The intersection of inspired creativity and common business sense. We talk about everything you didn't learn in design school, but should have if you want to build a career and a life as an independent creative. Hosted by Alvalyn Lundgren.
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There are risks in working for someone else, when you place all your career expectations in one place. Conversely, there are significant advantages in working independently as a freelance creative. In this episode Alvalyn shares why self-employment has always been her objective and contrasts the perceived safety of working for someone else with the rewards of being self-employed. Points of…
To niche or not (to specialize) is something that many freelancers question, something that many freelance creatives who are multi-passionate, are concerned about. How do you specialize when you have a diverse range of interests and skills? In this episode Alvalyn breaks down some options, shares from her own experiences, and leaves you with one key strategy that will help you position correctly.…
Clients are brilliant. They show up with bright ideas and requests when you're already deep into a project. The concern with these mid-process changes is that it's very difficult to hit a moving target. These add-ons are known as scope creep, add time and expenses, and can require a change in direction and outcomes. Few freelancers appreciate scope creep. One way to reduce the likelihood of scope…
Do you tend to avoid risk or prefer to go for it? No one can build a business without taking risks, and freelancers — expecially freelance creatives — deal with specific types of risks. If we don't take risks we are more likely to fail. Knowing what the risks are allows us to make calculated choices and take actions that can reduce risk. In this episode Alvalyn Lundgren addresses five fundamental…
Continuing the discussion of the previous episode the topic turns to using AI tools in your creative processes. Questions including, "Should I tell my clients I'm using AI?", "How do I incorporate AI tools without infringing someone's copyright?" and "Will clients still want to work with me when there are so many AI options out there? How do I remain relevant as a designer, illustrator,…
If your brand message as a freelancer is that you create excellent work, that you're a certifed software expert, or you've earned badges and certificates in subject matter areas, you're already obsolete. If your creative process relies on templates, creative marketplaces, and execution, your income is in jeopardy. If your marketing approach centers on quick and cheap, AI has already replaced you,…
As a freelance creative, do you focus more on your technical skills, on your creative talent, or problem-solving abilities to attract clients? How you position yourself determines the types of projects and clients you'll work with. Moreover, especially in this age of AI, talent and tools aren no longer enough to be able to make a living. A focus on tools and tech skills are making you obsolete.…
Overthinking solutions to a creative or business problem is all to common. We want to consider as many possibilities as we can. But when we can make the challenge appear larger than it is, we become confused and restrained, unable to move forward toward the solutions we seek. Being at times guilty herself of overthinking, and observing how it operates in others, Alvalyn presents a three-part…
Some key business challenges for freelance creatives include overcoming recurring problems and ensuring that daily practices are aligned with long-term strategy and purpose. We often resort to applying quick fixes which can be superficial rather than working to discover why the problems recur. Alvalyn Lundgren discusses the differences between tips, tactics, and strategies in growing a freelance…
How do you create high-value perception with a skeptical client? Why do so many clients think creative work is worth so little, or that we're charging too much? It seems they tend to look for the cheapest option. Attracting high value clients you can work with over the long term requires a change in focus and approach. While platforms like Canva and tech like AI are impacting opportunities for new…
