> > my wife and I are tentatively considering moving to berlin, germany
> > for about a year so I thought I'd tap the pool of knowledge... :-)
> >
> > -i'm an interactive designer (websites, animation, games, etc,
> > http://www.werkhaus.co.nz) and my wife is a freelance illustrator
> > (http://www.kimberleemunnillustrator.co.nz). any thoughts on how easy
>it is perhaps easier to be freelance (maybe), but still not easy.I have only
>visited Berlin for week long bursts.
I'd say it would be important to learn basic German, especially if this would
be the first time you venture into a second language. I did this and it really
made a difference in terms of finding things/making contact, even in Holland
where they speak a different language. Not sure about how the atmosphere is in
Germany, but it makes a world of difference here in the Netherlands, where
foreigners tend not to make the effort. Anyway if your plan is for a year, it
is worth the effort to learn something of te reo tangatawhenua :)
Re: work, I'd agree with Julian. You can't rely on getting employment. So it
would be freelance or working 'black'.
To work 'black' (illegally in bars, washing dishes, etc) you need at least
basic German. In fact you might only need that.
In the Netherlands setting up as a freelancer doesn't require any work permit,
etc, but there might be other rules involved in Germany, and if you work as a
freelancer, getting clients is a big issue, if you can't keep your NZ ones.
I work as a freelance webdesigner/maker of websites and it is very competitive
here and most of my clients are from when I was employed. I survive because I
use art grants and translation as a backup. But also because it takes me less
effort than searching harder for new clients and also I don't make 'cheap'
websites for individuals, etc.
Depending on your goals for going to Berlin, perhaps one idea is to arrange
some sort of internship with a design or media company. You wouldn't get paid -
some pay something- in fact most should pay at least commuting costs-, but it
would be a way of meeting potential clients, learning how the system works,
etc. Students do this all the time and it is highly competitive so you need to
use your NZ-ness or special skills so a company would be interested.
I've a few friends there I could put you in contact with (I wouldn't ask them
to look for things for you, but in way of getting social connections. They
speak English.), just contact me at the time.
sonja
_________________
www.sonjavank.com
_________________________________________________________________
If you like crossword puzzles, then you'll love Flexicon, a game which combines
four overlapping crossword puzzles into one!
http://g.msn.ca/ca55/208
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