305: If we started our side projects all over again...

305: If we started our side projects all over again...

Author: Charli Prangley, Femke Van Schoonhoven March 3, 2025 Duration: 31:08
Design Life
BusinessArtsDesignEntrepreneurshipTechnology

This episode is sponsored by Mobbin, which is the largest design reference library for mobile and web, offering practical inspiration from real apps that address diverse design challenges. Don’t forget to mention Design Life when you register at Mobbin!

In this episode, Femke and Charli discuss the evolution of their side projects and reflect on what they’ve learned and how they would approach them differently if they were to start over. Femke and Charli share their personal side project journeys and discuss if side projects should be treated as passion projects or potential income sources. They also explore the value of different content formats, such as short-form versus long-form content, the effective leveraging of sponsorships and alternative revenue streams, and which platforms to use for posting. 

Episode timestamps:

0:54 Episode start

01:37 Mobbin Sponsorship

05:52 What was your first side project?

9:16 Should you approach your side project as a money-making venture from day one, or is it better to treat it as a personal passion project?

14:04 How Femke went from blogging to where she is at now.

15:27 Charli's side gigs

16:19 How does Charli approach sponsorships in her work?

19:00 What are some other methods for generating income aside from sponsorships?

20:44 With the knowledge we have now, what steps would we take first when starting our side projects?

22:34 Is short-form content truly valuable? Do audiences form attachments to short-form creators compared to those who produce long-form content? Femke and Charli share their perspectives on different formats

 

Links:

A huge shoutout to our sponsor for this episode, Mobbin! Make sure to check them out 

Femke's new community

Femke’s course “Product strategy for designers”

Share your topic suggestions for the show with us at hello@designlife.fm


Hosted by designers Charli Prangley and Femke Van Schoonhoven, Design Life feels like eavesdropping on a candid conversation between two friends who genuinely understand the hustle. This podcast digs into the reality of a creative career, moving beyond portfolio tips to discuss the actual challenges of making a living from your ideas. Each episode stems from their own experiences as serial side-project addicts, covering everything from navigating client negotiations and pricing your work to pushing through creative blocks and finding time for personal work. You’ll hear them dissect the intersection of design, business, and technology with a relatable, grounded perspective. The discussion they foster is particularly valuable for young creatives seeking honest advice and a sense of community, all delivered through the lens of two practitioners in the field. Tune in for a blend of practical strategy and personal reflection that focuses on building a sustainable and fulfilling design practice.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

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