Freelancing in Audio Tech w/ Vlad Voina (Vocode) | Ep 12

Vlad Voina, founder of Vocode and former ROLI engineer, discusses his transition to freelancing in the audio technology space after working on projects like the ROLI Blocks. In this candid conversation, he reveals how he built his freelance practice primarily through direct and indirect recommendations from former colleagues, emphasizing that being easily discoverable online is crucial for attracting clients. Voina explains his preference for fixed-price project quotes over hourly rates, arguing that this approach gives him better control over time management and changes the client relationship dynamics. He stresses the importance of saving several months of buffer cash before making the leap, acknowledging that freelancing brings more sleepless nights but also greater flexibility to work on personal projects.

The discussion delves into practical strategies for managing client work, including how to estimate projects, handle deadlines, and maintain code quality under pressure. Voina advocates for a "finish fast first" approach, getting to a working version quickly to gain perspective on the entire project before optimizing. He candidly addresses the trade-offs between code quality and meeting deadlines, suggesting that in freelance work, finishing on time often takes priority, especially for projects with limited lifespans. On pricing, he advises charging market rates rather than underselling due to imposter syndrome, and recommends factoring in the hidden costs of context-switching between projects. He also discusses maintenance arrangements, typically charging hourly rates for post-launch support while negotiating royalty agreements for projects he believes will be commercially successful.

Beyond technical work, Voina emphasizes that freelancing requires strong communication skills and proactive client management. He recommends breaking projects into milestones with clear deliverables and maintaining transparency throughout the process. While freelancing offers the flexibility to control your timeline and choose projects aligned with your interests, he cautions that it should not be viewed as an end goal. Instead, he suggests the ultimate aim is to create products that generate value independently, with freelancing serving as a path toward that objective. For those considering the transition, he stresses the importance of having realistic expectations, understanding that freelancing is inherently riskier than traditional employment but can be deeply rewarding for those who thrive with autonomy and are willing to embrace the challenges of managing their own business.

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Originally recorded on October 20th, 2020.