounging about clothes' at 11am, and if you fancy cracking open the scotch, and lighting up a cigarette for breakfast... then there's nothing stopping you! Some employers frown on that kind of thing, but they're stuck in the past!
What was your most successful project/contract?
Financially successful? I got a project for $27K. There was a lot of outlay as I had to hire a studio, crew and a bunch of actresses, but it was still pretty lucrative! It boosted the profits at the local casino for a couple of months, that's for sure!
The most successful from a personal development and/or satisfaction kind of standpoint? I did some work for Ubisoft on their Assassins Creed marketing... which went on to win a Shorty Award. MC Hammer was on the judging panel... now that's something to tell the grandkids! If I had any that is. Or kids. Or somebody to make kids with. My time will come, you'll see.
Do you have any advice for other users on Upwork?
Never socks before pants... makes a man look scary, like a chicken.
Although if you're after freelancing advice, then I'd go with...
A) Learn the rules, make sure you know how the site works.
B) Work on your profile. Add work samples, take tests, sell yourself, make it the best it can be. Don't give potential clients and excuses not to hire you.
C)Under promise and over deliver. Make it clear exactly what you will and won't do... this will help you avoid complications further down the line.
D) Deliver great work. Go above and beyond. Be responsive. Make the client feel like you are an asset to their project.
E) Rinse, lather, repeat.
We want to know at least two fun or interesting things about you:
1) I can drink a bottle of sherry, down in one.
2)I have a certificate of professional development in astrophysics.
3) I'm single. Applications on a postcard.
