Yes, you need a pipeline to pull this off, but maybe not as big of one as you think. Some advice: * Be OK being idle sometimes. If you double your prices and g

Yes, you need a pipeline to pull this off, but maybe not as big of one as you think. Some advice: * Be OK being idle sometimes. If you double your prices and get 2/3 the work, you're way ahead. And that time isn't wasted; use it to network, to have fun side projects, to learn new stuff, to relax on the beach. * Take bigger jobs so you can spend less time hunting. * Prefer referenceable clients to a big portfolio. If a prospective client can call a past client and get a rave review, that's gold. Unfortunately, that means you may have to be more picky about who you take on, which works against your price bottom line. * Move up the value chain as hard as you can. Learn everything you need to do that. Your goal is to move from "what do I code next, boss?", to being that coder, but also an architect, a project manager, a trusted advisor, an expert on product building, a UX designer, etc. Assuming you're junior, that stuff takes time to learn, so don't fake-it-til-you-make-it and it's OK to start off as a coder-for-hire. My point is just that's where you want to expand to, as opposed to adding incrementally to your portfolio. If you're senior, well, that's what makes you awesome, so position yourself accordingly. * Other, more senior, contractors are really good lead-gen. Work with them on one project and prove your worth, and they'll fill your pipeline for you, either by passing along work they can't take on or by bringing you into larger jobs. Your network isn't just your clients. * If it's possible, consider moving to somewhere more target-rich. Edit: now that I've looked you up, I see you're also in Cambridge; they're may be better places to find work, but I don't know them. I should disclaim, though, that I know next to nothing about the games business.