In this insightful episode, Rocky Roark shares valuable strategies for handling challenging discussions that are an inherent part of the freelance landscape. He begins by emphasizing the importance of maintaining composure and empathy when conflicts arise, highlighting that emotional reactions seldom lead to resolution. Additionally, the choice of communication medium is explored, emphasizing the advantages of in-person or phone conversations over potentially misinterpreted emails. 

The episode delves into effectively managing scope creep, emphasizing the pivotal role of a well-crafted contract in clarifying initial agreements. Then, he further addresses client dissatisfaction, encouraging freelancers to separate themselves from their work and proactively seek to understand the client's perspective before offering constructive solutions.

The episode wraps up with an invaluable piece of advice: knowing when it might be in the freelancer's best interest to respectfully part ways with a problematic client. The host concludes by emphasizing that the successful navigation of difficult conversations can be a key differentiator in a freelancer's career, building stronger client relationships in the long term. This episode serves as an indispensable guide for freelancers seeking to handle challenging conversations with tact, professionalism, and assertiveness.

Want to level up your freelance business? Check out our newsletter! 

To stay connected with us and be part of our design community, follow us on Twitter @thedesignbreak. Join the conversation, access valuable content, and stay updated on industry insights. If you enjoy this episode, please take a moment to leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only motivates us but also helps others discover our show and benefit from the discussions we have.

Don't forget to leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episode. Your support means the world to us as we continue to deliver valuable content to our incredible community of design professionals and freelancers.

And be sure to check out these resources: 
The Futur Accelerator Program 
Hoodzpah — Freelance, and Business, and Stuff
RetroSupply Co.  (Code: ROCKY20) 

Rocky Roark is joined by Chris Cannon on the Design Break Podcast to talk about his background in design, how Elon fumbled Twitter, the recent Dribbble update, red flags when it comes to job listings, and much more.

Chris Cannon is a product designer who is dedicated to making products the best experience they can be. His ultimate goal is to craft problem-solving and creative solutions that deeply resonate with the people I am building for.

Check out Chris’s newly designed website: https://www.colourfulchris.design/

Want to level up your freelance business? Check out our newsletter! 

To stay connected with us and be part of our design community, follow us on Twitter @thedesignbreak. Join the conversation, access valuable content, and stay updated on industry insights. If you enjoy this episode, please take a moment to leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only motivates us but also helps others discover our show and benefit from the discussions we have.

Don't forget to leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episode. Your support means the world to us as we continue to deliver valuable content to our incredible community of design professionals and freelancers.

And be sure to check out these resources: 
The Futur Accelerator Program 
Hoodzpah — Freelance, and Business, and Stuff
RetroSupply Co.  (Code: ROCKY20) 

In this episode, we tackle a pressing issue that resonates with many: the shortcomings of design schools in adequately preparing students for the realities of the professional world. Drawing from personal experiences, Rocky Roark, a Graphic Design BFA graduate, recounts how a staggering attrition rate and a lack of essential skills left only a handful of classmates equipped for the design industry. The episode sheds light on critical areas where design education often falls short, including outdated curriculum, a dearth of practical training, insufficient industry exposure, and financial barriers. It emphasizes the need for a shift towards more inclusive, adaptable, and industry-relevant education, recognizing that while not all design schools share these deficiencies, it's crucial to address those that do. Whether a student, recent graduate, or seasoned designer, this episode provides valuable insights into the vital improvements needed in design education.

Want to level up your freelance business? Check out our newsletter! 

To stay connected with us and be part of our design community, follow us on Twitter @thedesignbreak. Join the conversation, access valuable content, and stay updated on industry insights. If you enjoy this episode, please take a moment to leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only motivates us but also helps others discover our show and benefit from the discussions we have.

Don't forget to leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episode. Your support means the world to us as we continue to deliver valuable content to our incredible community of design professionals and freelancers.

And be sure to check out these resources: 
The Futur Accelerator Program 
Hoodzpah — Freelance, and Business, and Stuff
RetroSupply Co.  (Code: ROCKY20) 

Brian Burkett and Josh Wayne join Rocky Roark on the Design Break podcast for a candid discussion on what it's like to partner with agencies as a freelancer. 

They dive into the pros and cons, when you should look for freelance work, and much more. 

Brian Burkett is a freelance web developer who works with startups and agencies. 

Josh Wayne is a UX/Product Designer who has worked with clients such as Google, Bank of America, NFL, and others. 

Check out Josh's course Break Into Freelance Design. 

Want to level up your freelance business? Check out our newsletter! 

To stay connected with us and be part of our design community, follow us on Twitter @thedesignbreak. Join the conversation, access valuable content, and stay updated on industry insights. If you enjoy this episode, please take a moment to leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only motivates us but also helps others discover our show and benefit from the discussions we have.

Don't forget to leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episode. Your support means the world to us as we continue to deliver valuable content to our incredible community of design professionals and freelancers.

And be sure to check out these resources: 
The Futur Accelerator Program 
Hoodzpah — Freelance, and Business, and Stuff
RetroSupply Co.  (Code: ROCKY20) 

In this episode of the Design Break podcast, your host Rocky Roark shares invaluable insights on nurturing your client list and expanding your network to generate more leads for your freelance business. Drawing from years of freelancing experience, Rocky emphasizes the crucial role of consistency in implementing these practices effectively. He begins by highlighting the importance of building a comprehensive Network Master List, advocating for tools like spreadsheets, Airtable, or Notion to organize contacts and interactions. This database becomes an essential resource for keeping track of valuable connections, ensuring they don't slip through the cracks. 

Rocky underscores the significance of genuine engagement in building relationships, advising against reaching out only when you have a need. He suggests creating a regular contact schedule within your network, spreading out interactions to maintain meaningful conversations. By actively listening and taking note of pain points shared by your contacts, you're better equipped to offer value. Whether through curated content, personalized offers, or celebrating your network's successes, Rocky emphasizes the power of thoughtful gestures in solidifying relationships. With these ten best practices, Rocky provides freelancers with actionable strategies to nurture their network and past clients, fostering long-term success.

Want to level up your freelance business? Check out our newsletter! 

To stay connected with us and be part of our design community, follow us on Twitter @thedesignbreak. Join the conversation, access valuable content, and stay updated on industry insights. If you enjoy this episode, please take a moment to leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only motivates us but also helps others discover our show and benefit from the discussions we have.

Don't forget to leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episode. Your support means the world to us as we continue to deliver valuable content to our incredible community of design professionals and freelancers.

And be sure to check out these resources: 
The Futur Accelerator Program 
Hoodzpah — Freelance, and Business, and Stuff
RetroSupply Co.  (Code: ROCKY20) 

Kyle Van Cleave is an illustrator and designer based in Oregon who runs Deadbolt Design. He joins Rocky Roark to discuss his career, how he made a branding change with his business, and how to differentiate between personal and studio branding. This episode is jam packed with valuable information, so you won't want to miss it. 

Check out Deadbolt Design. 

Want to level up your freelance business? Check out our newsletter! 

To stay connected with us and be part of our design community, follow us on Twitter @thedesignbreak. Join the conversation, access valuable content, and stay updated on industry insights. If you enjoy this episode, please take a moment to leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only motivates us but also helps others discover our show and benefit from the discussions we have.

Don't forget to leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episode. Your support means the world to us as we continue to deliver valuable content to our incredible community of design professionals and freelancers.

And be sure to check out these resources: 
The Futur Accelerator Program 
Hoodzpah — Freelance, and Business, and Stuff
RetroSupply Co.  (Code: ROCKY20) 

In the latest episode of the Design Break podcast, listeners are treated to an insightful journey through Rocky's career as a full-time illustrator and freelancer, during which he consistently achieved six-figure incomes. Rocky debunks the myth of the "starving artist" and shares three key strategies that propelled his success.

Firstly, Rocky highlights the importance of targeting the right clients, emphasizing his focus on tech startups with existing funding. By doing so, he secured larger projects and substantially higher earnings compared to traditional editorial work.

Secondly, Rocky advocates diversifying services beyond simple illustrations. He recounts his success in offering additional services such as character and mascot designs, illustrated storyboards, and a unique "illustration style discovery" package, which brought in substantial revenue, exceeding six figures.

Lastly, Rocky underscores the value of versatility, as he adeptly adapted his style to suit various clients' needs. Being an "illustration chameleon" allowed him to attract a broader clientele and more projects.

Want to level up your freelance business? Check out our newsletter! 

To stay connected with us and be part of our design community, follow us on Twitter @thedesignbreak. Join the conversation, access valuable content, and stay updated on industry insights. If you enjoy this episode, please take a moment to leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only motivates us but also helps others discover our show and benefit from the discussions we have.

Don't forget to leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episode. Your support means the world to us as we continue to deliver valuable content to our incredible community of design professionals and freelancers.

And be sure to check out these resources: 
The Futur Accelerator Program 
Hoodzpah — Freelance, and Business, and Stuff
RetroSupply Co.  (Code: ROCKY20) 

Rocky Roark is joined by Dan Blessing, aka the Design Shark, to talk about working in the sports design industry.

This episode dives into how Dan Blessing got started in design, what led him to the sports industry, and he provides some tips for how you can practice creating your own sports logos. You won't want to miss this episode!

Want to level up your freelance business? Check out our newsletter! 

To stay connected with us and be part of our design community, follow us on Twitter @thedesignbreak. Join the conversation, access valuable content, and stay updated on industry insights. If you enjoy this episode, please take a moment to leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only motivates us but also helps others discover our show and benefit from the discussions we have.

Don't forget to leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episode. Your support means the world to us as we continue to deliver valuable content to our incredible community of design professionals and freelancers.

And be sure to check out these resources: 
The Futur Accelerator Program 
Hoodzpah — Freelance, and Business, and Stuff
RetroSupply Co.  (Code: ROCKY20) 

In this episode, your host Rocky Roark uncovers how freelancers can establish fruitful collaborations with creative agencies, enhancing their careers.

First, we dive into how agency partnerships are a freelancing cornerstone, ensuring steady work and income. 

Then, we discuss five techniques for effective collaborations:

• Define Your Agency Preferences
• Curate Your Agency List
• Cultivate Your Agency Network
• Craft Targeted Outreach
• Seize the Power of Introductions

If you employ these techniques to form valuable agency partnerships, you’ll boost your freelancing journey and master outbound marketing. These skills are transferable to startup collaborations, offering a dynamic career trajectory.

Want to level up your freelance business? Check out our newsletter! 

To stay connected with us and be part of our design community, follow us on Twitter @thedesignbreak. Join the conversation, access valuable content, and stay updated on industry insights. If you enjoy this episode, please take a moment to leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only motivates us but also helps others discover our show and benefit from the discussions we have.

Don't forget to leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episode. Your support means the world to us as we continue to deliver valuable content to our incredible community of design professionals and freelancers.

And be sure to check out these resources: 
The Futur Accelerator Program 
Hoodzpah — Freelance, and Business, and Stuff
RetroSupply Co.  (Code: ROCKY20) 

In this episode, host Rocky Roark explores how to take ownership of your creative content to secure your creative future.

First, we’ll dive into how Dribbble was once an inspiring creative clubhouse, but now many creatives are leaving due to little benefit and work monopolization.Then, we discuss the fear of platforms disappearing or content getting wiped out is real, as seen with Vine and Tumblr. 

For beginners, we’re going to dive into 5 ways to take ownership of your content. Taking ownership of your content is essential. Use social media to drive traffic to your own platforms, and remember, success doesn't require implementing all these suggestions. Stay creative and own your future.

Want to level up your freelance business? Check out our newsletter! 

To stay connected with us and be part of our design community, follow us on Twitter @thedesignbreak. Join the conversation, access valuable content, and stay updated on industry insights. If you enjoy this episode, please take a moment to leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only motivates us but also helps others discover our show and benefit from the discussions we have.

Don't forget to leave a rating and review if you enjoy the episode. Your support means the world to us as we continue to deliver valuable content to our incredible community of design professionals and freelancers.

And be sure to check out these resources: 
The Futur Accelerator Program 
Hoodzpah — Freelance, and Business, and Stuff
RetroSupply Co.  (Code: ROCKY20)