How To Find Freelance Creative Jobs in Toronto
The job market for creatives in Toronto can often feel overwhelming and competitive. Regular 9 to 5 positions frequently fall short for emerging creatives, lacking the flexibility and independence they desire.
However, the good news is that amidst this challenge, the realm of creative freelancing jobs are on the rise and undoubtedly here to stay.
According to Grand View Research, the global freelance platforms market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 16.5% to reach USD 14.39 billion by 2030. In Toronto alone, there are 32,300 professional artists, with a significant portion being self-employed — 69%, to be exact.
With the Creator Economy set to double by 2027, freelance work is positioned for even further growth and opportunities.
So, for creatives like yourself, we’ve gathered valuable methods to discover freelance opportunities in Toronto.
Let’s dive in!
1. Utilize social media platforms such as Facebook groups and LinkedIn to search for job opportunities.
- Facebook Groups
Facebook groups are still an untapped marketplace to find new gigs and job opportunities. However, it’s essential to exercise caution on this platform because the quality of listings can vary widely, and there may be scams or low-paying gigs.
The best way to find legitimate Facebook groups is by making sure that they have active engagement, relevant discussions, and clear rules for posting job listings. Private groups are your best bet because they often have stricter membership criteria and higher-quality job postings. It only takes a day or two until you get approved and start interacting with potential clients.
Introduce yourself, present a few pieces of your work, and soon enough, people will recognize your talent and reach out to you for opportunities.
Here are a two public groups that we believe assist creatives in finding freelance gigs and networking opportunities:
Collab in Toronto — Photographers | Models | HMUAs | Bakers | Florists |
When exploring LinkedIn, it’s beneficial to join groups relevant to your industry and utilize specific keywords like “hiring Toronto” or “hiring now Canada” in your search section to uncover posts that include relevant job opportunities. These keywords can help filter job listings and connect you with companies seeking creative freelancers. By enabling notifications as well, you’ll receive timely alerts about new freelance opportunities as they arise, ensuring you stay informed and proactive in your job search.
2. Browse job platforms
Some of the best job platforms in Canada include ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, LinkedIn Jobs, Monster, Google Jobs, Workopolis, and recruitment firms like Creative Niche, Robert Half, Lannick, and Kelly Services.
In addition to manually searching for creative freelance jobs on these platforms, you can set up alerts by customizing your preferences and job criteria, such as location, job type, and industry. This method will help you stay informed about freelance opportunities without actively searching for them, increasing your chances of finding work that aligns with your skills and interests.
If you’re looking for larger digital platforms to explore additional opportunities, you can also consider Freelancer.com, Upwork, and Fiverr.
3. Seek recommendations from friends, family, and employers.
You can seek recommendations from friends, family, and employers by reaching out to them via email, phone calls, or social media messages. Let them know that you’re actively seeking freelance opportunities and ask if they have any contacts or leads they can share. Be specific about the type of work you’re looking for and highlight your skills and experience.
Additionally, consider scheduling informal meetings or coffee dates with past colleagues who may be able to provide valuable insights or introductions to potential clients. Building strong relationships with your network can lead to valuable referrals and job opportunities in the freelance market.
4. Gain visibility and work with clients using Blens
Blens is a platform designed to support visual creatives by providing them with a centralized hub to showcase their talent, connect with potential clients, and manage their professional lives more efficiently. It addresses the challenges commonly faced by freelancers in the creative industry, such as inconsistent work opportunities, complex finance management, security concerns over payments, and the overwhelming task of managing bookings and schedules.
With Blens, you can showcase your best work, making it easier for you to attract potential clients. The platform simplifies the process of managing schedules, bookings, and payments, allowing creatives like yourself to focus more on their craft and less on administration. Also, freelancers can easily create and send invoices to clients through Blens, ensuring a smooth and professional transaction process.
Joining Blens allows freelancers to showcase their best work and attract potential clients, making it a valuable tool for navigating the creative industry.
5. Consider offering your services for free to build your portfolio.
Many creatives overlook the power of offering their services for free. After all, demonstrating your value through action can be more impactful than words alone.
To get noticed and increase your chances of getting hired, consider proposing to create a project that addresses a business’s problem or promotes their brand at no cost. This could involve designing social media templates, crafting promotional videos, writing blog posts, or developing marketing materials.
By offering complimentary services, you not only showcase your skills and creativity but also provide tangible value to the organization or individual. This approach allows you to demonstrate your expertise directly while contributing to enhancing a brand or individual in a niche you’re interested in.
Numerous successful creatives, such as Mark Cuban, Amanda Palmer, Seth Godin, and more recently, Jack Ceja, kick-started their careers by initially offering their services for free.
6. Cold call and email
Cold calling and emailing can be effective ways to directly reach out to potential clients or employers. When cold calling, prepare a brief script introducing yourself, your services, and how you can add value to their business. Be polite and respectful of their time, and always ask if they have a moment to speak before launching into your pitch. Personalize your emails by addressing the recipient by name and mentioning any mutual connections or relevant projects you admire.
According to industry statistics, cold calling has an average success rate of around 2%, while email campaigns typically have a response rate of 1–3%. While these numbers may seem low, about 80% of sales occur after the fifth call. Moreover, the success of a cold call depends significantly, at 93%, on the tone of your voice during the conversation. So, don’t be afraid to stay persistent! Every opportunity is worth a shot.
Here are the best cold calling scripts you can use to make a compelling introduction and effectively convey the value you can bring to potential clients or employers.
7. Attend local networking events or industry meetups
Did you know that 70% of job opportunities are never posted on job websites, and about 30% of vacancies are filled through referrals?
As a creative, networking offers a unique chance to connect with industry influencers, decision-makers, and potential clients, expanding your professional network and boosting your chances of landing freelance gigs and collaborations.
For instance, imagine you’re a photographer starting out and haven’t secured many clients yet. At a networking event, you meet graphic designers who frequently work with clients needing websites. You can establish connections with these designers, who may refer clients to you once they’ve built their websites and require professional photography services. In return, you can refer your future clients to these designers for their website needs. It’s a win-win situation that expands both your networks and potential client base.
Platforms like Eventbrite or Meetup give you access to search for networking events and workshops to showcase your work, develop meaningful relationships, and find inspiration to fuel your creative pursuits.
8. Contact companies directly
Contacting companies you’re interested in working with directly by phone or email, demonstrates a proactive approach that many employers appreciate. By reaching out, you’re most likely to make a direct connection with a higher-up person in the organization, introducing yourself, and expressing your interest. This demonstrates confidence and strong communication skills, setting you apart from other job seekers who may not take this step. Reaching out directly can also uncover hidden opportunities that are not publicly advertised.
However, before contacting companies directly, it’s crucial to research their industry and analyze what services they may need from you thoroughly. Taking note of where you may come in handy in relation to their business goals and challenges. This will enable you to be strategic in your approach and showcase how your skills align with their needs.
9. Collaborate with other creatives to get referrals
Joint collaborations offer valuable opportunities for freelancers seeking job opportunities by expanding their service offerings and enhancing their appeal to potential clients. For instance, suppose you’re a freelance social media manager looking to secure more projects. Partnering with a videographer allows you to offer comprehensive social media packages that include engaging short-form video content, thereby attracting clients seeking dynamic marketing solutions.
By diversifying your skill set through collaborations, you increase your marketability and stand out in a competitive job market.
Moreover, engaging in content and cross-promotion activities with the creatives you collaborate with amplifies your online presence and showcases your skills to a wider audience. This exposure not only attracts potential clients interested in your collaborative services but also demonstrates your ability to work effectively in partnerships, a desirable trait for employers seeking versatile freelancers.
10. Build your personal brand online
77% of consumers prefer to purchase from a brand they recognize, and guess what? That brand can also be a person, *cough*.
Building your personal brand online by utilizing social media platforms such as Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube to showcase projects you’ve worked on, share informative case studies or industry insights, and engage with your target audience can significantly boost your visibility and credibility in your field.
Regularly post content related to your industry, including examples of your work, informative articles, and updates about your projects and achievements on social media. Additionally, consider having your own website or blog to share your services, display your portfolio, and present testimonials from satisfied clients. Alternatively, you can create one for free using Blens to ensure a professional online presence, manage client bookings, and get paid securely via Stripe.
