My First 100 Days as a Freelance Graphic Designer

In this video, I'll share the 5 biggest lessons that I've learned so far during my first 100 days as a freelance Graphic Designer. In Spring 2023, I was laid off from my full-time job as a Design Director for a television network. Initially, this was a big setback, and although it was difficult, it became an opportunity to take a step in a new direction.
♦️ TIME STAMPS ♦️
0:00 Life before freelancing
00:33 Lesson 1
02:00 Lesson 2
04:10 Lesson 3
05:07 Lesson 4
06:47 Lesson 5
08:15 Final thoughts
🎵 Music from Storyblocks
CONNECT WITH ME & SEE FINISHED PROJECTS HERE::
Instagram: ericvasquez84
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/evasquez84
HIRE ME:
Website: www.ericvasquez.net
Behance: www.behance.net/evasquez84
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ABOUT ME:
Hey y'all, I'm Eric. I create in-depth design tutorials centered around entertainment, key art, and brand design. After 15 years in the 9-5 world, I recently transitioned to working for myself full-time and starting a design biz. I've worked for brands like SYFY, NBC, Lifetime, History, Discovery, and Major League Baseball.
#ericvasquez #freelancedesigner #branddesigner #posterdesigner #graphicdesign

[@EricVasquezDesign]

What are the biggest obstacles you have faced as a freelance graphic designer? Let me know if there's anything you would add to the list!

[@jarmelo2006]

My biggest challenges were
Socializing, I can be a bit of a loner.
When I first started I was not very good at saving and organizing money. I'm alot better now. And I used to allow fear to stress me out, don't doubt your abilities ever, even when those around you doubt you. Everything works out. Another challenge was, I used to allow my clients to devalue my work, big mistake you must charge for your time , effort and expertise and it's worth your price. Truth is You're gonna be alright no matter what and it's okay to say no to some projects. I simply love the adventure of working as a self employed graphic artist. Independence is amazing. Hope that helps. Take breaks and take time for you.

[@EricVasquezDesign]

Thank you for sharing some of the challenges you have faced as a freelancer! Socializing, money, stress, and clients who don’t value our work are all such real obstacles. I think what you said really nailed it because the independence is the trade off in a way, but it can also be the key to a much more rewarding path with greater opportunities for growth.

[@jarmelo2006]

@@EricVasquezDesign Exactly. Stay positive. You have the power ✌🏾🔥

[@nandoism]

Eric and I are part of a gratitude circle-it’s a call that happens everyday (even holidays and weekends) that’s given us access to socializing (just 30 mins a day) but also opened up the world of gratitude. Let me know…you can pop in as a guest-no commitments required. 😊

[@nandoism]

That rollercoaster of money money money is no joke 😊 as an entrepreneur + that 2 month buffer is brilliant. 🎉

[@EricVasquezDesign]

Thanks Nando! I think that buffer has given me a little bit of mental space as well, which helps me feel a little less panicked if there isn’t a constant flow of clients coming in.

[@ampd_designs]

Great takeaways! Congrats on 100 days!

[@EricVasquezDesign]

Thank you so much Alyssa! 😊

[@jarmelo2006]

Freelance graphic designer 13 years. You can do it. There highs and lows but you will always rise to the top✌🏾

[@EricVasquezDesign]

Thanks for the encouraging words!

[@jarmelo2006]

Cool.✌🏾

[@EricVasquezDesign]

Thanks 💯

[@Mr_Designer_7848]

I’m fresher in this field i have learned all software. Plz guide me for freelancing work.i hope for you friend.

[@nandoism]

Oooh taxes taxes taxes-don’t forget about those…they will come a knocking. 🐥🐥😳

[@EricVasquezDesign]

The tax man cometh! 😂