Why do some freelancers thrive while others struggle? How do you achieve personal and professional success? Join us for a countdown to creative independence!

1. Ten Steps to Creative Independence

2. Introduction
Hi. I’m Eric Nance, a freelance designer and creative
entrepreneur. I founded Indie Arsenal, a collaborative
collective of independent creatives, and Epiphany Graphics,
a web design and development firm.
Thanks for joining me today!

3. What is Creative Independence?
* The ability to express your creativity in meaningful,
fulfilling, profitable and engaging ways
* Answering to yourself, being your own boss
* Doing what you want, when you want
* Empowering yourself to be in control of your own destiny
* Freeing yourself from the “norm”, exiting the “rat race”

4. 1) Passion
Ask Yourself
* What am I passionate about?
* How will I make the world a better place?
Action Items
* Write down five things you are passionate about.
* Post it to a wall and refer to it often.

5. 2) Motivation
Ask Yourself
* What are my internal motivations?
* What are my external motivations?
* What is my vision for where I want to be in one year?
Five years? Ten years?
Action Items
* Make a screensaver for your computer that visually
illustrates your motivations.
* Decorate your studio with inspiration.
* Keep a journal.

6. 3) Talent
Ask Yourself
* My mom said I’m talented. So, I must be, right?
* What IS my talent?
Action Items
* Share your talent with the world.
* Acquire the tools necessary to manifest your talent.

7. 4) Expertise
Ask Yourself
* How will I become an expert? What will I specialize in?
* How will I maintain my expertise?
Action Items
* Immerse yourself in continuing education.
* Share your knowledge.
* Learn from others.

8. 5) Promotion
Ask Yourself
* What are the most effective ways to market my business?
* What is my unique positioning?
Action Items
* Create a marketing plan.
* Set a marketing budget. Increase it each year.
* Get creative! Be innovative and stand out from the crowd.

9. 6) Profitability
Ask Yourself
* Am I profitable?
* How do I work less to earn more?
Action Items
* Keep good records.
* Raise your rates.
* Find passive revenue streams and nurture them.

10. 7) Adaptability
Ask Yourself
* How do I adapt to change?
* Is change positive or negative? Do I embrace it or run away?
Action Items
* Be mindful of change in your industry.
* Make a plan for change and anticipate it.

11. 8) Support
Ask Yourself
* Who can I count on?
* Do I have a “circle of trust?”
Action Items
* Form strong alliances with your peers.
* Network.
* Offer assistance and request it in return.

12. 9) Balance
Ask Yourself
* How do I achieve balance in my life?
Action Items
* Start two new hobbies this year.
* Get two new stamps in your passport.
* Learn a new language.

13. 10) Attitude
Ask Yourself
* Am I an optimist?
Action Items
* Have a healthy attitude towards work and life.
* See the silver lining.
* Stay positive.

14. 11) Chutzpah
Seize opportunities. Always abuse the podium!

15. Thank you!
Connect with me:
* eric@indiearsenal.com
* eric@epiphanygraphics.com
* twitter.com/ericnance
* facebook.com
* linkedin.com/in/ericmnance