The Freelance Blueprint

By Elisabeth Mayr

Welcome to the "Freelance Blueprint" - the podcast for all freelancers to let you know you are not alone in this.

If you're curious about freelancing, looking to level up your freelance game, or eve... more

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FAQs about The Freelance Blueprint:

How many episodes does The Freelance Blueprint have?

The podcast currently has 38 episodes available.

The Freelance Blueprint episodes:

September 03, 2025 From Fashion to Freelance Coaching: Ella on Burnout, Boundaries & Thriving as a Freelancer
In this episode of The Freelance Blueprint, host Elisabeth Mayr sits down with Ella Chisholm, a seasoned fashion designer and freelance coach, to explore the realities of both the fashion industry and the freelance journey.
Ella shares her story of transitioning from the fast-paced fashion world to building a sustainable freelance career. Along the way, she opens up about:
✅ How to recover from burnout and avoid it in the future
✅ The power of setting boundaries as a freelancer
✅ Why self-development is crucial to long-term success
✅ Practical tips on pitching, pricing, and finding your niche
✅ Her mission to help other freelancers thrive with confidence

Whether you’re just starting out as a freelancer or already running your own business, this episode offers inspiration and actionable strategies you can apply right away.
🎧 Subscribe to The Freelance Blueprint for weekly episodes with freelancers worldwide — sharing tips, tools, and real stories to help you succeed in your freelance career.
Learn more about Ella Chisholm
Course + Community: https://thefashionfreelancecoach.com/landing-page
Client experience bundle: https://www.thefashionfreelancecoach.com/client-experience-bundle
Website: https://www.thefashionfreelancecoach.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ella-chisholm-5192842bb
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefashionfreelancecoach
Learn more about Elisabeth Mayr and the Freelance Blueprint
1:1 Coaching with Elisabeth: https://freelance-blueprint.com/coaching
Website: https://freelance-blueprint.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayrelisabeth/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/elisabethmayr/
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Keywords
freelance burnout recovery, how to set boundaries as a freelancer, freelance pricing strategies, how to pitch as a freelancer, fashion designer to freelancer, finding your freelance niche, freelance tips 2025, freelance mindset and self-development, freelance blueprint podcast
📌 Let us know in the comments what the best thing is you've done for your freelance career 👇
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📍Timestamps
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:17 Ella's Background and Move to France and Fashion
00:05:49 Tips for People Starting in a new Industry
00:09:09 How to Get Out of Burnout
00:11:42 Entrepreneurship for Self Development
00:14:21 Most Important Thing to Do: Take Action
00:17:30 How to Master Cold Outreach and How to Pitch
00:25:40 Starting Coaching for Fashion Freelancers
00:32:48 Finding the Right Coach
00:38:30 Human Design for Business
00:44:08 Setting Boundaries
00:48:42 Ways to Find Clients based on Your Stage
00:55:06 How to Price Yourself as a Freelancer
01:03:52 Final Freelance Blueprint Questions
01:09:05 How to Connect with Ella
01:09:40 Outro
🙏 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss my next video on freelancing, travel, and creating a work life that works for you.
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Follow me onInstagram instagram.com/elisabethmayr/
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayrelisabeth
Get the FREE Freelance Blueprint Checklist
https://mailchi.mp/elisabethmayr/free-guide
Sign up to the Freelance Blueprint Newsletterhttps://mailchi.mp/19bd323f0892/sign-up-to-my-newsletter
Learned something valuable? Feel free to support mebuymeacoffee.com/elisabethmayr
...more
1h 11min
December 17, 2024How to Prepare for a Holiday as a Freelancer | Stress-free Time Off for the Self-Employed
Summary
In this episode of the Freelance Blueprint, Lisi talks about how freelancers can prepare for holidays without the stress and anxiety of work creeping up on them.
She mentions the importance of planning holidays, setting boundaries with clients, and crafting fun out-of-office messages.
Elisabeth shares personal experiences and practical tips to help freelancers disconnect from work, communicate effectively with clients, and ultimately enjoy their time off, including her own personal email templates. The episode serves as a guide for freelancers to prioritise their well-being and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Takeaways
Plan your holidays or it won't happen.
Set boundaries to enjoy your holiday.

Communicate with clients well in advance.

Craft a fun out of office message.

Delete work apps before going on holiday.

Taking breaks is essential for mental health.

You are your own boss; no need for permission.

Enjoy your holiday without work distractions.

Respect your own boundaries with clients.

Choose clients who respect your time off.

Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:40 What Happens When You Don't Prepare for Your Holiday
03:33 Why It's Important to Take a Proper Break or Holiday
03:30 Make a Plan for Your Trip
05:10 How to Let Your Clients Know
06:50 My Email Template for Announcing Your Time Off
09:34 Your Out of Office Email - Make it Fun!
10:28 My Personal OOO Email Template
13:25 Delete Your Work Apps While You're Off
14:14 Should You Check Your Inbox While You're Off?
15:45 How to Deal With Clients Who Cross Boundaries
18:46 Your Holiday Preparation Checklist Summary
19:42 Outro

Keywords
freelancer, holiday preparation, work-life balance, client communication, out of office, boundaries, digital nomad, self-care, productivity, mental health

Follow me on
Instagram instagram.com/elisabethmayr/
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayrelisabeth
Sign up to the Freelance Blueprint Newsletter
https://mailchi.mp/19bd323f0892/sign-up-to-my-newsletter
...more
21min
December 10, 2024 How Much to Charge as a Freelancer | Am I Charging Too High or Too Low? How Do I Know my Ideal Day Rate?
Summary
Elisabeth talks about how to she sets her rates as a freelancer and how you can apply that for your business. Find the sweet spot so you don't charge too low and get ripped off or too high and lose out on clients.
🧮 Get the Free template to calculate your ideal day and hourly rate
https://mailchi.mp/elisabethmayr/rate-calculator
If you want to learn what's the best way for you to charge (time-based, retainers or project fees) check out this video 👇
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6St6LY4Olo&list=PLUY8upbEOz58o8FdTnLAVizo4ICebDX_3&index=32
Follow me on
Instagram @elisabethmayr
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayrelisabeth
Sign up to the Freelance Blueprint Newsletter
https://mailchi.mp/19bd323f0892/sign-up-to-my-newsletter
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:15 Charging too much vs charging too low
01:38 Adjust Pricing Based on How Much You want that Project
02:46 The Price Jump from Permanent Salary to Freelance Gigs
5:00 Define Your Minimum Rate You Need to Charge
06:25 Talk To Other Freelancers
08:36 Set Your Rates Not Just on the Market but Your Lifestyle Goals
11:32 Include ALL Expenses
12:48 Don't Forget About Taxes
13:40 Use This Free Spreadsheet to Find Your Minimum Rate
16:50 Negotiate Your Rates - Always
19:25 Make Note of Their Reaction When You Tell the Rate
20:38 Keep Track of What Worked
22:40 Outro
...more
24min
December 04, 2024 The Best Way to Charge Your Clients | Daily and Hourly Rates vs Retainer fees and Project rates
Summary
In this episode of the Freelance Blueprint, Lisi explains how freelancers can effectively set their rates. She explores various pricing models, including hourly, project-based, and retainer rates, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's worth and the value provided to clients.
Follow @elisabethmayr-freelance on Youtube or
on Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/mayrelisabeth
Instagram: instagram.com/elisabethmayr
Sign up to the Freelance Blueprint Newsletter:
https://mailchi.mp/19bd323f0892/sign-up-to-my-newsletter

Keywords
freelancing, pricing, UX design, project-based pricing, retainer agreements, freelance rates, taxes, expenses, sustainable business, community support

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:52 Different ways to charge clients
01:07 Charging for time (hourly or day rate)
03:14 Deep dive into project-based pricing
05:48 Retainers
06:09 What is a Retainer?
07:24 Outro
...more
8min
November 12, 2024How to Set Boundaries With Your Freelance Clients | Your Clients Are Not Royalty | How to Create a Stress Free Life with Your Freelance Customers
Summary
In this episode of the Freelance Blueprint, host Lisi discusses the importance of setting boundaries as a freelancer. She emphasizes that freelancers are not employees but rather their own boss.
She outlines various types of boundaries that should be established with clients, including communication preferences, project scope, payment terms, and feedback processes. Elisabeth provides practical tips for maintaining these boundaries to ensure a healthy and professional relationship with clients, ultimately leading to a more stress-free freelance experience.
Takeaways
Freelancers should not treat clients like royalty.

Setting boundaries is essential for mental health.

Communication is key in establishing boundaries.

Define project deliverables clearly in contracts.

Late payment fees should be included in contracts.

Freelancers can choose their work environment.

Feedback processes should be clearly defined.

Time off should be communicated in advance.

Establishing boundaries builds trust with clients.

Setting boundaries early makes them easier to maintain.
Keywords
freelancing, boundaries, client relationships, communication, project scope, payment terms, remote work, feedback, time management
#freelanceblueprint #freelanceadvice #freelancetips
00:00 Introduction
00:42 Reminder: You're not an employee
02:15 Why set Boundaries
02:50 What boundaries to Set and how to set them
04:50 Scope Boundaries
07:12 Working Hours Boundaries
08:38 Payment Boundaries
10:34 Location Boundaries
11:55 Feedback Boundaries
14:14 Time Off Boundaries
15:10 Establishing Yourself as a Specialist with Boundaries
15:38 Outro
...more
17min
November 05, 2024How to Make Your Work Fit Around Your Life - Not The Other Way Around | Freelance Blueprint | S3E1
Summary
In this episode of the Freelance Blueprint, Lisi discusses the importance of creating a work-life balance as a freelancer. She emphasises the need to reflect on personal motivations for freelancing, the significance of setting boundaries, and the benefits of outsourcing tasks that drain energy. Elisabeth also shares practical tips for creating systems to streamline work processes and encourages listeners to add fun to their work life.

Full Scope Freelancer
A tool for everything you need as a freelancer, including a Calendly alternative. Get an extended free trial via this link 👇
https://www.fullscopefreelancer.com/elisabeth
Takeaways
Freelancers often lose track of why they started freelancing

It's essential to pause and reflect on life balance

Outsourcing tasks can significantly improve productivity

Creating systems can help manage repetitive tasks

Setting boundaries with clients is crucial for mental health

Adding fun to work can enhance overall job satisfaction

Your time is more valuable than money

Freelancing allows for control over your work environment

Identifying enjoyable tasks can lead to better work-life balance

Keywords
freelancing, work-life balance, productivity, systems, boundaries, UX design, digital nomad, podcast, self-care, outsourcing
...more
13min
August 05, 2024Nobody Comes in to Motivate You, You’ll Have to Get Up Yourself | Kezia Israel, MBA - Verbal Identity Strategist - Founder of Kizkopop
Kezia, a verbal identity strategist, talks about the importance of verbal identity in branding and how it shapes a brand's communication. She explains that verbal identity encompasses the linguistic component of branding, including the brand's voice, tone, and personality. Kezia emphasizes the need to develop a solid foundation of voice and tone before diving into verbal identity.
She also shares her journey of transitioning from graphic design and brand strategy to focusing on verbal identity. Kezia provides insights into how she helps clients find their verbal identity and the common mistakes people make in branding. She also discusses the connection between personality, values, and verbal identity, and the importance of consistency in brand communication.
In this conversation, Kezia and Elisabeth discuss self-motivation, tackling to-do lists, and the challenges of sales in freelancing. Kezia shares her strategies for staying motivated and productive, including creating a daily agenda and prioritizing tasks. They also discuss the difficulties of sales and finding the right clients. Kezia emphasizes the importance of building relationships with clients and using social media to showcase expertise. They also touch on the influence of Kezia's entrepreneurial grandmother and the intangible traits that contribute to success in entrepreneurship.
Learn more about Kezia and Kizkopop
Instagram: instagram.com/kizkopop
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/keziaisrael
Website: kizkopop.com
Support the Freelance Blueprint Podcast
Follow the podcast

Leave a review

Sign up to the Freelance Blueprint Newsletter
https://mailchi.mp/19bd323f0892/sign-up-to-my-newsletter

Become a sponsor - Visit freelance-blueprint.com for more information

Join the Freelance Blueprint Discord Channel https://discord.gg/e4g2BgKy
Keywords
verbal identity, branding, voice, tone, brand personality, brand communication, visual identity, copywriting, self-motivation, sales, freelancing, productivity, motivation, clients, social media, entrepreneurship
Takeaways
Developing a solid foundation of voice and tone is crucial before diving into verbal identity.

Personality and values shape how a brand communicates and should be reflected in its verbal identity.

Consistency in brand communication is key to effective branding.

Self-motivation can be a challenge for freelancers, but creating a daily agenda and prioritizing tasks can help stay productive.

Building relationships with clients is important, and social media can be a powerful tool for showcasing expertise and attracting warm leads.

Sales can be uncomfortable for many freelancers, but finding the right approach and positioning can make the process easier.

Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:23 About Kezia
02:00 What is Verbal Identity?
04:48 How Kezia Transitioned from Visual to Verbal Identity
06:54 How to Learn About a Topic to Gain a Skill that's not Common
09:26 How to Evoke Emotions Through Words
09:51 Getting the First Verbal Identity Client
11:17 Repositioning Oneself as a Freelancer and Entrepreneur
14:31 Coming Up with a Name for Your Business
16:21 Common Mistakes with Branding and Verbal Branding
19:25 At What Stage Should Freelancers Look Into Personal Branding?
22:33 Kezia's Process of Creating a Verbal Identity Strategy
24:28 Self-Motivation for Freelancers
28:11 Starting a Business Straight Out of University
29:44 Learning from Mentors and Sources Online
30:20 How to Sell When You Hate Sales
32:32 Outsourcing Sales
34:01 Bad Experiences After "Being Sold to"
36:11 How Kezia Gets Clients Despite Disliking Sales
37:44 Dealing With Clients Who Don't Know What They Need
41:16 Getting Inspired by an Entrepreneurial Grandmother
43:47 Can You Get Someone to Want to Work With You?
45:15 Learning from Chris Do: Your Content Needs to do the Heavy Lifting
47:19 "Selling" on Social Media
49:49 Final Freelance Blueprint Questions
52:06 How to Connect with Kezia
52:40 Outro
...more
54min
July 26, 2024It's normal - Get over yourself | Avoid these SEO mistakes on your website | Freelancing is a means to an end, it’s not everything | Ciarán Oglesby - Shopify Consultant & Ecommerce SEO Expert
Ciarán Oglesby, a digital nomad, specialising in SEO and Google Ads for Shopify, shares his journey and insights.
He discusses his decision to become a digital nomad, the challenges he faced, and how he started freelancing. Ciarán provides tips for freelancers on SEO and common mistakes to avoid. He also talks about the importance of outsourcing and creating a funnel for lead generation.
Ciarán emphasises the lifestyle benefits of freelancing and the freedom it offers. He shares his experience with cold outreach and the mindset needed to overcome the fear of rejection on sales calls. Ciarán also discusses the importance of work-life balance and managing finances as a freelancer.
In this conversation, Lisi and Ciarán discuss various topics related to freelancing, including sales, and collaboration among freelancers. They share their experiences and insights, offering tips and advice for those starting out in freelancing. They emphasize the importance of sales and building relationships with clients, as well as the value of collaboration and referrals.
They also chat about the pros and cons of digital nomads, like managing health insurance. They also discuss the challenges and fears that freelancers face, such as self-doubt and the fear of rejection. Overall, the conversation highlights the opportunities and personal growth that come with freelancing.

Find out more about Ciaran:
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/ciaranoglesby
Instagram: @ciaranoglesby
Youtube: @ciaranoglesby
Website: oglesbymedia.comSupport the Freelance Blueprint Podcast
Follow the podcast

Leave a review

Sign up to the Freelance Blueprint Newsletter https://mailchi.mp/19bd323f0892/sign-up-to-my-newsletter

Become a sponsor - Visit freelance-blueprint.com for more information

Join the Freelance Blueprint Discord Channel https://discord.gg/DWU9p5MQ
Keywords
digital nomad, freelancing, SEO, Google Ads, Shopify, outsourcing, lead generation, work-life balance, finances, freelancing, health insurance, sales, collaboration, referrals, challenges, personal growth
Takeaways
Creating a funnel for lead generation, such as offering a lead magnet or using social media ads, can be effective for freelancers.

SEO is crucial for freelancers to improve their online visibility and attract potential clients.

Cold outreach can be a valuable strategy for finding new clients, and it's important to overcome the fear of rejection and maintain a positive mindset.
Sales is a crucial skill for freelancers, and it's important to overcome the fear of rejection and learn to effectively communicate the value of your services.
Starting a YouTube channel or creating content can be intimidating, but it's important to start small and focus on the process rather than the outcome.

Enjoying the journey and embracing the unknown can lead to personal growth and new opportunities in freelancing.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:19 About Ciaran
01:40 Why Ciaran became a Digital Nomad
03:39 Digital Nomading + Going Freelance at once
05:00 How Ciaran Got His First Freelance Gig
08:34 Why Ciaran's Previous Business Failed
09:26 Outsourcing - Why It's so Valuable
11:44 SEO & SEM Explained
14:55 Should Freelancers Invest in Google Ads?
17:05 Why Ciaran Doesn't Have a Funnel - How to Succeed with Cold Outreach
23:12 Take Out the Emotion - Get Over Yourself
25:01 Growing Up with a Business Mindset28:04 Starting Freelancing to Build the Life You Want
30:56 Managing Health Insurance as a Digital Nomad with no Home Base
33:29 Tips When You're Feeling Cringey with Sales
39:51Real Sales Happens in the Long-Term Relationship with the Client
47:36 How to Collaborate with Other Freelancers
51:20 There's Many Different Ways to Go Freelance - It just has to work for You
52:39 Working On Your Online Presence as a Freelancer
01:02:02 Final Freelance Blueprint Questions
01:04:22 Connect with Ciaran
01:04:55 Outro
...more
1h 6min
July 19, 2024 I’m Getting Overwhelmed, Just the Same as Everybody | How Do You Get Somebody to Act? | Michael Janda - Author, Former Agency Owner, Freelance Educator and Coach
In this conversation, Michael Janda discusses his journey from a Creative Director to Freelancer and agency owner. He talks about how he manages his time and tasks. Mike shares his passion for mentoring and supporting others in their careers, and how that led him to transition from running his own agency to focusing on coaching and education.
Michael also talks about the challenges of marketing oneself effectively and the importance of setting goals and prioritising initiatives. The conversation touches on the difficulty of motivating oneself and others to take action, and the impact of societal and educational influences on our belief in our own abilities.
In this conversation, Michael Janda and Elisabeth Mayr discuss the journey of freelancing and building an agency. They explore the challenges and rewards of freelancing, the importance of staying relevant, and the value of hiring diverse teams. They also emphasize the need to enjoy the journey and embrace the opportunities that come along the way.
Find out more about Michael Janda
Instagram: instagram.com/morejanda
Website: michaeljanda.com
Podcasts: Two Pixels Off & What the Helvetica
Join Mike's community: morecreativeacademy.com
Support the Freelance Blueprint Podcast
1. Follow the podcast
2. Leave a review
3. Sign up to the Freelance Blueprint Newsletter
https://mailchi.mp/19bd323f0892/sign-up-to-my-newsletter
4. Become a sponsor - Visit freelance-blueprint.com for more information
5. Join the Freelance Blueprint Discord Channel https://discord.gg/e4g2BgKy
Keywords
agency background, projects, time management, task management, mentoring, coaching, education, marketing, motivation, belief in oneself, freelancing, agency, challenges, rewards, staying relevant, hiring, diversity, Michael Janda
Chapters
00:00 Intro
02:28 About Mike
03:52 How Mike Janda Manages it All While Staying Sane
06:07 How Mike Transitioned from Agency Owner to Freelance Educator
08:44 How Mike Connects With People on Instagram
12:28 Being Overwhelmed - Just Like Everybody
15:20 Tips for Freelancers Who Are Overwhelmed - The Someday List
21:41 How to Turn from Being a Dreamer to a Doer
26:12 Motivation Alone is not Enough
35:16 Standing in Your Own Way Because Of Fear
39:14 "I Got Forced Into Freelancing"
44:11 The One Thing Mike Would do Differently If He Had to do it Again
46:21 Tips for Transition Into an Agency as a Freelancer
52:44 What To Consider When Hiring - Hiring for Skill vs Diversity
1:02:26 Final Freelance Blueprint Questions
1:04:16 Connect With Michael Janda
1:04:44 Outro
...more
1h 6min
July 13, 2024People do judge a book by its cover | How to collaborate with big accounts even though you don’t have that many followers | Maham Dolphix - Instagram Growth & Marketing
In this episode of the Freelance Blueprint, Maham shares her journey from freelancing to starting her own marketing agency, specialising in Instagram.
She discusses the challenges of being a freelancer in Pakistan and how she overcame them. Maham also talks about her experience communicating with others on Instagram and the support she receives from her family.
Maham provides tips on reaching out to bigger content creators and shares her collaboration with Chris Do and Michael Janda.
She shares her experience managing her agency, a family, a fashion brand and personal projects. She discusses her process for delivering social media marketing services and offers tips for freelancers looking to build an online presence. Maham emphasises the importance of strategic planning and collaboration in growing an Instagram account. She also advises freelancers to outsource their social media when they have the budget and time constraints.

Takeaways
Starting an agency can be a way to scale your freelance business and manage more projects.

Don't be afraid to charge what you're worth, even if you're not based in a major city or country.

Building relationships and engaging with others on social media can lead to collaborations and opportunities.

Having a supportive environment and family can make a big difference in pursuing your goals.

Traveling and meeting people from different backgrounds can help challenge biases and expand your perspective.

Strategic planning and collaboration are key to growing an Instagram account

Outsource social media when you have the budget and time constraints

Take it slow and enjoy the process of building your brand

Focus on one platform and become an expert in that area

Prioritise collaborations and engagement to boost your reach

More about Maham
Instagram: @maham.dolphix

Support the Freelance Blueprint Podcast
Follow the podcast

Leave a review

Sign up to the Freelance Blueprint Newsletter
https://mailchi.mp/19bd323f0892/sign-up-to-my-newsletter

Become a sponsor - Visit freelance-blueprint.com for more information

Join the Freelance Blueprint Discord Channel https://discord.gg/e4g2BgKy

Keywords
freelancing, marketing agency, Instagram, challenges, communication, support, content creators, collaboration, agency, social media marketing, family, time management, outsourcing, Instagram, freelancers

Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:42 About Maham
02:38 Transitioning from Freelancing to Agency Owner
04:42 How to Branch Out to Get International Clients - Should I Work for Free?
08:06 How To Defend Your Pricing Working From Asia
10:44 Tips for People Who Want to Charge More When Working from Low Paying Countries
13:49 Shifting Niche When You Realise it's No Longer a Passion
16:11 How Maham Got a Collaboration with Chris Do and Mike Janda
21:57 The Pros and Cons of Connecting with People on Instagram
24:08 How a Supportive Environment Helped Maham Get to Where She is Today
29:51 How Maham Manages a Full Marketing Agency, a Fashion Brand, Being a Mother and More All at Once
32:00 Getting Distracted When Going Through Your To Do List
38:35 Maham's Process of Delivering Her Marketing Services
44:54 Tips for Freelancers Who Want to Outsource Their Social Media
48:42 When Is the Right Time to Outsource Social Media?
51:43 Final Freelance Blueprint Questions
54:06 How to Connect with Maham
54:33 Outro
...more
56min

FAQs about The Freelance Blueprint:

How many episodes does The Freelance Blueprint have?

The podcast currently has 38 episodes available.