30 Miscellaneous
A collection of freelance insights that don't quite fit into a specific category.
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Year in Review
2024 Year In Review
This year, my first son Henry was born and I became a father. We took two vacations, did several home improvement projects, and bought a new car!
News & OpinionYear in Review
2023 Year in Review
This year I found out I'm going to be a father! My wife and I spent two weeks in the Outer Banks, Instacart had a successful IPO, I started selling AI artwork on my…
News & Opinion
Why I Switched from Google Analytics to Plausible Analytics
Plausible Analytics is a breath of fresh air compared to the dumpster fire that Google Analytics has become. Find out why I switched and why you should too!
Career TransitionsLifestyle
What to Know Before Buying Your First Home as a Freelancer
Buying a home as a freelancer can feel impossible. The process can be complex, intimidating, and stressful, especially when your income is unpredictable. In this article, I'll share what I wish I knew before…
News & OpinionYear in Review
2022 Year in Review
This year was all about routine. It was my first year full-time at Instacart and I continued working with my own freelance clients. My personal life was also filled with special moments and memories!
Guest ArticlesLifestyle
Freelancer Self-Care: 5 Steps To Take When Burnout Hits
Most freelancers are passionate about what they do. Whether it’s writing, photography, design, or any other creative outlet, it’s easy for a freelancer to find a lot of joy in hir or her career.…
Getting ClientsNews & Opinion
10 Things Every Freelance Business Has in Common
Whether you're a designer, makeup artist, glassblower, or dog walker, all freelance businesses share 10 fundamental similarities that are the pillars needed for success.
Guest ArticlesLifestyle
How Freelancers Can Use Travel To Enhance Their Skillset
Freelancing gives you the time and money you need to see the world. Despite the freedom that freelancing affords, newly self-employed folks seldom take the time to travel.
Finances & Taxes
How To Maximize Passive Income As A Freelancer
Passive income sources like stocks, crypto investments, rental properties, and content creation can offset the financial risks of freelancing
News & OpinionYear in Review
2021 Year in Review
2021 was a great year. It was quite different than I imagined and ended with an unexpected plot twist! As always, I'll highlight professional accomplishments and share personal updates with photos!
Career TransitionsGuest Articles
Freelancing Tips for College Students
Freelancing is an exciting way to earn money on your own terms, particularly when you're in college. If you need a way to earn cash while you’re in school, here are a few tips…
News & Opinion
Why I Pulled the Plug on Social Media and Deleted My Accounts
If you can't find me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram anymore, it's because I permanently deleted all my accounts. I don't like what the platforms have becoming, so I'm investing my time elsewhere.
News & OpinionYear in Review
2020 Year In Review
2020 was wild. It was easily the most difficult and challenging year of my life, but every day I chose to make the best of it and appreciate everything I have. Here's a recap…
LifestyleNews & Opinion
8 Ways to Determine If Your Side Project is Worth Pursuing
Freelancers who like to learn usually end up pursuing a side project. But it's important to have a method of determining which side projects are worth pursuing.
Career TransitionsMarketing & Positioning
How to Smoothly Transition from Full-Time Employment to Freelancing
When you quit your day job and transition into full-time freelancing, it's important to make the career adjustment as smooth as possible. These 7 tips will help you do that!
Marketing & PositioningPortfolio Websites
How to Use Google Trends to Understand What Freelance Clients are Searching For
Use Google Trends to find out what freelance clients are searching for, make yourself more visible online, and get more leads for your freelance business.
News & OpinionProductivity
How to Automatically Format Subscriber Names in ConvertKit
Have you ever noticed that sometimes subscribers don't enter their first name properly into your ConvertKit forms? Learn how to automatically fix poorly formatted names in a few simple steps!
Marketing & PositioningNews & Opinion
Introducing Matthew’s Design Co. (and the changes ahead for my website)
Find out all the details of how I plan to navigate the transition from freelancer to company while maintaining my relevance and relationship to freelancers.
News & OpinionYear in Review
2019 Year in Review
2019 was another fantastic year both personally and professionally. Overall, it was more simple, stable, and smooth than previous years — yet still each month seemed filled with events!
ProductivityProject Management
3 Tools to Help you Manage Freelance Projects
Just like a regular 9-5 lifestyle, the freelancing lifestyle comes with its own set of challenges, some of which are unique to freelancers. These 3 tools will help you manage your projects!
Guest ArticlesProject Management
How to Set Up a Collaboration Between Freelancers
Teaming up with other freelancers helps you establish valuable relationships, find channels for mutual assistance, and free up time for yourself. There's no need to take on every project client's send, but before you…
News & OpinionYear in Review
2018 Year In Review
2018 was thrilling from day one. It was packed with highs, lows, and countless exciting changes. Check out all the amazing things that happened in my life and my business as I reflect on…
Marketing & PositioningNews & Opinion
Introducing The Freelance Institute – A Community for Freelancers & Remote Workers
Learn why I created a global Slack community for freelancers dedicated to learning and professional growth. Take a look behind the scenes and find out how The Freelance Institute was born and what my…
LifestyleProductivityProject Management
How to Stay Comfortable as a Freelancer Even When You’re Stressed
There's no avoiding stressful and uncomfortable situations when you run your own freelancing business. The key to staying comfortable during stressful situations is to maintain control of your business from every angle.
News & OpinionYear in Review
2017 Year In Review
After over two years of freelancing full-time, my business has finally started to run itself. It's become more organized and efficient. I know what to expect from it. The kinks and quirks have been…
News & OpinionYear in Review
2016 Year in Review
2016 wasn't filled with many professional achievements or accomplishments. It was quiet and more refined. My business grew naturally, and it grew a lot.
Client CommunicationProposals & Contracts
6 Tips for Negotiating a Higher Salary
Each year people accept salaries less than what they deserve. It seems like employers always have the upper hand, but that doesn't have to be the case.
LifestyleNews & Opinion
My Journey Through College, Design Agencies, and Freelancing
In this interview, Lakera's thought-provoking and inspiring questions got at the heart of my college and career life to reveal the path that led me to where I am today. I want to share our conversation with you…
News & Opinion
The Simple Tweet That Got Me Featured on Dribbble
In 2016, I was featured as a success story in Dribbble's "For the Win" series. Find out how Dribbble helped me make over $150,000 in just 3 years.
News & OpinionYear in Review
2015 Year in Review
After two amazing back-to-back years in 2013 and 2014, I wasn't sure if 2015 would be able to top it. But it totally did. I hope that by sharing my accomplishments I can inspire you…