On February 14th, 2020, with a gut feeling and tingling anxiety, I set out on what would become the first three years of my solo design business. Through this journey, I've experienced plenty of humbling moments; walls of frustration and self-doubt; and a collection of small wins that have transformed me into a six-figure-earning solopreneur. Disillusioned with the fast-paced, hustle culture I had grown so accustomed to, I wanted to create a business that better aligned with my sense of self, my method of working, and my vision. It became clear to me that once I 'figured it out', I needed to share the roadmap. This industry is tough—It's competitive, at times all-consuming if you let it, and elusive if you don't know the right people. This 3-year review is my effort to provide even a sliver of transparency so that other creatives will see how possible it is to build a practice that truly aligns with your life.
On February 14th, 2020, with a gut feeling and tingling anxiety, I set out on what would become the first three years of my solo design business. Through this journey, I've experienced plenty of humbling moments; walls of frustration and self-doubt; and a collection of small wins that have transformed me into a six-figure-earning solopreneur. Disillusioned with the fast-paced, hustle culture I had grown so accustomed to, I wanted to create a business that better aligned with my sense of self, my method of working, and my vision. It became clear to me that once I 'figured it out', I needed to share the roadmap. This industry is tough—It's competitive, at times all-consuming if you let it, and elusive if you don't know the right people. This 3-year review is my effort to provide even a sliver of transparency so that other creatives will see how possible it is to build a practice that truly aligns with your life.
On February 14th, 2020, with a gut feeling and tingling anxiety, I set out on what would become the first three years of my solo design business. Through this journey, I've experienced plenty of humbling moments; walls of frustration and self-doubt; and a collection of small wins that have transformed me into a six-figure-earning solopreneur. Disillusioned with the fast-paced, hustle culture I had grown so accustomed to, I wanted to create a business that better aligned with my sense of self, my method of working, and my vision. It became clear to me that once I 'figured it out', I needed to share the roadmap. This industry is tough—It's competitive, at times all-consuming if you let it, and elusive if you don't know the right people. This 3-year review is my effort to provide even a sliver of transparency so that other creatives will see how possible it is to build a practice that truly aligns with your life.
On February 14th, 2020, with a gut feeling and tingling anxiety, I set out on what would become the first three years of my solo design business. Through this journey, I've experienced plenty of humbling moments; walls of frustration and self-doubt; and a collection of small wins that have transformed me into a six-figure-earning solopreneur. Disillusioned with the fast-paced, hustle culture I had grown so accustomed to, I wanted to create a business that better aligned with my sense of self, my method of working, and my vision. It became clear to me that once I 'figured it out', I needed to share the roadmap. This industry is tough—It's competitive, at times all-consuming if you let it, and elusive if you don't know the right people. This 3-year review is my effort to provide even a sliver of transparency so that other creatives will see how possible it is to build a practice that truly aligns with your life.
I wanted to approach this section as holistically as possible. Because YoY Growth and Revenue don't reveal a whole lot about what is going on behind the scenes. So in addition to these transparent numbers, I share my biggest internal challenges, most impactful books, favorite experiences, etc. The last three years are meant to encapsulate the growth of a business and a life. These two things are deeply interwoven for me. Where I grow in one area leads me to grow in another. I find the two are rarely without each other.
My objective for year 1 was soley to see if I could match my previous income from full-time employment.
Year 2 truly took my breath away. I started to see how tangible this dream really was, and kept going.
With the foundation set, year 3 was about slowing down and getting selective with projects that truly aligned with me.
2022 was the year I started measuring business growth and redefining success. I started to prioritize my time off as much as my time on. I started tracking leads and nurturing relationships and stopped placing so much emphasis on external validation. This practice has been the biggest gift when it comes to sustaining a fulfilling life and profitable business. Understanding where work is coming from, what projects are most profitable, and what supports and drives me has revealed themes in my work and life that can, on some level, predict what's to come.
These last three years have far exceeded my expectations. To look back and see how everything has unfolded has only given me more fuel to keep going and see what manifests in the next 3 years, the next 10 years, and beyond. 2023 will be another year set with intention and with that an entirely new set of challenges and lessons. Here's what I'm envisioning:
With the foundation set, we're ready to tackle bigger design challenges, which means collaborating with other bright minds to bring visually captivating brands to life. Brands that evoke a feeling, a sense of wonder; brands that create a moment of pause; brands that make you slow down and take notice.
ByGeorge Studio
Bérénice Golmann
Taylor Slyder & Connor Linde
Haruko Hayakawa
Kate Seaton
Carolyn Bothwell
Kyle Showen
Adam Danielson
Buena Suerte
I had no idea where this road would lead me, but I knew I had to pull the car over and walk down this unfamiliar path. What I've found along the way has helped me grow in skillset, business knowledge, and personal development ten times over. I've made countless friends and fostered community, and I've been fortunate enough to help others realize their long-held dreams, passions, and brilliant ideas. That, to me, is what this is all about.