I decided to formally open a design studio and wfh forever. The last two years have blessed me with autonomy I've never known. I'm looking for gems of advice or resources you might have. Mt. Freelance has been invaluable.

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Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

First, define your work; are you a freelancer working on a project-basis for a variety of agencies? Or are you a self-employed, business person, working directly for other businesses? There is a difference.

If you are going self-employed;
- consider focusing in a vertical or horizontal market (like specializing in health care vs specializing in websites) — or specialize in both. This will help you to differentiate, offer more specific skills and target audiences for business. You can work towards this goal — but don’t put it off forever. (You can also do multiples for either v/h; web and social, healthcare and tech)
- consider all of the skillsets that are within an agency — Acct management, production, strategy, new business, creative, accounting etc. make sure to consider those things both for yourself and your business and how you manage your clients. Don’t leave unintentional gaps in service — or in managing your business.
- determine whether your client has a marketing department or an in-house creative department — this will tell you where they are lacking in knowledge or experience and where they will be looking for you to fill in the gaps.
- find solid teammates— other independent business owners to team up with on projects to fill those roles, as needed.

likehelpful

I’ve been freelancing for 6 years.
Mt Freelance is a great resource.
Also Freelancers Union, American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), and Graphic Artists Guild.
And, find an accountant used to working with freelancers.
Best of luck.

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How does the accountant help you as a FL or small studio— do they advise on how to maximize deductions/expenses etc.? I see accounted mentioned as being important…

i did the same! best of luck to us both. may we write off all of our meals and purchases 😂

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Got a lead on a good accountant?

Need any help? I don't have the book to go solo yet, but I'm sick of big agency work.

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I'm barely off the ground and designing an agency site. But always looking for interested parties. Lets chat.

I would say...work on your workflow...make it the most productive as you can...also consider that you could have multiple workflows for multiple purposes (eg. switching between daily work and music production or content creation...)

helpful

I miss the salary…!

Couldn’t agree more 👍🏻

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