Dear Reader,
When I decided to be a freelancer, I got stuck. As a designer, I love building things. I built websites, portfolios, and content. Then BAM! I threw it in the trash because I got stuck.
I ran into two major problems. First, the idea “If you build it, they will come.” Face Palm If you build it, you have to let people know it exists and share your work. Once you do that, you proceed to position yourself as an expert who can solve visual problems for your clients. To do that, you offer clients value based content to grab their attention and keep their attention. But not just once, periodically to stay top of mind. And don’t forget, you still need to share the work you want to get and demonstrate people are using your services.
Second, by choosing to be a freelance designer, I unwittingly became an entrepreneur. In fact, I would say I am becoming more and more entrepreneur, and less freelance designer as I try to build a sustainable business. Why do I think this is an important distinction?
The entrepreneur mindset, is a little different than a designer mindset. But that little difference is crucial. The designer is centered around you solving visual problems for other people. The entrepreneur mindset is focused on solving your own problems through systemization and automation, allowing your business to run without you. If this already your mindset as a freelance designer, you’re a step ahead.
Signing off,
Taylor
Owner | Designer