Notes From the Studio™
Blogs & Tips from Creative Studio Owners
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Read more: The Hidden Cost of Custom Pricing for Every Client
The Hidden Cost of Custom Pricing for Every Client
by Penelope Stephens
Custom pricing is commonly used by freelancers and creative studios, especially early on. It feels flexible and client-focused.But over time, pr...Read more -
Read more: The Real Reason Freelancers Burn Out (It’s Not the Work)
The Real Reason Freelancers Burn Out (It’s Not the Work)
by Penelope Stephens
We all know freelancers love to blame burnout on being busy. Things like too many clients, deadlines or too much work. But most of the time burnou...Read more -
Read more: How to Look More Professional as a Freelancer (Without More Skill)
How to Look More Professional as a Freelancer (Without More Skill)
by Penelope Stephens
You might believe that professionalism comes from experience, talent, or confidence. Well, it doesn’t. Most clients don’t know how skilled you are,...Read more -
Read more: The hidden costs of running a creative business without a System
The hidden costs of running a creative business without a System
by Eden Brandenburg
Most creative businesses don’t fail because their work is bad. They fail because everything lives in someone’s head. Proposals are rewritten from s...Read more -
Read more: How to Build a Personal Brand From Scratch (Step by Step)
How to Build a Personal Brand From Scratch (Step by Step)
by Eden Brandenburg
Building a personal brand or brand for your freelancing or creative business can feel vague, overwhelming, or strangely intimidating. Most advice j...Read more -
Read more: What Is a Client Process? (And Why Freelancers Need One)
What Is a Client Process? (And Why Freelancers Need One)
by Penelope Stephens
If working with clients feels more stressful than it should be, it’s probably not because you’re bad at client work. It’s because you don’t have a ...Read more -
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
