Navigating the business side of being creative (surfing in rough waters)

This week kicked my butt. Seriously. Maybe it’s partly the state of the world today, our economy and all the changes toward work and business that have come along with it but I also know some of it is part of my own learning process.

When I first started learning about web design, it was through some basic HTML and CSS classes online – and I mean basic. But I really loved everything I was learning and could not wait to learn and do more. I’d spend hours on the web, finding tutorials, tips and tricks articles, anything I could get my hands on to help my develop more and build on the basics I’d learned.

When I decided to go freelance, my approach was similar. Basically, I’m mostly self taught which to me means two things.
#1 - I’ve worked my butt off and come a long way the past few years
#2 - At times, my progress and growth has been through making mistakes and learning what to do when things fall apart or just don’t work out the way you mean for them to.

In the beginning, my immediate focus was on continuing to learn all I could about design and building sites but it didn’t take long to realize, being a freelance designer means actually designing web sites is only a small piece of the pie. Being freelance is really being and running a business called “you”. If you don’t like or want to handle running a business, freelance is probably not the way to go. You will have to chase down unpaid bills for work you’ve done, managing relationships – the good and the “challenging” and often, the hours are not 9 – 5 or anywhere close to normal, at least in my world. There is no supervisor, manager or team to answer to - or to help you with any of the above either.

But it is all part of a sometimes painful learning curve, gaining experience and in my opinion, learning to work for yourself, by yourself.

So I guess I should say, the business end of being freelance kicked my butt this week. I’m just not comfortable with every aspect but I do love new projects, designing and coding web sites and making clients happy and as excited about their site and business as I am. Guess that means I’m chalking it up to “one of those weeks”, diving back in, making a new list for tomorrow (yes, I can’t stop with the lists!) and hoping the experiences today make for easier, smarter tomorrows.

The comic I linked to is by Matthew Inman (Oatmeal), an awesome designer in Seattle Washington who also does comics on his blogs that I think are funny. If you think so too, subscribe to http://theoatmeal.com/ or check him out on Twitter, @Oatmeal

In the Quiet Hours

So I actually started writing this blog a few weeks ago – and then I got way too busy all of a sudden to even finish writing it. But I know the quiet will sneak back up when I least expect it and I think it’ll be a good reminder for me and anyone else who tends to panic and stress a little when things slow down too much instead of embracing and taking advantage of the down time, knowing it won’t last for long.

I was reading an interview with a popular actor who said, at the end of a filming every movie, there’s always a period of wondering “Was this my last great role?” “Did I just film my last movie ever?” Being freelance can be a wonderful, beautiful thing but I’ve felt that same sensation at the end of several design projects. The dreaded “What now?”

Freelance can mean freedom, there are so many positives like setting your own limits and schedules but nothing is guaranteed. Work can come in waves and follow with what can be scary, extended periods of down time, but I’m learning this can be a positive instead of a time to worry myself in to a ball of stress.

I’d been reading lately about freelance down time and ways to make life a little less scary so here’s a short list of what works for me when things slow down, clients are quiet and you wonder if you just made your last big movie.

Learn something new – take advantage of the downtime to keep building skills. This is probably my favorite; while not always easy (can take some discipline) I think it’s the most valuable. In my quiet hours now (or whenever I can squeeze in more hours in the evening), I’m learning Wordpress and hopefully will be putting it to good use soon.

Research – hit the “great examples of” lists, read blogs, tutorials, any relevant information you can find. I guess this can go along with learning something new but I think of this as not specifically focused. There is so much great information online you can learn from (for free!) Take advantage of all the internet offers. Smashing Magazine feature some of my favorite “great examples” galleries. A great way to learn about design is by studying great work and learning from other designers. Sometimes just spending a few hours reading or browsing galleries can provide the inspiration that helps you land your next project or learn more effective ways of working.

Get out - If the stress and worry of downtime is really getting to you, what can sometimes help the most is doing nothing on the computer at all. Go to the bookstore, go for a walk or just go spend time with friends and family. You’re finally not slammed, working 14 hours a day to meet anyone’s deadline, take full advantage and spend some time having fun with people you love.

Play pretend - Make up a new project to challenge yourself. Sketch, design, build it out and save! You may be able to take something from it later, even if just an idea or color scheme.

Relax – scary deadlines, being over busy, working late hours, it’ll all be back. Take advantage of the quiet time now and recharge and relax.