Leela, this really hit home for me. Those profiles at the end made it crystal clear that I’m an artist. And that’s why I’ve struggled to find ways to grow my freelance business beyond just an awesome job for myself. I want to keep doing the work, forever. I love design, that’s why I do it.

But I’m conflicted. I also feel very entrepreneurial. Not because I feel like I have to and it’s the cool thing to do. But because I want to create something larger than myself. Something that doesn’t rely on my focused attention on client work every day.

What does the conflicted artist who wants to transition at least part way into entrepreneurship do? How do I let go of control and allow for growth without losing my connection to hands-on craft, and trading it for more people-management and sales?

There must be a good path for artists to grow their business larger than themselves, but in 18 years of freelance design, I haven’t found it.