Hard-Learned Lessons of Freelancing

Freelancing in any capacity involves working your way around one hell of a learning curve.

You’ll face problems you didn’t expect – many of them a result of your own mistakes – and have no idea how to solve them. But you will solve them. One way or another, you’ll find a solution.

At least this is what I’ve found. There have been so many times where I’ve been asked to make something and thought “I’ve no idea how to do this.” But guess what? I figured it out. And you will too.

But anyway, as someone who’s been freelancing pretty much since I left full-time education about twelve years ago, I’ve run into a lot of unexpected problems. But with them came lessons; lessons that I’ve found value in again and again.

Almost every article I’ve ever published on this blog is based on something I’ve learned during my freelancing journey.

From needing a way to focus on wellbeing, to needing a better way of managing projects, most of the articles came from a need to solve a problem, and wanting to share that information.

(There’s also the slightly selfish goal of me learning through teaching, which is known as the protégé effect. It works, if you’re interested.)

But anyway, in this article I wanted to write about a few very hard-learned lessons from my freelancing journey, and how you can avoid them on your own.

Lesson One: Know Your Worth, Then Add Tax

The eternal struggle of pricing your services as a freelancer… a delicate balance of wanting to be competitive in the market and not underselling yourself in the process.

I've learned the hard way that undervaluing your skills and expertise not only undermines your own worth but also sets a dangerous precedent for future negotiations.

Remember, you're not just selling a product or service – you're selling your time, your talent, and your years of experience honing your craft.

For me, this manifested in me selling a handful of flyer designs to a client when I was first starting. I priced it at less than minimum wage because I was so desperate to win the client and start working.

Big mistake.

So, do your research, know your market value, and don't be afraid to charge what you're worth (plus a little extra for good measure).

Here’s a guide to help you figure out your service pricing as a new graphic designer.

Lesson Two: Embrace the Feast and Famine

One month you're drowning in projects, drowning in deadlines, and drowning in the endless sea of emails that comes with it all. But the next, you're staring at a barren inbox, wondering if your clients have forgotten you exist.

But here's the thing: the cycle of working and not working is the reality for almost every freelancer on earth. There’s going to be downtime. And as scary as that can be, it’s also an opportunity.

You can use the downtime to recharge, refocus, and invest in yourself – whether that means upskilling, networking, or simply taking a well-deserved break. And remember that taking a break is a perfectly valid way of spending your downtime. Recharging is just as important as working.

If you’re looking for some productive things to do with your downtime, here are some ideas.

Lesson Three: Learn to Love the Hustle

Freelancing isn't just about doing the work – it's about getting the work in the first place.

With freelancing comes a hustle. It's about putting yourself out there, pitching your services, showing your value, and fighting for almost every gig that comes your way – no matter how small.

It's about networking, building relationships, and cultivating a reputation as someone clients can trust. It's about learning to sell yourself – not in a sleazy way, but in a genuine, authentic way that showcases your skills and expertise.

So if you’re new to freelancing, learn to love the whole process. Not just the messing about in Photoshop or Illustrator. You need to learn to love writing case studies, posting to Instagram, writing blogs, client meetings, and all the rest of it.

You even need to learn to love all the problems and challenges that get thrown your way.

If you’re new to graphic design and don’t know how to pick up clients, this guide will help.

Lesson Four: Set Boundaries and Stick to Them

In my first year of freelancing, I think I slept dangerously little. I was so focused on working with new clients, getting projects out the door, and delivering on what I said I would that I forgot that I needed time to unwind.

It's all too easy to fall into the trap of saying yes to every project, every request, every demand that comes your way. But let me tell you, boundaries are non-negotiable.

Whether it's setting clear expectations with clients, establishing working hours that respect your personal time, or knowing when to say no to projects that don't align with your values or goals – boundaries are the backbone of a healthy freelance career.

So, set them early, set them often, and stick to them like your livelihood depends on it (because, well, it kinda does).

I highly recommend time blocking to both set specific working times throughout the day, and help avoid you working and working without end.

Some Final Thoughts

Freelancing is a journey, and you’re going to face problems and challenges you aren’t expecting. This is a natural part of the game we’re playing.

But through it all, remember this: every setback is an opportunity for growth, every single challenge is a chance to learn, and every hard-earned lesson is a stepping stone on the way to success.

Sorry if that sounded unbelievably cheesy. This next bit will too…

Embrace the journey. Embrace the lessons. Embrace the challenge. And above all, embrace the adventure that is freelancing. Trust me, you won't regret it.

But if you’re feeling like giving up, here are 50 reasons why you shouldn’t.

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