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What are the Different Types of Non-Degree Freelance Work?

Felicia Dye
Felicia Dye

Individuals who find employment in the traditional workplace either inconvenient or undesirable may turn to freelance work. This broad category offers many opportunities to individuals without requiring that they have a college degree. Examples of some possibilities include freelance writing, editing, and photography.

The freelance writing industry offers a wide range of opportunities to individuals looking to work from home. There are also options available for those who are looking to travel and work. Freelance writers compose an array of materials, such as newspaper and magazine articles, blog entries, and marketing materials. In addition to actually composing written works, common tasks for these individuals include querying potential clients, conducting research, and conducting interviews.

A photograph of a waterfall in Tasmania. Many photographers work freelance.
A photograph of a waterfall in Tasmania. Many photographers work freelance.

As is the case with writers, there are degrees available for photographers, but they are often unnecessary if a person has established photographic skills. Freelance photographers commonly work with print and online publications and private clients, such as business owners and people celebrating special occasions. There are also services online that allow photographers to post their work and sell the images to clients, or they can make the images available to multiple clients who pay for the usage of an image.

Freelance online work might be easy to find for those with editorial experience.
Freelance online work might be easy to find for those with editorial experience.

People with editorial skills can often find a substantial amount of freelance work online. Some individuals market their services to any clients who wish to use them and who accept their rates. This offers the possibility to engage in various type of work, such as reviewing fiction manuscripts, articles, and business reports. Some freelance editors also secure positions with companies that permit them to review assignments submitted by writers. These individuals often have the opportunity to edit as much work as they like, and they usually receive a flat rate for each project completed.

Degrees are available but not always necessary to become a freelance photographer.
Degrees are available but not always necessary to become a freelance photographer.

Graphic design is an area of freelance work that may be suitable for artistic individuals. To be successful in this field, a person usually needs a substantial amount of computer skills. He will likely need to be competent with at least one, if not several, design programs. He may also be required to have some knowledge of web programming. Work in this field commonly includes designing logos, creating advertising materials, and creating images for websites.

Proofreaders might work on a freelance basis.
Proofreaders might work on a freelance basis.

Document preparation is a broad category of freelance work. There are many types of papers that people pay to have prepared. These include tax forms and bankruptcy documents. Working as a freelance document specialist often requires a person to be familiar with certain types of specialized software. While a degree is usually not required, some type of formal training and certification may be.

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    • A photograph of a waterfall in Tasmania. Many photographers work freelance.
      By: magann
      A photograph of a waterfall in Tasmania. Many photographers work freelance.
    • Freelance online work might be easy to find for those with editorial experience.
      By: auremar
      Freelance online work might be easy to find for those with editorial experience.
    • Degrees are available but not always necessary to become a freelance photographer.
      By: romurundi
      Degrees are available but not always necessary to become a freelance photographer.
    • Proofreaders might work on a freelance basis.
      By: Pixsooz
      Proofreaders might work on a freelance basis.