* This post is translated from its original Japanese Version into English.

In our ongoing examination of successful highly skilled freelancers in Japan, we’re turning the spotlight to the collaboration between Hugcome Inc., an online school operator, and Art Director and UI Designer, Kenji Takamatsu.

Hugcome was in a rush. They had only four months left to launch their app for a unique audience: children in Japan. By using Sollective, they quickly found the designer they were desperately seeking.

"He was exactly the talent we were looking for", says Yayoi Michimura, CEO of Hugcome.

We spoke to both about the process leading up to their collaboration and the benefits derived from it.

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– Can you describe the background of this collaboration?

Michimura: At Hugcome, we were originally providing online English lessons for children, but in 2022, we decided to start a new service: an online dance school called "Karadance!".

Initially, we had a designer lined up for "Karadance!", but with just four months until launch, we found out they couldn't work on the project after all, which was quite alarming.

That's when we decided to search for a designer using Sollective.

Takamatsu: I had registered with Sollective for about two months before encountering Hugcome. I had heard that only top-tier freelancers could register with Sollective, which was gratifying.

But, having been disappointed with other freelancing platforms in terms of project scope and compensation, so to be honest, I was initially skeptical about Sollective.

– We heard that the project kicked off really quickly. How did that happen?

Michimura: The hiring process was the fastest I've ever experienced. We decided to hire just 12 days after starting to use Sollective.

Takamatsu-san was actually the first person we met through Sollective. We were considering using a production company, but once we got to know Takamatsu-san, we knew we wanted to work with him immediately.

– Why did you feel that he was the right person to collaborate with so quickly?

Michimura: First, his profile on Sollective was very comprehensive. It wasn’t just a text introduction, but it also showcased his real portfolio, which was reassuring. As someone from the business side and not a designer, this kind of intuitive, visual information is very helpful.

Takamatsu-san has had a wide range of experience over a 20-year career, including major corporate projects. He also had the app design experience we needed, and considering his track record, his rates were reasonable.

Furthermore, his prompt response, given our urgent request, was a significant factor.

– Takamatsu-san, you had only been registered with Sollective for two months at this point, so what was your initial impression of being reached out to for Hugcome’s project?

Takamatsu: Since registering, I felt cared for by the Sollective staff, who often checked in to see how I was doing.

I learned about Hugcome's project through an email alert from Sollective’s platform and immediately applied.

The idea of online dance lessons seemed innovative, and I thought it would be interesting if it succeeded. I always want to learn new things while taking on challenges and contributing to business.

I’ve previously designed apps for children, so I felt that I could leverage my experience with this project.

Smooth Communication Leads to Quick, High-Quality Design

– How was the experience once the project began?

Michimura: Takamatsu-san's business skills, including communication, exceeded our expectations so much that I couldn't help but ask him why someone of his caliber was looking for new projects.

Takamatsu: Well, I'm always eager to take on interesting challenges.

Michimura: Even with slightly vague requests, he understood [what I needed] and made the right [revision] proposals. Thanks to him, the project progressed smoothly, and we were able to meet our deadline.

Takamatsu: I was grateful that the requirements from Hugcome were well documented.

The "Karadance!" app is unique because both children and their guardians operate it, requiring a switch in users while in-app. It was a new challenge for me to carefully consider and balance each in-app view. But thanks to the well-organized requirements, I believe I was able to make the right design decisions for this version without much difficulty.

In startups, many people are energetic and passionate. Hugcome is no exception. For me, it felt less like dealing with a "client" and more like being a part of the team.

Working with passionate companies is truly rewarding, and so I can’t help myself but to put every effort into performing my best. This experience has been invaluable in that regard.

– The app design looks really user-friendly, and the color scheme and illustrations are adorable!

Michimura: From the logo and overall branding, we’re delighted with the final design.

Takamatsu: I actually created the illustrations as well. Being in charge of the entire process contributed to a faster design deliverable.

From Project Collaboration to Long-Term Partnership: Building Mutual Trust

– I heard you continued to work together even after the app's release.

Michimura: Yes. When hiring, we were hoping to establish a long-term relationship with a good designer. After the app project concluded, we also asked Takamatsu-san to work on our landing page.

Takamatsu: I also handled a few post-launch modifications for the app. If you need anything else in the future, I'm always here!

– Lastly, any message for our readers, both companies and freelancers?

Michimura: This time, we were fortunate to meet someone like Takamatsu-san who exceeded our expectations. One of the significant advantages of collaborating with freelancers is the ability to hire excellent experts even for short-term projects.

For startups and challenging new ventures, it's essential to adjust costs based on actual achievements. Freelancer hiring offers significant benefits in securing flexible talent according to such situations.

Takamatsu: As with Hugcome, Sollective has high-quality companies, making it a reassuring platform for freelancers to find work. Now, a substantial portion of my projects come through Sollective.

The key is to apply immediately for projects that catch your interest. Nothing starts if you don't apply.

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