Kat Wong Advises Graphic Designer on Securing International Work Through Remote Freelancing and Self-Sponsored Visas
In the most recent installment of Creative Career Conundrums by If You Could Jobs, Kat Wong, the founder of Oh Yeah, offers guidance to a graphic designer from Mumbai who is looking for work in Europe. The designer encounters difficulties such as unanswered emails and portfolios that remain unreviewed. Wong identifies visa issues as the primary obstacle, explaining that the process of sponsoring a work visa is both expensive and complicated. She advises beginning with remote freelancing to establish credibility, as studios may prefer this approach prior to committing to visa sponsorship. Additionally, Wong recommends investigating self-sponsored options like Germany's Freiberufler visa and considering a Master's degree in the EU for networking opportunities and a study visa.
Key facts
- Kat Wong is the founder of the career change platform Oh Yeah.
- The advice column Creative Career Conundrums is published weekly by If You Could Jobs.
- The question comes from an independent graphic designer based in Mumbai, India, seeking work in Europe.
- Wong states that visa sponsorship is laborious and expensive, making it difficult for studios to justify without a formal job offer.
- Remote freelancing is recommended as the most viable first step to build trust and a track record.
- Germany's Freiberufler visa allows freelancers in liberal professions to apply for a residence permit if they can support themselves.
- Katie Cadwell is cited as a go-to source for portfolio advice.
- Pursuing a Master's degree in the EU is suggested as a slower, costlier route that can build a local network and provide a study visa.
Entities
Artists
- Kat Wong
- Katie Cadwell
Institutions
- Oh Yeah
- If You Could Jobs
- It's Nice That
- Apple
- BBC Radio
Locations
- Mumbai
- India
- Europe
- Germany
- EU