I’ve Been Freelancing Since oDesk — Here’s What Actually Matters

Yes, the word might sound vague to most people, but believe me — it’s the ultimate container for everything you need in your design, creativity, UX career or whatever you want to call it. I often use this term in extra design paths.

This point of view came after my last experience, which followed many others — from a teenager who discovered Photoshop in early 2007 during college days, to university gigs through 99designs and other now-dead freelance platforms, to TV media jobs that taught me a huge lesson (which I’ll talk about in another article — on how following a career you don’t love just for money can destroy you), to early professional experiences starting in 2016, and finally my big move into entrepreneurship in late 2023.

The one thing that held everything together? Freelancing. It stayed with me through all those transitions. And now feels like the right time to finally talk about it.

I never wrote about freelancing until now, because it never felt finished. Maybe it still isn’t. But this is what I’ve learned so far.

So let me start from the end, because I believe things start when you discover their reality. The journey is a story, but the destination is reality.

Freelancing Is Always My Joker

When I hit financial issues — and that happens often in the early phases of entrepreneurship — I turn back to freelancing. It’s always there. Reliable. But sometimes I get frustrated when clients don’t show up. Still, I know they will. Because freelancing has always been my Joker.

That made me ask: Why is freelancing always in demand?

And honestly, far from Medium articles or Toptal blog posts, I realized it has nothing to do with shiny portfolios or trendy case studies. It’s about the freelancer as a human being.

A successful freelancer can attract clients like a charismatic person draws attention — not by shouting, but by having presence.

But let’s be clear — not all freelancers can do that. Only those with what I call strategy maturity in the way they work. And today, I want to break that down.

Take the Initiative and Do — Don’t Just Listen

One of the biggest mistakes I made early in my career was listening too much to people already in the field — especially those saying it was impossible to compete because the freelance market was flooded with low-cost talent.

Yes, the competition is real. But I realized it’s not just about pricing — it’s about positioning, communication, and long-term strategy. Many of those freelancers we worry about? They’ve grown in quality, in process, in clarity. It’s not a price game — it’s a strategy game.

Yes, some of it is true. But I realized it’s also about their strategy. Many of them have grown — better quality, better communication, better structure. India, for example, is now a tech hub with solid universities, global experience, and serious work ethic. You can’t just reduce that to low prices anymore.

The key? Action.

Part of strategy maturity is simply this: throw a stone in the lake. Not every stone will bring a client. But it might echo and bring attention to your brand. It's like saying, "Hey, I exist." Instead of sitting back and listening to loser advice, just move. Try. Show up.

Build Your Empire Like a Government

Another thing that helped me was gaming — especially empire-building games like Age of Empires or Warcraft. They taught me how to build something piece by piece, based on importance and long-term impact.

Freelancing is the same. You need patience. You need to know when to invest time, when to accept a small project for bigger future value, or when to sacrifice short-term gain for long-term reputation.

Sometimes I work under a client’s budget because I see the opportunity — maybe they have a strong network, or their project will make my portfolio stronger. Sometimes that small choice creates big results later.

So act like a governor. Look at what you have, what you need, and what you’re willing to risk. And always keep three timelines in mind: short, medium, and long term. That’s not just political or economic talk. It works in freelancing too.

Experience Can Be Hard Sometimes

I’ve had terrible clients. Some who act like they’re saving your life with a few dollars. Some who don’t even know what you do but expect miracles. And yes — some who disappear without paying.

Maybe you’ve had worse. But guess what? 80% of the time, it’s on us.

Why? Because we didn’t have a strategy.

You need an emergency plan. An exit strategy. A way to protect not just your wallet, but your passion. You can’t let a few bad projects kill your love for the craft.

That’s part of strategy maturity too.

Build Your Own Style — But Be Yourself

I’ve seen a lot of freelancers — and I was one of them — hiding behind some cool logo or brand name. We try to look more “professional” by naming ourselves after rare animals or combining our initials.

But clients want honesty. Clarity. Confidence. If I’m going to trust you with my vision or project, I need to know who you are. Not the logo. You.

So my advice is: build your brand, but use your face. Use your real tone. Be you.

Learn, Master, Apply, Gain, Repeat

Routine is the supply machine of your strategy.

The word might feel negative to some people. But when you’re freelancing, it’s your anchor.

Let me give you a real example:

There was a time where I’d jump straight from bed to laptop — and yeah, I was technically “working,” but mentally I was foggy, impatient, even anxious for no reason. I’d spend hours switching between tasks but not really moving.

One day I just stopped and asked myself: “Is this how I want to live?”

So I tried something different. I started the day slow — coffee, a small walk outside, maybe a podcast. Then I’d sit down and focus on just one important thing first. No pressure to finish everything, just one meaningful thing.

And guess what? That rhythm saved me. I had more energy, fewer burnout moments, and even my creativity came back stronger.

Routine isn’t about being strict. It’s about giving your day a shape that protects your energy — and makes space for opportunity to show up.

Keep Both: Platforms + Networking

Freelancing has no one path. That’s why you have to explore everything: platforms, direct clients, referrals, events.

Think like a government — no single income stream, always investing in multiple directions.

Here’s what happened to me:

One of my biggest projects came through Upwork — from QPR, a company in Finland. I was working with their client in Dubai. At that time, I hadn’t opened Upwork in weeks, and my profile was even hidden. But one word in my profile bio saved me: “Arabic.”

They were looking for an Arab designer.

So never underestimate a platform, even when you think it’s dry. You might be exactly what someone’s searching for. Be visible.

Opposite to What You Think — Freelancing is Easier Now

Yes, the competition is harder. But guess what? The demand is higher too.

There are millions of new designers out there — but also millions of new companies, startups, founders looking for someone like you.

The freelance economy is growing. So don’t panic. Just stay in motion. Your shot will come.

Last Thing: AI

Can I say something without being canceled? I’m not totally okay with how AI is mixing into design. It feels like we’re trying to automate an emotional, artistic field. And yes — design is artistic. We solve problems, but we also bring sensitivity, detail, personality.

Sure, AI can generate 10 landing pages in a minute. But it’ll never feel like something a human created through deep, critical, emotional thinking.

There’s more to say here, and I will in another article. But I had to mention it. We can’t let machines erase the soul of our craft.

Originally published on LinkedIn.