The 4 Seasons of Creativity
While, as a freelancer, you absolutely must focus on your business and develop killer business skills, you also need to guard and nurture your creativity.
Alvalyn Lundgren
August 23, 2019
While, as a freelancer, you absolutely must focus on your business and develop killer business skills, you also need to guard and nurture your creativity.
If you’re an independent creative professional, you probably already have a website showcasing your amazing portfolio. Portfolios are a necessary component of any freelancer’s website,
One thing I struggled with in the past as an independent creative is money. I have a lot of experience with the all too common
Non-descript design that lacks distinction will do nothing to add distinction and value to an organization.
The first 3 1/2 months of the year are known in the US as tax season. If you are an independent creative professional, that means you
Each December I take a couple weeks off to celebrate the holidays and go through a visioning and goal-setting process in preparation for the new
What do you do about scope creep? Should you avoid it? Should you agree to it? The affect of scope creep — when a scope of work
Being a designer is perceived by many as a fun job. Designers get to work with colors, shapes and amazing computer programs and be creative
Listening is related to empathy. Empathy is valuing another’s experience, and keeps the designer from creating something that is self-expressive.
As I write this article I’m in the middle of a contract negotiation involving copyright and licensing of one of my character designs. I worked with
Freelancers are a company of one, but we need feedback, input, and help. You’re more likely to hit your goals and enjoy success when you work with a mentor. Here’s what to look for and how to work with someone.
Like any design, websites are experienced. Your goal should be to provide the best experience to the largest percentage of people who visit your site.
There ‘s a book in my library titled, 101 Things to Learn in Art School by Kit White. It’s full of truths that every designer
Freelancing is on the rise. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the freelance (contract, temp worker and freelancer — in all industries) economy has a healthy
I recently read Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World, in which the author, Cal Newport, makes the case for engaging in sdeliberate, uninterrupted
Successful soloism is about 80% mindset and 20% mechanics. I’ve learned from experience that you can get the mechanics right, but still not be thinking right. Much of what holds us back as creatives and independent business owners is our mindset.
The difference between discounting your services for Client A and charging Client B full price is one of positioning and communication. Both of these are value propositions.
Recently, I met with a start-up business. As we discussed the scope of work and began putting the design brief together, it became clear that
Self-promotion is an ordinary and necessary aspect of doing business as an independent creative professional. Unlike social media marketing, self-promotion campaigns are targeted to contacts
Aesthetic sense and talent are raw materials. They amount to nothing without discipline. Education forces you to add skill, discipline and expertise to your talent. And in order to meet project deadlines, you learn to steward your time.
Did you know that your creative business thrives because of how you do business and not because of the quality of your work or your
How many people set goals and never achieve them? How many creatives start a business and then watch it fizzle out Are you someone who,
Setting and maintaining boundaries will help you avoid relationships and circumstances that are potentially harmful.
Avoid awkward moments and misunderstandings about getting paid for your freelance work. Prepare written agreements for each client that outlines the type of work you will do, how much you will charge for it, and how you want to be paid. You cannot make a living by doing favors.