How I started freelancing and made an additional $50,000 (Q1 & Q2 2024)

• Rohan Singh • Complete
freelancing entrepreneurship software development career

After I finished my internship at Tesla, I became really interested in graphics development. Whether it was OpenGL/WebGL or using Three.js, I genuinely enjoyed it. There was something about making and refining a vision that fascinated me. Naturally, this led me to experiment with game development.

Like any developer (pre-ChatGPT), I often ran into obscure bugs and would scour the internet looking for solutions. During these deep dives, I frequently stumbled upon niche blogs and Reddit threads where people shared their troubleshooting experiences. One day, on a whim, I decided to start contributing my own insights. I posted some of my projects and solutions on the same Reddit threads I had been using for answers. I enjoyed the feedback and critiques from like-minded individuals who were also passionate about building in this space.

Landing My First Freelance Client

One thing led to another, and eventually, I received a direct message from someone asking if I’d be open to helping them build a specific web-based tool for 3D modeling and simulation. I had never considered freelancing before, but the idea intrigued me. It felt like a natural extension of the work I was already passionate about.

I had no idea how to structure this kind of work. Do I charge hourly? Do I need a contract? How do I protect myself legally? I reached out to some experienced freelancers, and they gave me invaluable advice:

  • Set up an LLC for liability protection and tax benefits.
  • Use contract templates to define scope, timelines, and payment terms.
  • Track work hours and use milestone-based billing for security.

I took their advice, founded Quaternion Studios, and officially kicked off my freelancing journey.

The Six-Month Project That Changed Everything

This first project ended up spanning six months. The client wanted a web-based tool that allowed users to manipulate 3D models in real time for the purpose of construction materials procurement and tracking. While I had experience in WebGL, this was my first time applying it to a structured, client-driven project.

Phase 1: Understanding Client Needs

The initial stage involved several in-depth meetings to nail down the specifications. The client had an idea but wasn’t sure how to implement it. I quickly realized that freelancing wasn’t just about writing code—it was about understanding and translating client needs into technical solutions.

  • I created wireframes and mockups to visualize the UI.
  • We set clear deliverables and milestones.
  • I proposed a phased approach, breaking the project into smaller, testable parts.

Phase 2: Development & Iteration

This was the most intense part. I spent evenings and weekends developing the core functionality while balancing my full-time job. Some key takeaways from this phase:

  • Time Management: I dedicated 20 hours per week to freelancing, using tools like Trello for task management and Clockify for time tracking.
  • Client Communication: Weekly check-ins via Zoom ensured we stayed aligned.
  • Version Control & Deployment: I used GitHub for collaboration and Vercel for quick previews.
  • Problem Solving: Some unexpected challenges (like optimizing rendering performance) forced me to learn new techniques on the fly.

Phase 3: Delivery & Refinement

As we approached the final stretch, the project started coming together. I delivered an MVP that exceeded the client’s expectations, and we spent another month refining the UX/UI based on user feedback.

One of the biggest lessons I learned was managing scope creep. Initially, the project had a defined scope, but as we progressed, new feature requests kept coming in. I had to carefully negotiate which features were part of the original contract and which required additional payment.

Expanding My Freelance Business

After completing this project, I had something invaluable: a proven track record. My client was thrilled and referred me to two other companies looking for similar tools. Suddenly, freelancing wasn’t just a side experiment—it was a viable income stream.

How I Scaled Up in the Next 3 Months

  • Increased my rates: I started charging premium rates based on the value I delivered.
  • Targeted high-value clients: Focused on industries like simulation, robotics, and AI-driven applications.
  • Refined my sales strategy: Improved my proposal writing and client outreach.
  • Automated business processes: Used Stripe for payments, QuickBooks for accounting, and Docusign for contracts.

By the end of Q2 2024, I had completed multiple projects and made an additional $50,000 in revenue, broken down as follows:

  • Machine Learning Projects: $20,000
  • Web Development (Three.js, WebGL): $15,000
  • Computer Vision Applications: $10,000
  • Consulting & Advisory Work: $5,000

Lessons Learned

1. Business Acumen Matters as Much as Technical Skills

Freelancing isn’t just about being good at coding—it’s about negotiation, communication, and understanding business needs. Learning how to set expectations, price my work, and handle contracts was crucial.

2. Portfolio & Online Presence Are Everything

A well-structured portfolio and active engagement on platforms like Reddit, LinkedIn, and GitHub played a massive role in getting noticed.

3. Time Management is the Key to Avoiding Burnout

Balancing freelancing with a full-time job is possible but requires strict time management. Having dedicated work hours, avoiding low-value clients, and setting clear boundaries helped me maintain work-life balance.

The Future: Scaling Beyond Solo Freelancing

Now that I’ve built momentum, I’m thinking bigger:

  • Increasing rates further and working with premium clients.
  • Exploring passive income streams (e.g., digital products, online courses).
  • Potentially transitioning Quaternion Studios into a small agency model.
  • Expanding into AI-driven simulation tools and high-end consulting.

Advice for Aspiring Freelancers

If you’re considering freelancing, here’s what worked for me:

  • Start by sharing your work online. You never know who’s watching.
  • Be open to opportunities. My first project found me, not the other way around.
  • Set up your business correctly. Get an LLC, use contracts, and protect yourself.
  • Don’t undersell yourself. Price based on value, not just time.
  • Prioritize relationships. Good clients lead to more work.

Conclusion

Freelancing started as an experiment but quickly turned into a major income source and an exciting career path. The additional income is great, but the real reward has been the skills I developed, the people I met, and the business acumen I gained. If you’re thinking about freelancing, there’s never been a better time to start. Put yourself out there, learn as you go, and embrace the process!