Hello,

Well, I've gotten a lot set up in the past few days. All of this was put on the back burner while I tried to push to get into an art school. Now that I've turned in my updated portfolio, I have time to sit back and answer my requests for services.

I've spread my roots, so to speak. I've got profiles on: LinkedIn, Skype and Mumble. By spread my roots, I mean planted seeds. I'm working on building relationships and getting references so my transition from school into the industry will be smoother.

At the moment, I'm working with a studio called Abyssal Studio. You could probably find them here on GameDev. Now this is where my question comes in. Although I'm working with Abyssal Studio, I'm trying to get some side freelance work done. Do you think what I've done up to this point and my choice to freelance while in a studio good ideas?

Yes, it is a good idea to freelance until you land or create more solid opportunity, as for seeking to earn good income. I free-lanced in 2D and 3D for over two years and recently got an IT consulting gig on the side because of accumulated experience and network, so yes you can make it work but need to stay clever about it.

Mr. Perfect,

Does your contract with Abyssal Studio not have a confidentiality clause? Usually, freelancer contracts do include such a clause, which means you shouldn't be talking about working with them. And as long as your contract does not have an exclusivity clause, then it's fine to seek work with other studios. The more work you get, the better for you.

Yes, it is a good idea to freelance until you land or create more solid opportunity, as for seeking to earn good income. I free-lanced in 2D and 3D for over two years and recently got an IT consulting gig on the side because of accumulated experience and network, so yes you can make it work but need to stay clever about it.

I just figured it's good for me to get as much work as possible. I'm going to be a student soon, so I figured whatever spare time I have, I want to be completing tasks.

Mr. Perfect,

Does your contract with Abyssal Studio not have a confidentiality clause? Usually, freelancer contracts do include such a clause, which means you shouldn't be talking about working with them. And as long as your contract does not have an exclusivity clause, then it's fine to seek work with other studios. The more work you get, the better for you.

As far as contracts go, I haven't had to sign anything yet. I'll bring that up next time we have a meeting. That way I don't accidently have a breach of contract. Thanks for the tip!

Mr. Perfect,

Does your contract with Abyssal Studio not have a confidentiality clause? Usually, freelancer contracts do include such a clause, which means you shouldn't be talking about working with them. And as long as your contract does not have an exclusivity clause, then it's fine to seek work with other studios. The more work you get, the better for you.

The project lead just messaged me back today. He said there's no confidentiality clause what so ever. :D I'm free!!

Despite the lack of non-disclosure agreement, it would be wise to practice consideration which will allow you to progress without undermining yourself with other future clients. The way you talk about a particular party will say volumes about your attractiveness to other prospective clients. The higher you go in achievement and successful associations then the more expectation there is of confidentiality. Conversely, the lack of such agreement with present company might be an indication that something much more serious is amiss.

Conversely, the lack of such agreement with present company might be an indication that something much more serious is amiss.

I wouldn't worry too much, I looked them up, and it's another "studio" that's a loose collection of young folks from across the internet with lofty ambitions of developer-hood (targetting multiple games simultaneously, to boot). Not trying to belittle their efforts, and if they have money to pay OP with then they're certainly serious at some level, but I think the lack of a contract is just a symptom of the spontaneous and "new" nature of the studio.

I agree with BCullis. They're just a new studio with big dreams. I'm not saying that I won't get anything done with them, but they aren't looking to do something that is known to be successful (I suggested a small plat-former game). They want to create game apps with Unity. I'm hoping we're able to complete them but then again, they do have big dreams.