This has probably been the biggest obstacle I’ve had to overcome in being a self-taught freelancer. Most everything I know, I’ve learned on my own, so anytime I don’t have the answers or I encounter a problem, I have to seek out other resources — mostly online. The lack of personal feedback can get kind of discouraging, so that’s why I acknowledge the benefits of going to school for design. You have access to professors, fellow students in your major, and other hands-on, face-to-face, personal resources that you can seek for guidance. My professors have usually been a huge help when I’m lacking inspiration or need a push in the right direction towards solving a problem with my work. I’m lucky enough that my best friend is also a designer and photographer, so we occationally help each other out. So take advantage of meeting people at school who are studying the same thing as you and put in the effort to develop relationships with other designers.

When interpersonal feedback isn’t available, I turn to my good friend, the Internet. Sites like deviantart.com, bandjob.com, dribbble.com, gigposters.com, mediaqueri.es, and many more are my go-to sites for inspiration when I’m stuck on a project.