Starting out in the freelance design biz has been one huge, ongoing learning experience.   Having the design background, job history and track record does not a business make.  I have had to learn about state taxes, federal taxes, tax with-holdings and tax exemptions; business plans, business loans, business accounts and business software.  That’s just the beginning.

Though I have created numerous advertising campaigns and marketing materials, I have never had to actually sell those services or products.  I am finding difficulty in marketing myself, not because I don’t have what it takes to do the job, but because I have never had to before.  I know a resume and a job interview require a certain amount of selling, but once that is done, there’s nothing left but showing up and doing the work you were hired to do.  I have always had that hourly wage job.  Pushing Designed by Row to the forefront is like a long series of job interviews without an end in sight.

I am not complaining.  This has been a trip and I know that I have just begun.  I am looking forward to learning even more.  After all, I want Designed by Row to be a success and any knowledge I can attain (and retain) to that end is worth the effort.  I have an appointment with my accountant today.  We’ll see how much more my brain will hold.