One creative endeavour that provides a stream of income is freelance sound design and composition. During the course, as well as doing sound design and composition for my own films, I have done some freelance work for other creatives.
I undertook two paid freelance projects during my studies, one was an NHS short promoting cervical cancer screenings, and the other was a trailer for a horror game called Esetero. I secured both of these contracts by networking with people, establishing myself as a sound artist, and being referred by people in my creative network. Neither of these opportunities paid a great amount as they were both student-led projects, which typically do not have much budget.
My work in these roles helped me develop the professional skills to communicate with clients and establish their wants and needs in order to deliver the best possible outcome for the client. These professional communication skills will be useful in future endeavours working with clients.
I plan to continue this freelance work by reaching out to people in my network and letting them know that I am interested in sound design and composition for short films for them or anybody they know. Establishing myself within a network of creatives as somebody who is looking for sound design work is a great way to encourage opportunities to come to me as then filmmakers and animators will know who I am and that my services are available. I will also have my website readily available with a portfolio of sound design easily available for people to see.
Whilst currently living of income from sound design and composition is unfeasible due to the low rates I charge because of minimal experience, and the inconsistent nature of the work, if I continue reaching out to people and working as a freelance sound designer I should develop a large portfolio of clients which will mean that the rate in which jobs come in will be a lot quicker, I will gain experience and be able to put my rate up and sound design will be a more viable career opportunity.