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“Going freelance has been the best decision I have ever made for myself.”

Danb

That tweet came from none other than Daniel Blackman. Vist his site here: http://dblackman.com/

Daniel was recently featured as one of How Magazine’s 8 Young Creatives to Watch: http://www.howdesign.com/design-creativity/projects-profiles/8-young-creatives-to-watch/

After reading his tweet I wanted to know more so I emailed Daniel to get the full story.

Before Going Independent:

• What did you do for a job?
I was a Senior Design at a shop called 160over90 here in Philadelphia.

• What convinced you to make such a drastic change in your life and career?
I kept wanting to make time for myself and do my own projects, but it never seemed to happen. Quitting gave me the time I needed to get the ball rolling.

• What did you worry about that turned out to be totally untrue?
That I would go nuts from the loneliness.

• What was the hardest thing about going independent?
Finding jobs seems to be an ongoing struggle..Down time makes me go crazy.

• How did you prepare to go independent?
I didn't really.. It was a bit of an irrational decision. One week I just decided it was time and went for it.

When you left your "job" and went independent:

• What went easier that you expected?
Getting started. Finding a couple jobs and make a few contacts.

• How did you find client work?
Just by networking. I am always letting designers from agencies know that I am open. Also I try to write one email a day to a random person or business.

• What would you like to have known before you became and independent designer?
How much money I owe the government.

• What positive life change did you experience as a result of going independent?
I am a lot happier now. Not nearly as negative

Now that strangers ask you for interviews:

• What would you say to encourage other designers to go independent?
I'd say to take your time. Believe it or not spending years in an agency that works you long hours is a must! It teaches you good work ethic, but also how to run a business.

• How do you continue to find work?
Just old fashion networking/

• What can most small business learn from one of your biggest successes?
I wouldn't say anything yet. I hope to one day start a business of my own.

• What can most small business learn from one of your biggest failures?
Keep in contact with people. If someone says "Email back in a couple months" dont let it fall off the radar.

Want to follow Daniel? Find him here:

Posted via email from Eye Say Design • The Web Log

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