Freelance Design Behind the Scenes

Career

Nov 11

Freelance Design Behind the Scenes

Last week I did a poll on Instagram asking if you'd like to hear more behind the scenes of freelance design. It was a unanimous 100% response to share more about it out of 30 responses from a mix of graphic designers, photographers, and bloggers. Woah! I'm excited to share more behind the scenes in hopes it'll help you on your creative journey. At the very least I want you to know you're not alone in your pursuits and there definitely isn't a perfect route on the unpaved path. At least there hasn't been for me in the last 5 years!

Creative Business Chats: Behind the scenes of Freelance Design, photo by Leigh Ann Cobb Photography | Brave Girl Design

Quick back story

I'm a freelance graphic designer (see my work here) and blogger. I kept these 2 sides of me separate for years – 2 different websites, not talking about my freelance work on Instagram, not talking about my blog with clients, etc. – until recently I became tired of being split in 2. Especially because my work drives my blog and my blog drives my work. They're so intertwined for me and I want to show up WHOLE in my life as best I can.

Ok, so! I'm excited about this conversation with you guys, are you with me?! We never do it alone, do we? Even in freelance isolation when we're asking our dog to GIVE ME ALL OF LIFE’S ANSWERS ALREADY.

Creative Business Chats: Behind the scenes of Freelance Design, quote via designlovefest | Brave Girl Design

Initial freelance/business topics planned are:

My biggest hurdles when starting freelancing (uncertainty, fear, stress, finances)
Why I started freelancing as an Introvert (+ a fun personality test I love!)
Business definitions and what they mean for you (DBA, LLC, & tax returns, to name a few!)
Freelancer vs. Business Owner, why and where do you want to start?

Please use these conversations as a forum, as guidance, or to prompt your own reflections on where you're at in your own journey. I don't have all the answers but I'm going to share my story in hopes it can help you on your own journey. I want this to be a platform where we can build each other up and ask questions together. As if we're meeting for coffee and chatting about our dreams, our learnings, and what to do next.

Ideally, I'd like us to continue the conversation in the comments below each post. What questions do you have? Or a reflection we can build upon? Let me know below!

Creative Business Chats foster conversation and community amongst creatives seeking tips for getting started. Includes behind the scenes of freelance/business ownership. See all chats here.

Photos by Leigh Ann Cobb Photography