October 8, 2024

165. How Coaching Transformed My Business and Life (Twice!)

Coaching has been an undeniable catalyst in both my personal and professional journey, helping me navigate the complexities of running a successful creative business. Whether you’re just starting out or already deep into your entrepreneurial journey, having a coach to guide you can be transformative. In this post, I’ll share how coaching helped me align my business with my life goals—not just once, but twice—and how it can do the same for you.

The Power of Coaching: More Than Just Strategy

A coach provides you with an outside perspective, helping you get out of your own head and see the big picture. When you're consumed with day-to-day tasks, it's easy to lose sight of long-term goals. Coaching helps shift focus from the immediate challenges to what truly matters in your creative business: sustainable growth, alignment with your personal values, and efficient workflow management.

First Coaching Experience: Clarifying Priorities and Financial Awareness

My first coaching experience came at a pivotal moment. I was juggling multiple projects, trying to scale my business, and felt overwhelmed with the growing responsibilities of running a freelance operation. I didn’t realize how much my business lacked structure until my coach helped me analyze key areas like time management, project prioritization, and financial clarity.

One of the first things my coach taught me: Know your numbers. It sounds simple, but understanding where your revenue is coming from and where your expenses go is crucial. It allowed me to make informed decisions about which projects to pursue and which to let go. The financial clarity I gained through coaching not only boosted my revenue but also reduced my stress significantly.

Second Coaching Experience: Scaling and Delegation

As my business grew, I realized that I could no longer handle every aspect of it on my own. My second experience with coaching was focused on learning how to delegate effectively. My coach helped me understand that delegation isn’t just about freeing up time—it’s about empowering others to take ownership while you focus on the high-impact areas of your business. I learned how to create processes that allowed me to offload tasks like project management, customer service, and even parts of the creative process.

Through this coaching, I was able to build a small but effective team that aligned with my vision and values. This freed up more time for me to focus on higher-level strategic decisions, as well as personal pursuits, like spending more time with my family.

Why Coaching Matters for Creatives

As a lettering artist or creative professional, it’s easy to get caught up in the creative process and ignore the business side of things. But remember, if you’re a freelancer or business owner, you’re also an entrepreneur. Coaching helps you treat your business with the same level of care and attention you give your craft. Whether it's learning to set boundaries, honing time management skills, or getting crystal clear on your revenue streams, coaching offers insights that will accelerate your success.

Join The Big Leap Coaching Program

Inspired by the impact coaching has had on my career, I designed The Big Leap group coaching program to help other lettering artists and creatives achieve similar results. Now in its fourth edition, this program provides strategic guidance on business growth, mindset shifts, and delegation—all while building a supportive community of like-minded professionals.

This coaching program includes:

  • Strategic goal setting to align your business with your personal life goals.
  • Financial literacy to help you know your numbers and make informed decisions.
  • Delegation frameworks to free up time and scale your business efficiently.
  • Access to exclusive retreats and ongoing support from a creative community.

If you're ready to transform your creative business and take it to the next level, I encourage you to apply for The Big Leap today!


Key Takeaways:

  • Coaching brings clarity on where to focus your time and resources, allowing you to scale your business and reduce overwhelm.
  • Knowing your numbers is crucial for making smart business decisions.
  • Delegation is key to scaling a creative business—coaching can help you build the processes necessary for effective delegation.
  • Coaching aligns your business with your life goals, ensuring you're not sacrificing personal fulfillment for professional success.

Ready to make The Big Leap? Apply for the next edition of my group coaching program here and take the first step toward transforming your business.


Tags:

  • Creative Business Coaching
  • Scaling Freelance Business
  • Delegation for Creatives
  • Coaching for Lettering Artists
  • Financial Management for Creatives

Subscribe to Open Studio:
Stay up to date with the latest tips and strategies to grow your creative business by subscribing to Open Studio on your favorite podcast platform.

To access the full show notes for this episode, click here: ⁠⁠⁠https://martinaflor.com/podcast


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October 1, 2024

164. What a Successful Creative Business Looks Like

In this episode of Open Studio, Martina Flor dives deep into what it truly means to run a successful creative business. Drawing from her own experiences as an award-winning lettering designer, she discusses the key elements that every creative business should have. From balancing work you love with a lifestyle that supports you, to attracting the right clients and systematizing your business processes, Martina offers invaluable insights for creatives at any stage of their career.

You'll discover:

  • The six essential principles of a successful creative business.
  • How to evaluate your current business practices.
  • Tips to align your creative work with your life goals.
  • The importance of consistently delivering your best work while providing a top-notch client experience.

Whether you’re a freelance illustrator, lettering artist, or creative professional, this episode provides a roadmap to assess and improve your business for long-term success.


Special Announcement:
Doors are open! My Business Group Coaching Program for lettering artists and illustrators is now accepting applications. This transformative experience includes personalized coaching, retreats, and extended community access. Limited spots are available, so if you’re ready to take your creative business to the next level, apply now at martinaflor.com/coach.

Subscribe to Open Studio:
Stay up to date with the latest tips and strategies to grow your creative business by subscribing to Open Studio on your favorite podcast platform.

To access the full show notes for this episode, click here: ⁠⁠⁠https://martinaflor.com/podcast


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September 24, 2024

163. How To Attract Your Dream Clients

In this episode of Open Studio, host Martina Flor dives into a crucial question every creative asks: How can I attract my dream clients? Whether you’re a Lettering artist, illustrator, or graphic designer, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you draw in the right clients and land the assignments you’ve always dreamed of. 🎨💼

Key Highlights:

  1. The Importance of Vision:
    • Discover why having a clear vision as a creative professional is the first step to attracting the right clients.
    • Learn how to define your dream clients and the kind of work you excel at, so you can align your projects with your passion and skills.
  2. Delivering Great Work & Experience:
    • Martina explains why delivering exceptional creative work isn’t enough. It's about offering a full client experience, from communication to project management.
    • Learn how meeting deadlines, clear communication, and a seamless process can make you stand out and keep clients coming back.
  3. Practical Steps to Attract Dream Clients:
    • Tips on positioning yourself to land meaningful, high-value projects.
    • Why freelancers should stop waiting for the right clients and take proactive steps to attract them.
  4. Martina’s Free Workshop Announcement:
    • Martina is offering a free live workshop on October 8th that dives deeper into attracting dream clients and building a business you love.
    • Don’t miss out—sign up at martinaflor.com/workshop!

Key Takeaways:

  • Vision & Strategy: To attract ideal clients, you must first know who they are and what you want to achieve with your work.
  • Client Experience: From the first contact to the final invoice, delivering a great overall experience will set you apart from others.

If you're serious about leveling up your creative career and working with clients who value your skills, this episode is a must-listen. 🎧

👉 Join Martina’s free live training on October 8th at martinaflor.com/workshop. Sign up now to secure your spot!


Subscribe to Open Studio:
Stay up to date with the latest tips and strategies to grow your creative business by subscribing to Open Studio on your favorite podcast platform.

To access the full show notes for this episode, click here: ⁠⁠⁠https://martinaflor.com/podcast


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September 18, 2024

162. Mindsets You Need to Let Go of to Thrive with Your Creative Skills

In this episode of the Open Studio podcast, host Martina Flor delves into the mindsets that hold creatives back from truly thriving. As an award-winning lettering artist, Martina shares personal insights from her journey—highlighting the importance of mindset in shaping actions and, ultimately, success.

Martina opens the episode by discussing the impact of self-limiting thoughts, which often plague creatives, illustrators, and lettering artists. She emphasizes how these thoughts and beliefs affect not only actions but also the outcomes of creative careers. For example, beliefs like "I can't figure it out" or "If I build it, they will come" can be huge roadblocks.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Power of Mindset: Martina explains that what you think and say to yourself directly influences how you act in your creative journey.
  • Letting Go of Limiting Beliefs: Discover how to identify and shift five specific limiting mindsets that prevent creatives from reaching their full potential.
    • "If I Build It, They Will Come": Being passive doesn't lead to success. Martina stresses the importance of proactively seeking out clients and opportunities.
    • "I Can Figure It Out on My Own": While independence is a creative strength, seeking help from mentors, coaches, or creative communities can accelerate your growth.
    • "Business Isn't for Me": Many artists shy away from learning business skills, but mastering pricing, contracts, and marketing is crucial for long-term success.
    • "I Have to Work Hard to Make It": Martina challenges the hustle mentality, advocating for smarter, more focused work that prioritizes tasks with the most impact.
    • "I Don’t Care How Much I’m Paid": Knowing your worth and charging accordingly ensures that you can sustain your creative work long-term without burnout.

Martina also shares a personal anecdote about teaching her six-year-old son the importance of mindset—how believing in your ability to do something influences your willingness to even try. This serves as a relatable metaphor for all creatives who struggle with self-doubt.

Actionable Strategies:

  • Shift your focus to business and marketing as vital parts of your creative toolkit.
  • Surround yourself with a supportive community, mentors, or coaches to avoid the isolation of trying to figure everything out alone.
  • Prioritize tasks that have the biggest impact on your business, allowing you to work smarter, not harder.
  • Charge your worth—understand the value your work provides to clients and price it accordingly.

Join Martina in this thought-provoking discussion and learn how to free yourself from the mental blocks that are holding you back. Whether you're an aspiring illustrator, designer, or seasoned creative, this episode is filled with practical advice to help you take control of your creative career and thrive.

To access the full show notes for this episode, click here: ⁠⁠⁠https://martinaflor.com/podcast


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July 31, 2024

161. MAKE IT – Turn Your Creative Skill into a Business & Thrive Doing What You Love

Get a copy from my new book here ➡️ https://www.martinaflor.com/makeit

This episode is an edit from my recent Live Event "MAKE IT", presenting my newest book about turning your creative skill into a business and thrive doing work you love.

There's never been a better moment to make a living with your creative skill, and in this workshop, you'll find out how. This isn't your typical book presentation—it's an educational workshop packed with surprises that will inspire and equip you to transform your passion into a thriving business.

What You'll Learn:
➵ Transition to Pro: Start generating income from your creative skills.
➵ Build a Standout Portfolio: Land your first client without cold calling.
➵ Create Your Dream Career: Make an impact with your creative work.
➵ Work for Dream Clients: Attract high-quality projects consistently.
➵ Reclaim Your Time: Manage your schedule and support your lifestyle.

Get a copy from my new book here ➡️ https://www.martinaflor.com/makeit

Support the Podcast:

  • If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. This helps others discover the show.

To access the full show notes for this episode, click here: ⁠⁠⁠https://martinaflor.com/podcast


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July 23, 2024

160. Advice I Would Give My Beginner Self #2 – Martina Flor

Welcome to another inspiring episode of "Martina Flor's Open Studio." In this second part of our special series, Martina Flor shares more valuable advice she would give her beginner self. These insights are designed to help Latin artists, illustrators, and creatives navigate their creative business journey more smoothly.

Introduction: Martina Flor, an award-winning lettering designer, reflects on her journey from struggling to make ends meet to achieving her dream career. She aims to provide actionable tips and strategies to help you succeed in your creative business.

Highlights from this episode:

  1. Establish a Repeatable Process:
    • Discover the importance of creating a clear, repeatable process for your work.
    • Learn how a structured approach can reduce anxiety and increase predictability in your creative projects.
    • Martina shares how she communicates this process to her clients for better collaboration.
  2. Understand Your Financial Needs:
    • Understand why it's crucial to know your financial needs before setting your rates.
    • Learn how to calculate your required income and the number of projects needed to sustain your living.
    • Martina emphasizes the importance of balancing work and personal life to avoid burnout.
  3. Pursue a Fulfilling Solo Business:
    • Strive for a business that allows you to do the work you love while supporting your desired lifestyle.
    • Martina shares her experience of working long hours and the importance of having time for other aspects of life.
    • Tips on how to build a business that aligns with your values and goals.
  4. Balance Marketing and Sales with Fulfillment:
    • Understand the importance of marketing and sales in your creative business.
    • Learn why simply creating good work is not enough; proactive client outreach is key.
    • Martina discusses the need to balance creating work with promoting and selling your services.
  5. Have a Vision for Your Career:
    • Develop a clear vision for your creative career to guide your decisions and keep you motivated.
    • Martina explains how having a vision helps you navigate the ups and downs of running a creative business.
    • Tips on how to define your vision and align your business with it.

Martina’s Upcoming Book: Martina's new book, "Make It," launches on July 30th. This book encapsulates her 13 years of experience in running a successful creative business. It includes practical strategies and inspiring stories, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to turn their creative skills into a thriving business. Sign up for the free book launch event on July 13th at martinaflor.com/newbook.

Join the Conversation: Visit martinaflor.com/podcast to send your comments and questions, and to listen to previous episodes. Watch these episodes on YouTube at martinaflor.com/youtube. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform to help others find the show.

Support the Podcast:

  • If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. This helps others discover the show.

To access the full show notes for this episode, click here: ⁠⁠⁠https://martinaflor.com/podcast


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July 17, 2024

159. Advice I Would Give My Beginner Self #1 – Martina Flor

Episode Summary: In this episode of Martina Flor's Open Studio, Martina reflects on her journey as a lettering artist and shares the crucial advice she would give her beginner self. She delves into the lessons learned, mistakes made, and the strategies that proved invaluable in her path to becoming an award-winning lettering designer. This episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone starting their creative career or looking to elevate their current practice.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Utilize Your Day Job:
    • Use your current job to fund your side business and build your portfolio while maintaining financial stability.
  2. Value of Networking:
    • Connecting with other artists, potential clients, and industry professionals can open doors and provide valuable insights into the industry.
  3. Define Your Niche:
    • Specializing in a particular area can help you stand out and become an expert in your field, making it easier to attract the right clients.
  4. Balancing Work and Passion Projects:
    • Prioritize your freelance work by dedicating the first part of your day to it. This ensures you’re consistently making progress on your creative business.
  5. Mindset Shift:
    • Transitioning to freelancing requires a significant mindset change. Be prepared to handle both creative and administrative tasks as you become a solopreneur.

Actionable Tips:

  • Morning Routine: Dedicate the first few hours of your day to your freelance work to maximize productivity.
  • Portfolio Development: Focus on building a portfolio that highlights your strengths and showcases your expertise in your chosen niche.
  • Community Engagement: Join industry communities and attend events to build a network of support and potential clients.

Resources Mentioned:

  • Martina’s New Book: Stay updated on the launch of Martina’s upcoming book by signing up at martinaflor.com/newbook.

Additional Resources:

Support the Podcast:

  • If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. This helps others discover the show.

To access the full show notes for this episode, click here: ⁠⁠⁠https://martinaflor.com/podcast


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July 9, 2024

158. How to Leave Your 9 to 5 and Become a Full Time Commercial Artist – Martina Flor

Episode Summary: In this episode of Martina Flor's Open Studio, Martina shares practical insights and personal experiences on how to transition from a traditional 9 to 5 job to a successful freelance career as a lettering artist or creative professional. Martina discusses the necessary mindset shifts, the importance of defining your niche, building a focused portfolio, and strategies for balancing a day job while growing a side business. She also emphasizes the value of networking and learning from others in the industry.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Mindset Shift:
    • Transitioning from a salaried job to freelancing requires a significant change in mindset. You’ll need to manage both creative and administrative tasks.
  2. Defining Your Niche:
    • Specializing in a particular area helps reduce overwhelm and allows you to focus on mastering a specific skill. A well-defined niche makes you more attractive to potential clients.
  3. Building a Portfolio:
    • Create a portfolio that highlights your strengths and showcases your expertise in your chosen niche. This will help you stand out and attract the right clients.
  4. Balancing Day Job and Freelance Work:
    • Use your current job to fund your side business. Prioritize your freelance work by dedicating time to it first thing in the morning when your energy is highest.
  5. Networking:
    • Connect with fellow artists, potential clients, and industry professionals. Attend meetups, conferences, and events to build relationships and learn from others.

Actionable Tips:

  • Prioritize Your Freelance Business: Dedicate the first part of your day to your freelance work to ensure it gets the attention it deserves.
  • Join Industry Communities: Engage with communities and networks related to your field to gain insights and opportunities.
  • Market Yourself: Start marketing yourself and seeking clients even if your portfolio or business isn’t fully ready.

Resources Mentioned:

  • Martina’s New Book: Stay updated on the launch of Martina’s upcoming book by signing up at martinaflor.com/newbook.

Additional Resources:

Support the Podcast:

  • If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. This helps others discover the show.

To access the full show notes for this episode, click here: ⁠⁠⁠https://martinaflor.com/podcast


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July 2, 2024

157. Ways Graphic Artists Can Get Gigs (Without Cold Outreach!)

Host: Martina Flor

Podcast: Martina Flor's Open Studio


Welcome to another insightful episode of Open Studio, the podcast designed for lettering artists, illustrators, and creatives aiming to turn their passion into a thriving business. I'm Martina Flor, your host, here to share the ups and downs of building a successful creative career. From struggling to make ends meet to becoming an award-winning lettering designer, I've learned valuable lessons that I'm excited to pass on to you.

Episode Highlights:

00:00:00 - 00:00:25: I speak from experience as a freelancer and from working with many freelancers. Securing gigs is a significant struggle for many creatives, especially those who identify as introverts and find client outreach daunting.

00:00:25 - 00:00:48: The idea of cold calling or emailing seems overwhelming, leading many freelancers to neglect it. First, welcome to Open Studio, where we provide insights for creatives to thrive. Whether you're starting or established, we offer strategies to boost your creative business.

00:00:48 - 00:01:08: Join me as I share lessons, strategies, and tips to make your journey smoother, whether you're looking to turn your passion into a career or boost your creative business.

00:01:08 - 00:01:17: Welcome to the Open Studio Podcast, where we aim to make your creative dreams a reality.

00:01:18 - 00:01:42: Today, we're discussing how to secure new gigs as a freelancer or graphic artist. This episode is part of a series leading up to the launch of my upcoming book, which provides a roadmap to mastering your craft, monetizing your skills, and building a successful business.

00:01:42 - 00:02:12: The book, launching at the end of July, features the story of Mary and her mentor, showcasing the process of leaving a job to build a career doing what she loves. Stay tuned for more details about the launch.

00:02:12 - 00:02:40: These strategies are beneficial for both beginners and seasoned freelancers looking to expand their client base and secure new assignments.

Strategy 1: Tap Into Your Network

00:04:26 - 00:05:20: Many freelancers overlook their network. Your family, friends, former colleagues, and acquaintances may not know about your freelancing work. Let them know what you do and that you're seeking work. Your network can be a valuable source of referrals and opportunities.

Strategy 2: Leverage Your Existing Clients

00:10:04 - 00:10:29: Your existing clients are your strongest asset. They trust your capabilities and can offer additional work. Stay in touch, offer additional services, and ask for referrals to expand your client base.

Strategy 3: Partner With Service Providers

00:16:03 - 00:16:58: Collaborate with service providers who have a relevant client base. For example, if you're a lettering artist, partner with a branding agency to offer custom logotypes. This approach allows you to tap into a wider client base and secure ongoing projects.

Conclusion: These three strategies—tapping into your network, leveraging existing clients, and partnering with service providers—can help you land new gigs without the anxiety of cold outreach. Implement these tactics to boost your freelance career and secure exciting new opportunities.

Keywords: Graphic Artists, Get Gigs, Freelance Graphic Designers, Creative Career, Client Acquisition

Tune in to the full episode of Open Studio on your favorite podcast platform to dive deeper into these strategies and start building the creative career you've always dreamed of. Don't forget to subscribe and stay tuned for more valuable episodes in this series.

To access the full show notes for this episode, click here: ⁠⁠⁠https://martinaflor.com/podcast

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June 25, 2024

156. Why More Lettering Artists and Illustrators Are Going Freelance – Martina Flor

Host: Martina Flor

Podcast: Martina Flor's Open Studio


In this episode of "Martina Flor's Open Studio," Martina explores the booming trend of freelancing among lettering artists, illustrators, and creatives. She delves into the benefits and motivations behind this shift, supported by statistics and her experiences as both a freelancer and an employer of freelancers.

Key Points Discussed

Introduction to the Episode

  • Martina introduces the topic of freelancing in the creative industry.
  • She references the previous episode (Episode 155), which debunked myths about making a living with artwork.

The Rise of Freelancing

  • Freelancing is transforming global work dynamics, offering creatives the opportunity to create a "container" for their passion.
  • Statistics show a significant increase in the freelance workforce since 2020.

Reasons for Freelancing Among Creatives

Flexibility and Autonomy

  • Freedom to choose projects, set schedules, and work from anywhere.
  • Martina shares her personal journey and the importance of work-life balance.

Technology and Connectivity

  • Advances in technology have made remote work and global collaboration easier.
  • Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr play a significant role.

Diverse Income Streams

  • Freelancers often have multiple clients and income streams, providing a safety net against job loss and economic downturns.
  • A study by Payoneer found that many freelancers feel more secure than in traditional jobs.

Demand for Specialized Skills

  • Companies are increasingly seeking specialized freelancers for specific projects.
  • Expertise in areas like lettering can set freelancers apart and attract ideal clients.

Benefits of Hiring Freelancers for Companies

Specialized Expertise

  • Freelancers bring specialized skills, reducing friction and ensuring high-quality results.

Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness

  • Companies are willing to pay more for expertise that saves time and reduces the risk of project failure.

Global Talent Pool

  • Access to talent worldwide, allowing for diverse language skills and cultural insights.
  • Martina shares examples of hiring freelancers from Argentina for content creation and podcast editing.

Upcoming Book and Events

  • Martina announces her upcoming book launch at the end of July, which will serve as a roadmap for mastering a craft, monetizing a passion, and building a business.
  • Mention of events around the book launch; stay tuned for more details.

Conclusion

  • Martina wraps up the episode by highlighting the importance of freelancing in the creative industry and how it provides opportunities for both freelancers and companies.
  • She encourages listeners to consider the insights shared and how they can apply them to their own creative journeys.

Call to Action

  • Subscribe to the podcast for more insights and tips on thriving in the creative industry.
  • Stay tuned for upcoming episodes and the book launch events.

Additional Resources:


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13353 Berlin, Germany (by appointment only)
+49 (0) 30 33877574 

Sparrstraße 20,
13353 Berlin, Germany (by appointment only)
+49 (0) 30 33877574 

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13353 Berlin, Germany (by appointment only)
+49 (0) 30 33877574 

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Liability Disclamer 

©2019 Studio Martina Flor. All rights reserved.

 

 ©2019 Studio Martina Flor. All rights reserved.