So, as a freelance designer that ALSO has a 9 to 5 day job, it can become very difficult to keep track of things. I get questions all the time on how I stay on top of overlapping projects and deadlines. It took several mini disasters to occur in order for me to hone my organization skills. So if you want to see my ways on staying organized as a Freelance Designer then keep reading.  Make sure you check the end of this post for a Freebie Memphis Style Weekly Planner Printable because who doesn’t love Free Printable stuff 🙂

STAYING ORGANIZED AS A FREELANCE DESIGNER

Staying Organized Graphic 1

• WRITE EVERYTHING DOWN

If these were numbered, this would definitely be number 1 LOL.  Writing things down has been proven to help you remember what you wrote.  Think back to your childhood; writing the same word, or phrase over and over in a composition book.  It’s the same premise; essentially forcing you to remember it.  Use the notes section of your smartphone or purchase a yearly planner.  These are both good ways to keep track of deadlines and current projects.

• MAINTAIN A PROPER FOLDER SYSTEM

Create folders (digitally and on paper) for each client or vendor that you deal with.  Label digital and paper folders with the name of each client or vendor then create sub folders based on the contents.  For example, say you are creating a branding package for Pepsi. The main folder will be Pepsi and the subfolders will be Logo design, Business Card design and so on.  By maintaining a proper folder system, you increase your ease in finding things.  You are less likely to lose track of important documents.

• MAINTAIN PROPER DOCUMENT NAMES

The same goes for giving files a proper name.  Labeling files in the following format will reduce risk of mix ups.  ProjectName_VersionNumber_Month-Day-Year.psd  There has been one too many times that I have sent the incorrect file because it wasn’t labeled correctly.  That is embarrassing for you and can potentially cause a big problem.  Imagine sending the incorrect file to a printer and the finished product is all wrong.

• PERFORM AN “END OF DAY” RECAP

Before you go to bed or conclude work for the day, perform a recap ritual.  Take a moment to clear your head of all the information floating in there from the day.  Pull out your notes or planner and address each project.  Ask yourself… Have I completed this task? …. Have I hit this milestone?  Did I contact that vendor? Cross off completed items and amend anything that is still pending. By doing this, you allow your mind to decompress and are less likely to forget something.  You will be able to reduce the anxiety and stress of getting things done and thus increase productivity.

That is all on my ways of staying organized as a freelance designer.  Yes, things can get tough but following these simple steps will make things a BREEZE.  If you’d like more in depth info, feel free to send me a note in the contact page.  Check out this awesome Memphis style Free printable weekly planner that should totally get you on the right track to staying organized.

Memphis Style Weekly Planner Flatlay

WHAT YOU GET

8.5 X 11 inch High Res. Printable JPG  CLICK HERE TO HEAD TO FREEBIE LIBRARY

FREEBIE TERMS AND CONDITIONS

  • Use of the freebie requires credit. Please link back to this specific blog page or simply say “Memphis Style Weekly Planner Credit: Beprismatic.com” (or @beprismatic on social media).
  • Photos are ©2017 Be Prismatic You may NOT upload the images anywhere nor redistribute them as your own.

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