Find your Freelance Style
By Melissa Delzio, Independent Designer in Portland, Oregon
Is your away message set for weeks on end, or are you a midnight warrior who has mastered the art of scheduled emails?
For decades I’ve had conversations with close colleagues about the ins and outs of how we have all found a way to succeed in the creative industry. By comparing notes, I’ve realized there is no one, right way to succeed, rather many paths to a profitable and rewarding career.
If you are a current, creative freelancer or freelance-curious, read on to discover which style might be a match for you. Depending on your experience and financial situation, you may find yourself identifying with more than one style, or different styles at different life transitions. I had graphic designers and those hiring graphic designers in mind when I made this list, but I’m sure many professionals can relate.
Introducing:
The Dabbler
The Dabbler is keeping their day job! For them freelance is a side hustle, a creative exploration they squeeze into nights and weekends, and an occasional lunch break. Some Dabblers are full-time design professionals, but maybe that job is not as high paying as they want, not creatively fulfilling, or they could be just a tad bit addicted to work. Dabblers have a variety of reasons for not giving up their employer’s siren song of steady income, including health insurance and a employee-contributed retirement plan! Some Dabblers might be freelance-curious, meaning they are testing the waters and building a client base before taking the plunge. Others may be full-time lifers, using freelance work as their playground, their place for creative exploration. Dabblers are most likely to ask for a 6pm meeting, but might have that project you asked for on Friday in your inbox by Monday.
Pros of being a Dabbler:
Extra income
Opportunity to do projects for fun
Low stress
Cons of being a Dabbler:
Carpal tunnel
Lack of free time
Potential conflict with full-time employer
Why you should hire a Dabbler:
Don’t mistake the night and weekend emails for a lack of professionalism, or part-time freelance status for a lack of talent! Dabblers are often more dedicated since they are not necessarily working for the need of income, rather they may choose to work with you for more personal reasons; what a win for you!
The Hustler
This freelancer has their hand in every pot. They work with a wide assortment of clients from various industries, and may even work as a professional at different capacities. Because they have a broad client base, they are likely to stay busier with more even income distribution. However, they may be more likely to work nights and weekends to stay on top of their projects. Hustlers may have on average 5–8 projects in the works with several more on the horizon. This means more time devoted to project management, estimating, and invoicing. They may accept smaller budgets since the quantity of projects is higher. They are most likely to go one round of revision over the scope of work because they don’t want to rock the boat.
Pros of being a Hustler:
More stability
Diversity of work
Larger client base = more referrals = easier to maintain work
Diverse portfolio/resume
Cons of being a Hustler:
More administrative work
Less free time
Potential for more stress with project overlap
“Can-do” attitudes may make it hard to say no to red flag clients
Why you should hire a Hustler:
They will get the job done! Hustlers are reliable, have diverse talents, and generally are people-pleasers who will charge a fair rate.
The Choosey One
The Choosey One knows their worth and demands the best. They are not interested in busy work, or “bread and butter” clients, they only see and accept work that completely aligns with their interests, talent, values and most importantly, budget expectations. Choosey freelancers aren’t afraid to say no! Their slimmed down client pool may mean more down time between projects, but higher budgets ensure more time for quality work with less time spent on project management. Time tracking will be precise, and all meetings and phone calls are on the clock! A Choosey One’s request for upfront payment means not one click of work until that check deposits. These freelancers are boundary setters, and we are all envious.
Pros of being a Choosey One:
Portfolio-worthy work only!
Cream of the crop clients
Focused offering means more specialization
Cons of being a Choosey One:
Smaller client base = fewer referrals and more need for outreach
More down time between projects can interrupt income stream
Narrow skill set means clients may require additional professionals on the team
Why you should hire a Choosey One:
They have a specialized skill set, are a consummate professional. If you pass muster, you will be satisfied as long as you stick to that scope of work!
The Serial Sabbatical-Taker
The Serial Sabbatical-Taker is a freelancer who has figured out how to hack work/life balance in a way only they can pull off. They have two modes of operation: work mode and play mode. These freelancers often take on a singular client across one or a series of short-term, full-time contracts. They are most likely to engage with recruiters who can act as their employer for these longer contract stints. When a contract period ends, and enough income is saved, play mode is enabled and the Serial “Sabbaticist” enters a period of rest, recharge and personal exploration. They may find themselves motorcycling across the West, or taking language classes, but there is one thing they are not doing during these weeks/months, and that is working! Because of time off length and frequency, Sabbaticists are 100% devoted workers when they are on the clock. Overtime? No problem. Trouble client? A Sabbaticist will take it on, knowing the work is only the vehicle that takes them to the next horizon. They still care about their work, they just have a broader sense of purpose and balance than those who are stuck in the hamster wheel.
Pros of being a Serial Sabbatical-Taker:
Clients = often larger firms/big brand names with a need for full-time work Opportunity to feel a part of a team (for a period)
Longer-term projects mean more trust and deeper client relationships
Extended time off
Cons of being a Serial Sabbatical-Taker:
Let’s face it, big brand names can also be a con
Lack of income for a long period can make getting back to work more difficult
Possible use of recruiters cuts into your take home pay (but they manage taxes!)
Why you should hire a Serial Sabbatical-Taker:
They may have a fading tan, and a dreamy look in their eye, but their calm demeanors make them a dream for any project. They keep their skillset sharp and their creative curiosity abounds; you just have to work around their OOO replies.
I hope this list inspires you to carve your own path.
Love and gratitude to my freelance friends Martha, Stephanie, Mette, Audrey, Yvonne, Molly, Michael, and more.
For more freelancer resources, check out my financial reports:
2020–2021 Freelancer Annual Report
2019 Freelancer Annual Report
2018 Freelancer Annual Report
2016 Freelancer Annual Report
How to Sell Yourself as a Designer in Portland (2015)
Vintage photos from: Kittens and Cats; a Book of Tales, by Eulalie Osgood Grover; 1911; Boston, Houghton Mifflin.
