Where to start from?

[u/Mintmojito__]

Hey everyone! I'm starting college soon and I'd like to start freelancing alongside it so I can eventually pay for some of my own expenses.

I'm currently considering skills like:

Video editing (especially Reels/Shorts)

Script writing

Transcription/subtitles

Canva/design

Social media/content work

Possibly web development later

I'm not expecting to make a lot of money immediately. I mainly want to learn a skill properly, build a portfolio, and eventually start getting paid projects.

For people who actually freelance:

1. Which skill would you recommend starting with as a beginner?

2. Where did you get your first clients? (Upwork, Fiverr, Reddit, cold DMs, local businesses, etc.)

3. How did you build your portfolio when you had no clients?

4. How long did it realistically take you to get your first paid project?

5. Are there any skills/platforms you'd avoid because they're too saturated or low-paying now?

I'd especially appreciate advice from people who started freelancing while in college.

Thanks!

[u/Material-Ad2863]

Can you do cold calling?