3 Months Freelance
If I had to sum it up my first month was about getting used to my new space and developing ideas about what I want my new career to be like. The second month was about hitting the ground and running. And the third month has been about getting my ducks in a row. My ducks that are running (and pooping) all over the place and won't stay still.
I started out the month by getting all of my books and financials in order. Jeremy stayed home from work sick one day and helped me enter invoices and receipts all day long. This was a huge relief. Then I learned I had made something like $300. Total. Ever. I started feeling the pressure and stress that comes along with making no money, yet being so busy. And I was getting these emails from young designers saying that I'm an inspiration and they'd love to freelance and work from home. I wanted to find all those emails and reply back "DON'T DO IT! It's all a sham! You'll be penniless AND stressed!" However, as the month progressed, the numbers started catching up to what I was making at my first job out of college.
It's emotionally taxing to not be able to maintain a perfect home and at the same time devote the time it takes to design. Because that's kind of how I imagined my freelance life working. Fluttering from laundry to dishes and then designing a few projects. What I didn't account for is all the estimating, email fielding, accounting and various other admin functions that would be sucking up my time. I'm navigating these unfamiliar waters partially on logic and largely on gut feelings. Whatever fantasy I had about this whole deal is too busy slamming it's head against the wall to accommodate me. But really, when it comes down to it - I think that's a good thing. I think I'm doing things right. I know myself well enough to know that if I had time to do laundry* I'd probably feel like a failure.
BUT, all of that said... I think I'm damn good at what I do and am so grateful to be doing it. My work is split about 50/50 between custom invitation business and designing other print and identity materials for small businesses. I give my clients everything I've got when it comes to both customer service and the final design product. I hope they can see and feel how much I appreciate them and never know the wiser that I'm freaking out about figuring out my tax ID situation (well, until now). So month 4 - bring it on. I'm ready.
*A huge thank you to Jeremy for doing the laundry and being crazy supportive as always.
You are damn good at what you do. Keep rocking it! Congrats on the 4 months....and laundry while you are working at home sucks. : )
Yea! I'm still very proud of you for taking this big scary leap. And continuing to be honest about its challenges and rewards.
This explains your warning emails :P
hehe. I'm glad you are happy though, I think things will eventually figure themselves out and when you get more used to everything, you will be making more profit. Think of all the money you are saving by not having a cat sitter! ...
I really hope it gets better though. just think about the quilt in the backyard!! (I forgot where you live, do you have cold snowy winters?)
i love it! i'm glad you're getting to do this... it sounds perfect for you :) keep it up!
It was awesome when you took the leap and it's still awesome now, 4 months later. You are awesome and I'm glad you know it.
Much love.
Have I mentioned how much I love you guys and how much your support carries me through my days? It does.
I just received an email from a very pleased invite client and it completely made my day. It makes the accounting and blah parts of freelancing so very worth it.
I just started reading Creative Inc. and it really is helpful for any creative freelancer. I'm sure you've seen it mentioned all over the blogosphere, but you should check it out. The personal stories and to-do lists are amazing.
Have a GrEAt weekend!
I just started reading Creative Inc. and it really is helpful for any creative freelancer. I'm sure you've seen it mentioned all over the blogosphere, but you should check it out. The personal stories and to-do lists are amazing.
Have a GrEAt weekend!
Kelsey - YES. I'm ordering it right away.
Next on my to-do list: hire an assistant. That way he/she can do this blah crap. Nice idea, huh? Congrats on finishing up month 3!
love those colours in that design!
I wish I had something that needed designing. Your style is amazing.
God. I can't tell you how much I love these updates. As I get closer to taking the plunge I get less excited and more freaked out. Blank slate of days! I haven't had that since my early 20's. And being totally in charge of myself? Haven't had that since college. So I'm worried about creating structure, etc. And hearing your stories totally effing helps.
And encourages me to keep getting those ducks in a row, pre-plunge. Even if it means I pull out handfuls of hair when I wash it from stress (I, achem, wish I was joking).
So thank you.
Kat - this is a truly wonderful post! i am glad that you share your experiences and i have to say, for a short 3 months, you are doing fantastic!!!
can't wait to hear about your 4th month adventure! and please do share your work here ... xx
Yay!
You're doin' great. Such a brave move. Leap of faith. Investment in yourself. It's inspiring.
The past few months have brought you into my e-life in a beautiful way, so I'm super-pleased!
you are most certainly DAMN GOOD at what you do. keep doing it. the money will come. i think it sounds like you're on the right track.
and thank you for putting so much time and effort to our invitations. we could really feel how much you cared. :)
So I made the veggie stuffed potatoes one night this week for dinner....
oh my, were they DELICIOUS!!
I made a few slight variations (carrots instead of squash), and added a little butter....
They were quite the hit with the fam. Thanks for sharing such a fabulous recipe!
Thank you for your honesty! Knowing that it's not all easy and fun makes what you're doing even more inspirational.
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