“Do what you love! …And not just the services that are paid well!” This is the advice of Bogdan Lucut, Product Designer from Romania, who became a freelancer due to unfortunate circumstances. When the financial crisis hit the leather product company Bogdan Lucut was working for as a Product Designer, the shop was closed and he lost his work. That was when he decided to never depend on other people choices and actions anymore. In 2008 Bogdan Lucut became his own boss and started freelancing in a virtual environment, working from Romania to serve clients worldwide. Today he is a successful freelancer for UI Design, Logos, Illustrations, Branding and Packaging. An interview with Bogdan Lucut…
(1) First off, can you tell us bit about yourself?
My name is Bogdan Lucut and I am a Product Designer. I live in Romania. Right now I am a “full time freelancer” doing various projects from iOS app designs, brand identity to illustration, character design and concept art. I am a freelancer since 2008.
(2) What was your inspiration and when did you actually decide to become a freelancer?
In 2008 I was still working as furniture designer at OteluTech- a small french company based in Romania, doing leather products, mainly high quality leather chairs.
(3) What kind of services have your clients asked you to provide?
What I cover right now:
- iOS Ui design
- logo/brand identity/packaging
- illustration
- concept art
- character design
- product design/furniture design
I used to that, but I soon realized it’s hard to find someone reliable who doesn’t put you in a bad position in front of the client.
(5) Now tell us, how do you find new clients that are interested in your services?
I use several freelancing websites, and I have my own portfolio on Behance. I am not too much into social media networks. I have several clients that return for more services.
(6) What about freelancermap.com? Can you tell us a little bit about your experience with our IT-network?
I have no experience in IT-network. But my impression is good, though I am just a fresh user. So far so good. Not too many european freelance websites and freelancermap is one of them.
(7) How do you set yourself apart from your competitors? What makes you special?
I would say is a combination of skills, flexibility and price.
(8) What are the top three books, blogs or magazines you read to stay up to date in
I visit http://www.kob-one.comfor for a lot for inspiration, as well as http://www.designboom.com
(9) Freestyle! Is there anything you would like to tell our readers?
Tips for fellow freelancers:
- be persistent
- provide services that you love doing, not just anything that is paid
- always tell yourself you’re not the best, yet:)
Although the internet language and communication is often not taken serious is very important that you’re polite and you’re behaving like you will meet the client one day.
