Things I've Learned as a Freelancer

Over the past several years of freelancing, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects, from mobile apps and websites to branding and UX research. Each project brought a unique set of challenges, and with them, valuable lessons that have helped me grow not just as a designer but also as a problem-solver, collaborator, and communicator.

This section is a collection of short case studies and reflections that highlight key takeaways from my freelance work, what went well, what I’d do differently, and how each experience helped shape the designer I am today.

While coaching swim, I noticed that many coaches relied on multiple apps to manage schedules, attendance, workouts, announcements, and other critical information. This project aims to streamline that process and make coaches, swimmers, and parents' lives a bit easier by creating a single app where coaches are admins providing the necessary information to athletes and parents, all in one place. While I am working on this project, I’m building on my experience designing for multi-user platforms and admin-specific functionality.

I've been working with an e-commerce food company for some time now. While I had previous experience designing e-commerce websites, this was my first time working within the constraints of Shopify. Compared to past projects, this one came with more limitations, both in terms of design flexibility and technical capabilities, due to the platform and company preferences..

What went well: I was able to find a visual solution that balanced brand integrity with technical constraints.

What I’d do differently: I would initiate a conversation with the owners earlier in the process to explore any adjustments that might support more consistent product displays.

How this shaped me as a designer: This project reinforced the importance of adaptability and problem-solving under constraint.

This project was a design challenge to create a brand and website for a fictional creamery.

What went well: I was able to build a strong, cohesive visual identity early in the process, which helped guide later design decisions.

What I’d do differently: I would develop wireframes or rough layout sketches on paper instead of straight in Figma.

How this shaped me as a designer: This challenge reminded me of the importance of research-driven design.

This project was with a financial cloud startup, and it was unlike any client engagement I had experienced before. While the client was aware of my skills and experience, they were initially hesitant to give me creative freedom. As the project progressed, the client gradually shifted from providing rigid visual references to giving detailed written instructions, and eventually to the more collaborative feedback style I’m used to.

What went well: I was able to adapt my workflow to fit the client’s process.

What I’d do differently: I would set clearer expectations upfront about terminology.

How this experience shaped me as a designer: This project reminded me of the importance of communication, not just presenting ideas, but truly listening, interpreting, and bridging the gap between different working styles.

This was the fastest project turnaround I’ve ever experienced as a freelancer. I agreed to take on the project late in the evening, around 10 PM, and was asked to deliver the first draft by the following afternoon. The client had already started working on the project and needed help bringing everything together with a clear, cohesive design. We met after the initial draft to go over edits, and I delivered the final version around 3 PM the next day. With such a tight deadline, I had to prioritize usability, content clarity, and a streamlined layout.

What went well: I was able to meet the deadline without compromising on the usability or clarity of the design.

What I’d do differently: I would clarify expectations around content handoff and feedback windows earlier in the process.

How this experience shaped me as a designer: This project helped me build confidence in my ability to design quickly and strategically.