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In 2017, I left the agency nest to fly solo. Since then, the year has covered the full spectrum of emotion, tasks, challenges, and wins.

While reflecting on it all, I started writing down thoughts that might help others considering the same path. Many folks offered advice to me during this transition, and I’d like to pay it forward.

Finding someone to talk to about this stuff isn't easy. After all, there is no Startups Anonymous... though that’s a great idea!

#1: Persistence Overcame My Fear

Doubt about going solo plagued me for years. How do you know when you’re ready for something so risky?

I wasn’t sure how I’d feel working alone, especially as an extroverted pack animal with a real fear of failure. But in early 2017, things shifted fast—and scared the crap out of me.

Fear became an insanely good motivator. It was tempting to just take the easy route and work for someone else again.

But survival mode eventually kicked in. Among fits of doubt and despair, I stuck to my plan. I had to grieve the loss of job security and my identity as an employee.

Once I let go, things started moving. The tunnel didn’t look like a train anymore—it looked like a light. The plan began working.

I learned that the rules were now mine. I just had to stick with the plan and refine it. Patience, a skill I developed in CG production, became just as critical in launching a business.

My persistence didn’t just calm my fears—it built my confidence over time.

#2: Sink or Swim

With my head spinning from to-do lists, the first few months were chaos. I knew I had the experience, but I needed structure.

So I covered a giant wall in my basement with categorized Post-it notes. That “to-do” wall gave me visual clarity. I could separate business from personal tasks and see my progress daily.

It took about two months to work through the wall.

Pro Tip: Save at least four months of living expenses plus business costs. I didn’t, and it meant no days off and non-stop hustle.

Startup expenses are hefty. When it feels like you’re going to sink, don’t let pride stop you—take any job you need to survive.

There’s no shame in it. It's all a risk, and it’s better to learn your limits than go broke.

#3: Less Is More

This was always true, but solo life drove it home. Without a team to lean on, simplifying became necessary.

Making things happen on a shoestring budget opened my eyes to new options.

Ironically, I now talk to more people than ever—especially decision makers. No more wasted meetings or baton-passing. Just direct, effective communication.

I lean into a minimalist mindset, often solving problems with code I write myself instead of buying tools or plugins.

That might take more time, but it's my time. And it makes me more capable.

I’ll upgrade when I can, but for now, I make do—and I make it work.

Working without an imposed structure lets me focus deeply. No more conforming to company processes. Just the work. No time sheets. Pure flow.

I had to solve problems like rendering without a room full of high-end machines. I discovered refurbished 40-core workstations for $1200 instead of $10k each.

By the end of the year, I had a 200-core render farm crunching away. That would’ve cost a fortune if I didn’t dig.

I barely drive now—maybe 1,000 miles a year. Working from home saves more than you think.

The industry is evolving fast. Software is cheaper and more powerful. Hardware too. Small outfits like mine can do what big ones do, and clients know it.

#4: Willingness and Honesty > Capability

There’s always someone better or faster—but that’s not the whole story.

I’ve learned that willingness and honesty often matter more to clients than pure capability.

Just be transparent. Most clients would rather work with a real, kind person than a genius who’s a pain to deal with.

#5: Peak Utilization

Talking to other freelancers, there's a common theme: we all felt underutilized working for someone else.

Like the smart kid in class not challenged by the work.

Here’s the twist: someone was paying more to use you less. On your own, everyone wins. You get to use 100% of your skills.

#6: All the Hats, All the Juggling, All the Satisfaction

This year, my job titles included: IT guy, concept artist, writer, web developer, designer, debugger, consultant, project manager, video editor, VFX artist, accountant… and oh yeah, 3D artist.

I learned so much just to stay self-reliant. Each task was driven by actual need. It all felt natural and purposeful.

And most importantly—it felt good.

Late nights weren’t frustrating anymore. The effort goes directly to me and my wife, and we’re worth it.

I only wish I had started 10 years earlier. But “shoulda-coulda-woulda” doesn’t help anyone.

#7: A Different Kind of Learning

At first, I worried I wasn’t keeping up with new techniques. Then I realized how much I’d actually learned—because I had to.

Learning out of necessity hits different. It's deeper. The freelance structure helped me absorb more than ever.

Here’s a short list of what I picked up in just one year:

• Creating Animation Presets in Max
• Max 2018 Improvements
• Drive Cloning for Backups
• Creating HDPE with VRay + VRayScatter + SSS
• Vray Hybrid Rendering
• Finally learned Adobe Illustrator
• PFlow Scripting in Max
• How to use QuickBooks
• MaxScript tools for CAD conversion
• Modeling for 3D printing
• Manipulating DWG layers before Max import
• Rigging improvements in Maya 2018
• Backburner with VRay effectively

#8: Balance and Sacrifice

Every day felt like survival mode. I now understand why many businesses don’t survive the first year.

The mental load was nonstop. And while I don’t regret the dedication, it came at a cost—especially to relationships with my wife, friends, and family.

You have to consider that upfront. This affects more than just you.

My goal next year is to regain balance. That means more stability and clear boundaries.

Now that I’ve made it through the first round, I hope to exit survival mode and start living with better harmony.

I look forward to continuing this journey—and kicking ass—in 2018.

Happy New Year, folks!