Trusting Your Gut: The Freelance Designer’s Secret Weapon

When you’re a freelance creative—whether you’re designing websites, products, or graphics—you’re basically a one-person show.

You’re the CEO, the creative director, the accountant, and the intern all rolled into one.

Let me tell you, it’s a lot.

But over the years, I’ve learned that one of the most powerful tools in my arsenal isn’t a fancy design software or a perfectly curated portfolio.

It’s my gut. Let me take you back to a moment early in my freelance career.

I had just landed what seemed like a dream client. They had a big budget, a flashy brand, and a project that sounded exciting.

But something felt… off.

During our initial calls, they were dismissive of my ideas, pushed back on my rates, and kept mentioning how they’d “had issues” with previous designers. My gut was screaming, "Run!"

But I ignored it. I needed the money, and I told myself I was overthinking it. Spoiler: I wasn’t. The project turned into a nightmare. Endless revisions, last-minute scope changes, and a level of micromanaging that made me question my life choices.

By the end of it, I was exhausted, underpaid, and creatively drained. That experience taught me something invaluable: your gut isn’t just some vague feeling—it’s your subconscious picking up on red flags your conscious mind hasn’t fully processed yet.

On the flip side, there are times when your gut pushes you toward something amazing. A few years ago, I was approached by a small startup with a limited budget. On paper, it wasn’t the most lucrative offer, but something about their passion and vision resonated with me.

My gut said go for it. So I did.

That project not only became one of the most fulfilling of my career, but it also led to a long-term partnership and some of the best work in my portfolio. Then there’s the creative process itself.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve spent hours (or days) obsessing over a design, only to circle back to my first idea. Like the time I was working on a logo for a coffee brand.

I tried every font, color, and layout imaginable, convinced I hadn’t “cracked it” yet. But when I finally stepped away and came back with fresh eyes, I realized my initial concept—the one I’d sketched out in 10 minutes—was the strongest.

It was simple, bold, and perfectly captured the brand’s vibe. My gut had known it all along. Of course, trusting your gut doesn’t mean abandoning logic altogether. It’s about finding a balance. Use data, research, and client feedback to inform your decisions, but don’t ignore that little voice in your head.

It’s there for a reason. And the more you listen to it, the stronger it gets. Here’s the thing: freelancing is inherently risky. You’re putting yourself out there, making bold choices, and betting on your own talent. But that’s also what makes it so rewarding.

Over time, you’ll start to see patterns—what works, what doesn’t, and when to take a leap of faith. And when you do, it’s incredibly empowering.

You’ll feel more confident in your choices, more in tune with your creativity, and more in control of your career. So, the next time you’re stuck on a decision—whether it’s taking on a new client, choosing a design direction, or even just figuring out what to charge—take a deep breath and ask yourself: What does my gut say?

You might be surprised at how often it’s right. After all, you didn’t become a freelance creative to play it safe. You’re here to take risks, push boundaries, and create something amazing. And sometimes, the best way to do that is to trust yourself—instincts and all.

Trust your gut. It’s got your back.