Freelance Files // Part 1

So it's been almost been almost a month since I started on this little venture.
The days are often long, but the weeks - the month - has flown by.
It's crazy and scary and good all at the same time.

There are two things I've learned about starting a business:

1/ I did a lot of reading of blogs of freelancers before I started and they talk and talk and talk and hash out over and over practical steps towards growing productivity. I get it now. The greater the productivity, the quicker, the more creative your work, the better your turn around time, thus your clients have a larger level of satisfaction. Good business, really.

2/ Business taxes. Business forms. Business names. Ect. ect. ect. Ah. There's a lot to do. A lot of fees. I am beyond grateful that I researched this BEFORE I started - otherwise I would be sitting here paralyzed.

Yet, going into the Country Clerk's office, filling out a form, paying $5 will essentially start your business. That was shocking to me. That's it. No questions asked. I could be starting up a fish-food-diner for all anyone cared.

Still, there is a definite chasm of things I don't know yet. And that's the hardest part.


Then there are two things I've learned about myself:

1/ A self-described introvert, it has been unbelievably hard to work from home. It's not even the distraction of dishes or dust. It's being by myself. I am not sure how stay-at-home mom's do it (this has deadened this desire momentarily). There's no one to talk to. In fact, as I am writing this at 3:21pm, I haven't talked to a soul. AND THIS DRIVES ME NUTS. I actually crave people in ways I haven't experienced. And it's probably because previously I was always with people, around people, solving people's problems. I think if I continue down this path, I may turn into an extreme extrovert. Who would have thought? I am that person that schedules an appointment and keeps the conversation with the receptionist longer than needed.

2/ I recognize how much I still have to learn as a designer. How much room there is to grow in my personal style and technique. But I am continually blown away by how much I love it and am settled here. And it gives me excitement for the future.

All of that being said, if you know someone who knows something about graphic design or business send their information my way. I'm dying to learn!