In this episode of the Design Break Podcast, Rocky Roark tackles the challenges of relying too heavily on agency partners as a freelancer or white-label contractor. While agency partnerships can provide a steady stream of work, Rocky emphasizes the importance of diversifying your client base to avoid potential pitfalls. The episode offers insights into why over-reliance on agencies can be risky, including issues with lower rates, limited creative control, and lack of personal client relationship...
Sep 06, 2024•18 min•Ep. 67
In this episode of the Design Break podcast, host Rocky Rock takes a fresh look at design subscriptions, a business model he was initially skeptical about. He shares how he rethought the concept and successfully implemented it as an add-on service to his design studio, Blue Cyclops. Rather than replacing traditional pricing models entirely, Rocky suggests creating multiple "offering streams" to cater to different client needs. He emphasizes the importance of tailoring subscriptions to benefit bo...
Aug 23, 2024•19 min•Ep. 66
For years, I was blindly running my freelance business, not fully understanding what was working/not working, what wasn’t leading to actual results, and more. Then I started asking myself—daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly—how could I improve or grow my freelancing business? Here are the 5 questions that helped me do just that. Want to level up your freelance business? Check out our newsletter ! To stay connected with us and be part of our design community, follow us on Twitter @thedesignbrea...
Aug 02, 2024•24 min•Ep. 65
In this episode of the Design Break podcast, host Rocky Roark explores a game-changing approach to freelance client acquisition—the Bounty Method. He begins by addressing the common challenges freelancers face with traditional methods like cold emailing and social media marketing, emphasizing the unpredictable nature and trust issues inherent in these approaches. Rocky then introduces the Bounty Method, a strategy he recently tested with remarkable success, securing a $12k project in less than 2...
Jul 19, 2024•16 min•Ep. 64
Rocky Roark explores his personal design blunders to help you avoid making the same mistakes. He dives into one big mistake he made with Cards Against Humanity, the effects of going on a freelancing hiatus, and more! Also on this episode: Why you shouldn’t ignore the red flags Long-term vs. short-term payments Diversifying your income streams Learning from your mistakes and failures Want to level up your freelance business? Check out our newsletter ! To stay connected with us and be part of our ...
Feb 09, 2024•29 min•Ep. 63
Rocky Roark dives into how to handle changes in your career path. On this episode he talks about: The inevitable evolution of a creative career How to navigate a shift in your career What it takes to make a successful transition Thriving with your skillset and experience Want to level up your freelance business? Check out our newsletter ! To stay connected with us and be part of our design community, follow us on Twitter @thedesignbreak . Join the conversation, access valuable content, and stay ...
Feb 02, 2024•26 min•Ep. 62
Rocky Roark is joined by Mike Jones to talk about how the pandemic affected Creative South and what the event will look like going forward. Want to level up your freelance business? Check out our newsletter ! To stay connected with us and be part of our design community, follow us on Twitter @thedesignbreak . Join the conversation, access valuable content, and stay updated on industry insights. If you enjoy this episode, please take a moment to leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast ...
Jan 26, 2024•37 min•Ep. 61
Rocky Roark is joined by Mike Jones for a deep dive into Creative South. They discuss how Creative South was started, what's changed with the event over the years, and why community is so important. Want to level up your freelance business? Check out our newsletter ! To stay connected with us and be part of our design community, follow us on Twitter @thedesignbreak . Join the conversation, access valuable content, and stay updated on industry insights. If you enjoy this episode, please take a mo...
Jan 19, 2024•43 min•Ep. 60
On this week's episode, Rocky Roark dives into the world of design subscriptions. Topics covered include: What exactly is a design subscription? The pros and cons for freelancers and design businesses The pros and cons for clients If you've ever considered offering design subscriptions, or might in the future, then this is the episode for you! Want to level up your freelance business? Check out our newsletter ! To stay connected with us and be part of our design community, follow us on Twitter @...
Jan 12, 2024•50 min•Ep. 59
In this episode, we embark on a fascinating exploration of a designer's multifaceted influence, unwrapping the layers that make our role pivotal in the realms of storytelling, innovation, and strategic growth. Beginning with the cornerstone of our impact, we delve into the magic of problem-solving skills, highlighting how designers are adept at transforming challenges into triumphant solutions. Moving forward, we navigate the intricate landscape of user experience, where our expertise ensures se...
Jan 05, 2024•29 min•Ep. 58
In this eye-opening podcast episode, we dive into the alarming rise of scams targeting freelancers on popular platforms like Dribbble and Behance. Host Rocky Roark shares personal experiences and stories from the design community, shedding light on the various types of scams infiltrating these platforms, from payment advance and phishing schemes to identity theft and malware attacks. Rocky then presents a compelling case study, dissecting the "Monkey Pox Scam" and unravels its deceptive elements...
Dec 22, 2023•25 min•Ep. 57
In this podcast, the transformative influence of goal setting in freelancing and design is explored across various dimensions. The initial segment emphasizes goals as intricate blueprints, driving motivation and focus while serving as tools to overcome challenges in competitive career landscapes. Real-life success stories highlight the strategic use of goal setting, from achieving work-life balance to reaching significant career milestones. The subsequent segment introduces goal-setting framewor...
Dec 15, 2023•47 min•Ep. 56
In today's episode, we dive into a topic that has ignited debates in the design community—“Why inspiration is important for designers and their creative process.” This special episode challenges the recent notion that designers shouldn't rely on seeking inspiration. In Act 1, we explore the definition of inspiration versus imitation, its diverse sources, and its foundational role in innovation. Act 2 guides you through building a digital library of inspiration on platforms like Pinterest, Dribbb...
Dec 08, 2023•36 min•Ep. 55
Welcome to the finale of the Design Break podcast's communication mini-series. In this episode, host Rocky Roark emphasizes that the end of a project doesn't mark the end of communication—it's a new beginning. Whether you're a seasoned freelancer or just starting, this episode provides actionable insights to transform one-off projects into ongoing partnerships. We explore the importance of ongoing relationships, leaving the door open for future work, leveraging referrals, and the value of post-p...
Dec 01, 2023•39 min•Ep. 54
In this episode of the Design Break podcast, host Rocky Roark highlights the significance of non-creative feedback in the freelance design industry. He explores how this type of feedback can reveal hidden issues, enhance client relationships, and improve overall business operations. Rocky emphasizes that valuing non-creative feedback sets freelancers apart, providing actionable insights to improve not just their work, but their entire freelance business model. This episode covers key benefits of...
Nov 17, 2023•28 min•Ep. 53
In the fourth episode of the series on how Communication Can Make or Break Your Freelance Business, host Rocky Roark dives into the crucial topic of choosing the right communication platform for a successful freelance design business. He emphasizes that the tools used for communication can significantly impact workflow efficiency and client relationships. Rocky provides a comprehensive breakdown of various communication platforms, including email, messaging apps, video conferencing, and speciali...
Nov 10, 2023•29 min•Ep. 52
In the third episode of the series on how Communication Can Make or Break Your Freelance Business, host Rocky Roark explores the crucial role of transparency in the success of a freelance design business. He emphasizes that clear and timely updates are the foundation of trust, which is essential for any strong client relationship. Rocky highlights how transparency sets expectations, mitigates potential problems, facilitates collaboration, and improves accountability. He provides valuable insight...
Nov 03, 2023•31 min•Ep. 51
In the second episode of the communication mini-series on the Design Break podcast, host Rocky Roark explores the critical topic of the contract and scope of work. Rocky likens a well-defined contract to a roadmap, guiding both freelancer and client through a project's complexities, avoiding misunderstandings, unmet expectations, and financial pitfalls. This episode goes beyond basics, offering insights on crafting a contract as a potent communication tool, safeguarding interests and fostering t...
Oct 27, 2023•39 min•Ep. 50
In this episode of the Design Break podcast, hosted by Rocky Roark, we embark on a journey into the often underestimated realm of initial client communication. This digital handshake, as Rocky puts it, can either set the stage for a prosperous collaboration or lead to missed opportunities. The episode delves into the pivotal role this first interaction plays in establishing professionalism, setting clear expectations, and building trust—a cornerstone in any freelance venture. The discussion emph...
Oct 20, 2023•20 min•Ep. 49
In this episode, we're delving into the vital world of client relationships for freelancers and design professionals. It's no longer sufficient to be just another freelancer; you need to become a true partner to your clients. We'll guide you through mindset shifts, core principles, and actionable steps to elevate your role from an order-taker to a problem solver. Discover the transformative power of transparency, mutual respect, and shared goals in building fruitful partnerships. Learn strategie...
Oct 13, 2023•34 min•Ep. 48
In this insightful episode, Rocky Roark shares valuable strategies for handling challenging discussions that are an inherent part of the freelance landscape. He begins by emphasizing the importance of maintaining composure and empathy when conflicts arise, highlighting that emotional reactions seldom lead to resolution. Additionally, the choice of communication medium is explored, emphasizing the advantages of in-person or phone conversations over potentially misinterpreted emails. The episode d...
Oct 06, 2023•44 min•Ep. 47
Rocky Roark is joined by Chris Cannon on the Design Break Podcast to talk about his background in design, how Elon fumbled Twitter, the recent Dribbble update, red flags when it comes to job listings, and much more. Chris Cannon is a product designer who is dedicated to making products the best experience they can be. His ultimate goal is to craft problem-solving and creative solutions that deeply resonate with the people I am building for. Check out Chris’s newly designed website: https://www.c...
Sep 29, 2023•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 46
In this episode, we tackle a pressing issue that resonates with many: the shortcomings of design schools in adequately preparing students for the realities of the professional world. Drawing from personal experiences, Rocky Roark, a Graphic Design BFA graduate, recounts how a staggering attrition rate and a lack of essential skills left only a handful of classmates equipped for the design industry. The episode sheds light on critical areas where design education often falls short, including outd...
Sep 22, 2023•48 min•Ep. 45
Brian Burkett and Josh Wayne join Rocky Roark on the Design Break podcast for a candid discussion on what it's like to partner with agencies as a freelancer. They dive into the pros and cons, when you should look for freelance work, and much more. Brian Burkett is a freelance web developer who works with startups and agencies. Josh Wayne is a UX/Product Designer who has worked with clients such as Google, Bank of America, NFL, and others. Check out Josh's course Break Into Freelance Design . Wan...
Sep 15, 2023•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 44
In this episode of the Design Break podcast, your host Rocky Roark shares invaluable insights on nurturing your client list and expanding your network to generate more leads for your freelance business. Drawing from years of freelancing experience, Rocky emphasizes the crucial role of consistency in implementing these practices effectively. He begins by highlighting the importance of building a comprehensive Network Master List, advocating for tools like spreadsheets, Airtable, or Notion to orga...
Sep 08, 2023•29 min•Ep. 43
Kyle Van Cleave is an illustrator and designer based in Oregon who runs Deadbolt Design. He joins Rocky Roark to discuss his career, how he made a branding change with his business, and how to differentiate between personal and studio branding. This episode is jam packed with valuable information, so you won't want to miss it. Check out Deadbolt Design . Want to level up your freelance business? Check out our newsletter ! To stay connected with us and be part of our design community, follow us o...
Sep 01, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 42
In the latest episode of the Design Break podcast, listeners are treated to an insightful journey through Rocky's career as a full-time illustrator and freelancer, during which he consistently achieved six-figure incomes. Rocky debunks the myth of the "starving artist" and shares three key strategies that propelled his success. Firstly, Rocky highlights the importance of targeting the right clients, emphasizing his focus on tech startups with existing funding. By doing so, he secured larger proj...
Aug 25, 2023•41 min•Ep. 41
Rocky Roark is joined by Dan Blessing, aka the Design Shark, to talk about working in the sports design industry. This episode dives into how Dan Blessing got started in design, what led him to the sports industry, and he provides some tips for how you can practice creating your own sports logos. You won't want to miss this episode! Want to level up your freelance business? Check out our newsletter ! To stay connected with us and be part of our design community, follow us on Twitter @thedesignbr...
Aug 18, 2023•58 min•Ep. 40
In this episode, your host Rocky Roark uncovers how freelancers can establish fruitful collaborations with creative agencies, enhancing their careers. First, we dive into how agency partnerships are a freelancing cornerstone, ensuring steady work and income. Then, we discuss five techniques for effective collaborations: Define Your Agency Preferences Curate Your Agency List Cultivate Your Agency Network Craft Targeted Outreach Seize the Power of Introductions If you employ these techniques to fo...
Aug 11, 2023•30 min•Ep. 39
In this episode, host Rocky Roark explores how to take ownership of your creative content to secure your creative future. First, we’ll dive into how Dribbble was once an inspiring creative clubhouse, but now many creatives are leaving due to little benefit and work monopolization.Then, we discuss the fear of platforms disappearing or content getting wiped out is real, as seen with Vine and Tumblr. For beginners, we’re going to dive into 5 ways to take ownership of your content. Taking ownership ...
Aug 04, 2023•26 min•Ep. 38
