Blog Post
From Freelancer to Studio Founder: My Journey & Lessons Learned.
Dec 12, 2024
Starting as a freelancer and growing into a studio founder has been an incredible journey—one filled with excitement, uncertainty, and a whole lot of learning. When I first started designing websites, I had no idea that one day I’d be running WOWWW! Studio, working with ambitious brands, and building web experiences that truly stand out. But getting here wasn’t overnight, and it definitely wasn’t easy.
This is my story—the wins, the struggles, and the lessons that helped me level up from a solo freelancer to running my own web design studio.
The Freelancer Hustle: Learning the Hard Way
When I first started freelancing, it was all about survival. I was saying “yes” to every project that came my way—regardless of budget, scope, or whether I even enjoyed the work. At the time, I thought the key to success was simply working harder. More clients, more hours, more output.
But that approach quickly led to burnout. I found myself working long hours on projects that didn’t excite me, undercharging for my skills, and constantly chasing new clients instead of building long-term relationships.
Lesson #1: Not all work is good work. The sooner you define your niche and ideal client, the better.
Finding My Niche & Mastering My Craft
The turning point came when I discovered Framer. It wasn’t just another tool—it was a game-changer. I loved how it allowed me to merge design and development seamlessly, creating truly interactive and dynamic websites.
By focusing on Framer, I was able to position myself as an expert rather than just another web designer. Instead of being a generalist, I became the go-to person for Framer-based web experiences, which made marketing and selling my services much easier.
Lesson #2: Specialization creates demand. When you become known for something specific, clients seek you out instead of the other way around.
Scaling Beyond Solo: The Birth of WOWWW! Studio
As my projects and clientele grew, I realized that if I wanted to scale, I couldn’t do everything myself. I needed to think like a business owner, not just a freelancer. That’s when I decided to transition from solo work to launching WOWWW! Studio—a boutique web design studio focused on high-end, custom Framer websites.
This shift wasn’t just about branding; it was about mindset. I started treating projects as partnerships rather than just deliverables. I refined my processes, streamlined client onboarding, and built a network of talented collaborators to support bigger projects.
Lesson #3: If you want to grow, you need to shift from a “freelancer” mindset to a “business owner” mindset.
Biggest Challenges Along the Way
Transitioning from freelancer to studio founder came with its own set of challenges:
Letting go of control – Learning to delegate and trust others was tough, but necessary.
Pricing with confidence – Moving from hourly rates to value-based pricing made a huge difference in profitability.
Standing out in a crowded space – Positioning WOWWW! Studio as a premium service required clear messaging and proof of expertise.
Looking Ahead
Building WOWWW! Studio has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career, and I know this is just the beginning. My goal is to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with Framer, crafting high-performance web experiences, and helping brands stand out online.
If you’re a freelancer looking to scale, my biggest advice is this: Think bigger, position yourself strategically, and don’t be afraid to charge what you’re worth. Your skills have value—own it.
By Tanay C.