From Freelancer To Studio - The Power Of Positioning

From Freelancer To Studio - The Power Of Positioning

Author: Steve Folland February 8, 2026 Duration: 56:10
After starting freelance out of necessity when childcare costs in Manhattan outweighed rent, Laura Viola Maccarone has spent nearly two decades building a design career on her own terms. In this episode, Laura shares how a brutal freelance interview became the catalyst for creating Rizbee Studio, how niching transformed her business, and why relationship-led networking - not selling - has driven consistent growth.

Stepping away from the traditional career path to work for yourself is a journey filled with unique highs and lows. Being Freelance, hosted by Steve Folland, delves into that reality through candid conversations with those who are living it. Each episode is built around a freelancer's personal story, moving from their first tentative steps to the ongoing challenges and triumphs of running a solo business. You'll hear authentic discussions about finding clients, setting boundaries, managing finances, and coping with the isolation that can sometimes accompany the freedom. This isn't about theoretical business models; it's the practical, often messy, human experience of building a livelihood from your own skills. Steve guides these conversations with empathy, drawing out insights that are both reassuring and actionable. The podcast serves as a regular reminder that the questions and doubts you face are shared by others navigating the same waters. Tuning in provides a sense of connection and a wealth of hard-earned wisdom, whether you're just considering the leap or are a seasoned veteran looking to refine your craft. It’s a resource that acknowledges the tough days while celebrating the incredible rewards of designing your own working life.
Author: Language: en-gb Episodes: 100

Being Freelance
Podcast Episodes
Graphic Designer & Consultant Greg Bunbury [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:53
It was when Greg planted the flag of his values that things changed. Instead of chasing jobs as ‘anyone’, he became ‘someone’ - someone people wanted to work with for what he stood for. Now Greg’s not just a graphic desi…
Creative Director & Designer Raydene Hansen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:14
After years of working her freelance life from 6pm-1am alongside other jobs, Raydene’s now gone full-time freelance. Working for herself. But not by herself. She’s set up a collective of freelancers to collaborate on pro…
Visual Storyteller Ashwin Chacko [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:32
The pandemic allowed Ashwin to pause and figure out his focus. Not just an illustrator. But a visual storyteller aiming to spread positivity and joy. His self initiated side projects brought that to life. Showed the work…
Illustrator & Animator Lo Harris [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:22
When you work for a news organisation you're not allowed to let your personal thoughts out in your work. So when 2020 happened - the pandemic, George Floyd and beyond... Lo needed a way to express what she was feeling. S…
Digital Marketer Claire Gallagher [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:12
When Claire moved from Ireland to France in 2009 she started picking up freelance work with the expat community. Since then she’s been on an even bigger journey. From a designer of ‘everything’ to a niche digital markete…
Filmmaker & Digital Artist Wayne Sables [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:30
After years as professional dancer, Wayne started to make moves in a new direction. He picked up a camera and taught himself filmmaking. At first shooting what he knew - the dance world. Before stepping out into other ge…
Reel Relationships - Voiceover Tim Odofin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:46
Tim always wanted to work in the media, but his day job was in local government. For years he would do voiceovers on the side of his job, often starting early, working late and even through lunch breaks. Finally, with a…
No Competition - Social Media Strategist Suz Bird [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:58
A year after being made redundant Suz looked around and realised - “oh, so this is the business you always wanted to start, but you never knew you were going to..’ And with no one able to be exactly like Suz, she realise…
You are more capable than you think - Writer & Editor Afoma Umesi [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:13
Afoma trained to be a doctor. Yes, an actual medical doctor. So how did she end up worrying more about the health of her business than of patients? Hear how Afoma forged a career as a freelance writer & editor working wi…

«1...678910