The presentation for the panel I participated in at IA Summit 2009

1. I’m the freshman
Whitney Hess user experience designer
Independent consultant based in NYC
Quit my full-time job to go indie in August 08
Whitney Hess http://whitneyhess.com/blog

2. Why I quit
Greater control over my career
Wider variety of projects
Didn't fit into the corporate environment
Whitney Hess http://whitneyhess.com/blog

3. How I started
Incorporated August ‘05, freelanced while full-time
Built a client base, from tactical to strategic projects
Learned about the realities from seasoned indies
Gathered template deliverables
Created a reserve fund
Whitney Hess http://whitneyhess.com/blog

4. Creating success
3-4 clients at time for 2-week to 4-month projects
Work with major corporations (Hearst),
start-ups (boxee), and agencies (Happy Cog)
5-10 hours a week on business development
Supplement consulting with speaking, writing and
teaching
Whitney Hess http://whitneyhess.com/blog

5. Facing challenges
Pricing structures
No design crits!
Being strategic about what's next
No structure or routine
Fear and anxiety are plentiful
Whitney Hess http://whitneyhess.com/blog