10 things I wish I knew before going full-time freelance as a designer

7/30/2025

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 Previously posted on karlapamanes.com/blog

About a year ago, I had the chance to speak to a group of graphic design students at a local university about my journey as a freelance designer. Then just recently, I met someone curious about how I got started—and I found myself sharing the same exact advice.

These are the 10 biggest lessons I’ve learned so far from building my freelance business. Whether you’re still in school, working full-time, or dreaming of doing your own thing, I hope these help light the path for you the way others did for me.

1.  Be a good human 💗 This sounds simple, but it’s everything. No one likes working with a jerk—no matter how talented they are. Be kind. Be respectful. Smile at people. Relationships matter more than you think in this industry (and in life!).

2. Know your numbers (and save!) 💰 I’ll admit it took me an embarrassingly long time to really understand my finances. Know how much you need to survive, thrive, and save. If you’re planning to go full-time freelance, aim to have 3–6 months of living expenses saved up. It’s the cushion that will help you sleep at night. 😴

3. Believe in yourself 👏🏼 This was one of the hardest lessons for me. I didn’t grow up around entrepreneurs—let alone anyone in a creative career. But once I started believing this dream was possible for me, everything started to shift. If you struggle with this too, I highly recommend diving into personal development books. They can change your mindset, one page at a time.

4. Surround yourself with people who believe in you 🎉 Even if you’re not sure you believe in yourself yet—borrow someone else’s belief in you. And spoiler alert: these cheerleaders might not come from your closest circle. Some of the most supportive friends I’ve met came from online communities and mastermind groups. Find your people. ✨

5. Find a mentor 🤓 There are people who’ve already walked the path you’re dreaming of—and learning from them can save you years. A mentor doesn’t have to be someone you meet in person. They can show up in books, YouTube, podcasts, or programs. If you’re able, invest in 1:1 mentorship. Success leaves clues—follow them.

6. Create personal projects 💻 Want to design for a specific type of client or industry? Start by making the work you want to be hired for. Personal projects are powerful portfolio pieces, and they show initiative, creativity, and direction. Don’t wait for a paid project to start building your dream work. 💡

7. Tell everyone and their mom 📢 Seriously—tell people what you do. The more people who know what you do and who you help, the more opportunities will come your way. People can’t refer you if they don’t know you exist! People genuinely love to help, especially if you’ve followed tip #1. 😉

8. Grow your network 🌱 It might sound cliché, but your network really is part of your net worth. Building relationships, putting yourself in new rooms, and meeting new people has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey. Be brave enough to show up, even if you feel like the least experienced one in the room. That’s where growth happens. 🌻

9. Open a business bank account 💳 This is one of those not-so-glamorous but really important tips. Keeping your business and personal finances separate will make tax season so much easier. It’s one small move that will set you up with a solid foundation from the start.

10. Talent is not enough 🙊 This one’s a little tough love: There are people out there with less talent than you, doing the work you want to do and getting paid well for it—because they took action. Don’t wait until you feel 100% ready. Start now. Start messy. Take action. I believe in you. 🙏🏼

If you’re just starting out or thinking about going full-time freelance, I hope these 10 lessons serve as both a guide and a gentle push.

You don’t have to have it all figured out.

You just have to start.

Have a question about freelancing or want to hear more about my journey? Feel free to reach out—I love connecting with fellow creatives! 💬

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