Notes From the Studio™
Blogs & Tips from Creative Studio Owners
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Read more: What People Really Mean When They Say “Systems”
What People Really Mean When They Say “Systems”
by Penelope Stephens
If you’re self-employed, freelancing, or running a small business, you’ve probably heard this sentence more times than you can count: “You need sys...Read more -
Read more: How Freelance Business Templates Create Consistent Income
How Freelance Business Templates Create Consistent Income
by Penelope Stephens
Most freelancers don’t have a skill problem. They have a consistency problem. Income goes up one month, down the next. Work feels busy, but progres...Read more -
Read more: The Freelancing Skills That Will Matter Most in 2026
The Freelancing Skills That Will Matter Most in 2026
by Penelope Stephens
Freelancing is shifting faster than ever. AI is changing workflows, clients expect more clarity, and the creative market is more crowded than it’s ...Read more -
Read more: How to Build a Portfolio When You Have No Clients (End-of-Year Edition: Set Yourself Up for 2026)
How to Build a Portfolio When You Have No Clients (End-of-Year Edition: Set Yourself Up for 2026)
by Penelope Stephens
How to Build a Portfolio When You Have No Clients (End-of-Year Edition for 2026) If you’re ending 2025 feeling behind, overwhelmed, or still “plann...Read more -
Read more: How to Get Your First 3 Clients as a Creative (Without Ads)
How to Get Your First 3 Clients as a Creative (Without Ads)
by Penelope Stephens
Your simple, beginner-friendly path to bookings, no paid marketing required. If you’ve been Googling how to get design clients, how to get clients ...Read more -
Read more: How to Build a Freelance Rate Card
How to Build a Freelance Rate Card
by Penelope Stephens
If you’ve ever sent a quote that made you sweat while pressing “send,” you’re not alone. Most freelancers price without research and present rates ...Read more -
Read more: Your First $10K/Month Creative Business Checklist
Your First $10K/Month Creative Business Checklist
by Penelope Stephens
Step 1: Know what you actually sell If your “services” sound vague, clients won’t pay premium rates. Define what problems you solve and what delive...Read more -
Read more: How to Make the Shift From 9-5 to Creative Freelancing Before the End of 2025
How to Make the Shift From 9-5 to Creative Freelancing Before the End of 2025
by Penelope Stephens
A practical guide for people who want freedom without the free fall There’s a difference between hating your job and being ready to leave it.If you...Read more -
Read more: The Boring Way to Build Trust With Clients
The Boring Way to Build Trust With Clients
by Penelope Stephens
Everyone talks about trust like it’s this magical bond that appears after one good Zoom call and a few emojis in your emails. It’s not.Trust doesn’...Read more -
Read more: Why You Need a Contract (Even If You Trust Your Client)
Why You Need a Contract (Even If You Trust Your Client)
by Penelope Stephens
So you're a freelancer or small studio - maybe you're a creative like us? Well whatever landed you here probably means you work with clients, so l...Read more -
Read more: Essential Interior Design Templates to Streamline Your Business
Essential Interior Design Templates to Streamline Your Business
by Penelope Stephens
Interior design wasn’t meant to be about admin and client docs… it’s meant to be creative. This week, I was chatting with an interior designer over...Read more -
Read more: 5 Cash Flow Mistakes Freelancers Make (and How to Avoid Them)
5 Cash Flow Mistakes Freelancers Make (and How to Avoid Them)
by Penelope Stephens
Freelancing gives you freedom… right? RIGHT?!?! Yes…until it doesn’t. One of the fastest ways to turn that freedom into stress is by mismanaging ...Read more
