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What I’ve Learned in 6 Years as a Freelance Graphic Designer



As I celebrate six years as a freelance graphic designer, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey this has been. From navigating the highs and lows to discovering invaluable lessons, the experience has been both rewarding and transformative. Here are some key insights I’ve gained over the past six years of running my own graphic design business:

1. Relationships Are Everything Building strong relationships with clients is at the heart of freelance success. Repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals have been instrumental in growing my business. Clear communication, reliability, and delivering work that exceeds expectations are essential for nurturing these relationships.

2. The Value of Saying “No” Early in my career, I took on almost every project that came my way, regardless of fit. Over time, I’ve learned the importance of setting boundaries and being selective. Saying “no” to projects that don’t align with my skills, interests, or values has allowed me to focus on work that I’m passionate about and excel at.

3. Time Management Is a Superpower Freelancing requires wearing multiple hats: designer, project manager, marketer, and accountant, to name a few. Mastering time management has been crucial. Scheduling my days, prioritizing tasks, and setting realistic deadlines have helped me stay organized and productive.

4. Adaptability Is Key The world of graphic design is constantly evolving, with new tools, trends, and technologies emerging regularly. Staying adaptable and committed to continuous learning has been essential to staying relevant and providing value to my clients.

5. Personal Branding Matters As a freelance designer, I am my brand. Investing in my online presence—from my website to social media—has been a cornerstone of my business. Showcasing my work and sharing insights about my process have helped me attract the right clients.

6. Quality Over Quantity It’s tempting to take on as many projects as possible, but I’ve learned that focusing on fewer projects and delivering exceptional quality yields better results for both my clients and my business. Quality work builds trust and establishes a reputation for excellence.

7. Challenges Are Opportunities to Grow Not every project goes smoothly, and setbacks are inevitable. However, each challenge has been an opportunity to learn and improve. Whether it’s refining my process or enhancing my communication skills, I’ve grown stronger with every experience.

8. Work-Life Balance Is Non-Negotiable Burnout is a real risk when you’re your own boss. Setting boundaries between work and personal life has been vital. Taking breaks, pursuing hobbies, and spending time with loved ones are just as important as meeting deadlines.

9. Financial Savvy Is Essential Freelancing requires managing inconsistent income, taxes, and expenses. Learning how to budget effectively, set competitive rates, and save for the future has been a game-changer in maintaining financial stability.

10. Gratitude Fuels Motivation Above all, I’ve learned to be grateful for the opportunities freelancing has provided. The ability to work on projects I’m passionate about, collaborate with amazing clients, and create a business that aligns with my values is something I never take for granted.

As I look ahead, I’m excited to continue growing, learning, and creating in this ever-evolving field. To all my clients, collaborators, and supporters—thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to many more years of creativity and success!

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Samantha Poirier
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© 2020 by Bucket Mouth Designs • Created by Samantha Poirier

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