No Clients? No Problem! How Creating Your Own Projects Can Boost Your Brand and Portfolio
In the creative world, waiting for that perfect client or project can sometimes feel like waiting for a shooting star. But what if you took control of the situation and started creating your own projects? At Work By Davey, we’ve learned firsthand that being a self-starter not only builds your portfolio. It helps you grow your brand in ways that waiting on clients simply can’t match.
When Clients Are Slow, Create Your Own Opportunities
There’s no denying it: finding clients can be challenging, especially when you’re just starting out or when business is slow. Instead of sitting on the sidelines, why not take the reins and develop projects that showcase your skills? Creating your own “pseudo” projects isn’t just a stopgap—it’s a strategic move that can lead to genuine growth and long-term success.
At Work By Davey, our journey began with freelance graphic design work for a local DJ in Pittsburgh. That initial project taught us the basics of designing for a brand and set us on our creative path. But it wasn’t until we started creating our own projects that our brand truly began to take shape.
Lessons Learned from Self-Initiated Projects
One standout experience came when we pitched design services to a local bar in Pittsburgh. After being turned down, we didn’t let rejection stop us. Instead, we envisioned a perfect bar identity and created an entire branding package, from social media flyers and menus to specialty drink graphics and logos. The result was Lorie’s Lounge, a pseudo high-end lounge and bar concept based in Charlotte, North Carolina, which taught us valuable lessons in exploring color palettes, crafting versatile logos for different placements, and creating comprehensive brand mock-ups.
We didn’t stop there, projects like Paul & Lorie’s Ice Cream and Lazy Eye Brewing further expanded our creative horizons. These initiatives allowed us to experiment with diverse creative styles, understand the nuances of designing for different industries, and refine our design process. Each project pushed the boundaries of our creativity and contributed to a robust portfolio that speaks to our ability to innovate, even without traditional client demand driving the work.
Why Creating Your Own Projects Matters
When you create your own projects, you’re not only filling your portfolio, you’re demonstrating initiative, resilience, and the ability to think outside the box. A diverse portfolio showcasing a range of projects sends a powerful message to potential clients: you’re proactive and capable of handling various design challenges. Without the pressure of strict client guidelines, you have the freedom to experiment and innovate, which often leads to breakthroughs that set you apart in a competitive market.
Every self-initiated project is a step toward establishing your unique creative identity. Over time, these projects build a strong personal or business brand that clients will recognize and trust. Your portfolio becomes more than just a collection of images, it’s a narrative of your journey, your failures, your successes, and your constant evolution as a creative professional. Whether you’re a freelance designer, a creative entrepreneur, or someone looking to break into the industry, starting your own projects is one of the best investments you can make in your future.
Every self-initiated project is a chance to grow, learn, and push the boundaries of what you can achieve. By taking control of your creative journey, you’re not only expanding your portfolio, you’re building a brand that stands out.
Check out Work By Davey’s Projects. Explore our journey through projects like Lorie’s Lounge, Paul & Lorie’s Ice Cream, and Lazy Eye Brewing, and get inspired to create your own path to success.
