Issues within Self-Employment

Being your own boss is great

You may love the idea of earning all the profit from your design work, setting your own rates and hours, and working on your own terms. But with that freedom comes additional responsibility. In many ways, you need to play, or at least understand, every role that exists within a creative agency. Check out my blog “Embody Agency Systems” to learn more about what each role involves.

No more benefits

Working for yourself means you need to source benefits on your own. Think about the following:

• health insurance

• a retirement plan

• paid time off

Sourcing clients

At an agency, your coworkers help source leads, communicate with clients, manage relationships, and handle financial and legal tasks. As a freelancer, those responsibilities shift to you.

Networking and searching for opportunities in communities you understand is a great way to bring in new clients. Look for spaces where people already need creative support.

Social and creative spaces

Freelancing can limit the day to day interactions you would typically have within an agency. Some creatives thrive in communal environments. If you want more collaboration, consider the entrepreneur route instead of a purely solo career. You could form partnerships with other designers, work under the same LLC, and collaborate as equals rather than operating under a single boss.

The Graphic Artists Guild notes several common concerns for freelance designers:

• isolation

• procrastination and lack of motivation

• scheduling and time management

• unpredictable income

They suggest solving isolation by meeting face to face with small groups of freelancers to work through creative blocks. Professional organizations and coworking spaces also help. Even a coffee shop or open office setting can provide enough energy and accountability to boost productivity.

Establishing a set schedule for yourself is a strong way to prevent delays. Just as you build an SOP for your design processes, consider creating one for your daily routine to support consistency.

Managing income

For financial stability, check out my blog on the revenue roller coaster. You need to keep prospecting for new business while you are working with current clients. As your reputation grows, you may even begin booking work months or years in advance.

Plan for slower seasons, and make sure you charge appropriately for all deliverables and consulting services.

Health insurance considerations

Stay up to date with your state’s health insurance policies. Look into the Affordable Care Act and the options available through the Health Insurance Marketplace. COBRA coverage may also be an option, depending on your situation.

Millman, Debbie. Graphic Artists Guild Handbook, 17th Edition: Pricing and Ethical Guidelines. Graphic Artists Guild, 2025.