Today, I read a fantastic post on Breanna Rose's blog. If you don't follow her, you really should! Breanna's blog has a bevy of beautiful images and inspirations, but what I am really drawn to is her Be Free, Lance series.

I think it is so wonderful to receive advice from other freelancers, and I love that the internet is such a powerful tool that allows us to connect with our peers across the world (and on a local scale) to share our experiences and knowledge.

Anyways, Breanna's column today was about how as a freelance designer you really have to learn to be confident in your work and make sure that you are not undervaluing yourself. I know that I am 100% guilty of this, but I've been taking steps to change and prevent it.

Her column made me really think about some of my business practices and new processes that I need to implement to allow me to work more and stress less. So, I will be creating a price list mailer for my clients, as well as a PDF that guides the client through my design/creative process. I'm actually pretty excited. I mean, it's more work, but I think it will be super rewarding/beneficial in the long run.

Sighs.. with each completed project I learn something new about business, about people + working with clients, and even about myself. From writing contracts + invoices, taking deposits, dealing with clients who don't want to pay, or just don't understand - there has definitely been a bit of a learning curve! Don't ever let anyone tell you being a freelancer is easy. It's really not. But you know what, this past year has been a crazy ride, and I am so glad that I got to do it on my own terms. I wouldn't change being my own boss for the world.

Want more advice on freelancing/design/working for yourself? Check out Bri & Katie from DESIGNLOVEFEST - their ADVICE series is fab! Also, Elsie Larson over at, A Beautiful Mess, does a wonderful job shedding some light on what it's like to be your own boss in a creative field!