Hey everyone, just sitting here feeling all kinds of emotions, but in a good way.This past year has been rough. In January, I got hit with Whitmore’s Disease—never even heard of it before, but it knocked me down hard. Ended up in the hospital for a long time. By March, my savings were drained from medical bills, and my job let me go because they were losing contracts. By June, I was doing food deliveries just to keep the lights on.But the worst part? Feeling like I lost my touch. I used to be the best designer at my company. Then suddenly, I was couch-surfing, borrowing money, and feeling like I hit rock bottom.Last week, I told myself, ‘Sink or swim.’ I chose to swim.I’ve been doing logos and branding for years, got a solid portfolio—but no sales experience. I made a list of old clients to reach out to, but had no idea how to pitch. Somehow, I landed my first $500 client!It might not seem like a lot, but it’s gas, groceries, and proof that I can still do this. Now, I just need to keep the momentum going. I suck at pitching—any tips on how to do this better? Just trying to figure things out and keep pushing forward. Any advice would mean a lot!
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Congrats, man! When life knocks you down, you really do have two choices: sink or swim.I get it. Had emergency back surgery in May, turned out I had a spinal cord injury that left me paralyzed from the knees down. Could’ve given up, but I didn’t. My only goal was to stand and walk again. Now, I get around with a crutch, my balance sucks, and I’ve taken a few bad falls, but I can walk. Even went snorkeling recently, and I’m 62!You decide what happens next. Nobody else.By the way, I’ve been in sales for over 35 years, mostly in tech. If you want some advice on pitching, DM me. Happy to help!
@Lennon
Man, I really appreciate that. You’ve been through so much, and you’re still pushing forward. That’s inspiring.I’ll definitely DM you—I need all the advice I can get!
Congrats! Just keep swimming, things will keep getting better!
Jordan said:
Congrats! Just keep swimming, things will keep getting better!
Thanks, man! Just trying to stay afloat right now, but I know I’ll get there!
There are tons of places where you can showcase your work and find clients. Sites like Freelancer, Upwork, and Fiverr can be a good start.You could also put together some logo packs and sell them on Etsy, eBay, or Shutterstock. Give people a taste of your style, and they’ll come to you.Social media is another way—TikTok and Instagram work great for design work.And don’t forget your old clients—email them and let them know you’re open for business!Best of luck!
@Dakota
Thanks, man! I’ve already got my portfolio on Dribbble, but I’ll check out some of these other options too!
This is awesome to hear! Keep pushing! I run an agency, and pitching is what we do. If you need help, feel free to DM me! Otherwise, just keep crushing it!
Ellery said:
This is awesome to hear! Keep pushing! I run an agency, and pitching is what we do. If you need help, feel free to DM me! Otherwise, just keep crushing it!
Man, it’s been a wild ride. I’d love some help with writing pitches. Is that something you could guide me on?
@Dare
Honestly? ChatGPT can help you draft a pitch. Just make sure you tweak it so it sounds like you.
Day said:
@Dare
Honestly? ChatGPT can help you draft a pitch. Just make sure you tweak it so it sounds like you.
Wait, ChatGPT can actually write a decent pitch?
Day said:
@Dare
Honestly? ChatGPT can help you draft a pitch. Just make sure you tweak it so it sounds like you.
Wait, ChatGPT can actually write a decent pitch?
Yep! And if it can’t, I thought you said you were a great designer? You’ll figure it out!
Congrats! I was in a similar spot. Lost my job, almost ended up homeless. That ‘sink or swim’ mindset saved me. Now I run a successful business.A lot of people don’t take action until they’re backed into a corner. As much as it sucked, I’m honestly glad I was pushed to that point—it forced me to make a move.
Face-to-face networking is the best way to get business clients, in my experience. Try joining your local chamber of commerce or networking groups.By the way, where did you even catch Whitmore’s Disease? That’s super rare.