Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cat Derbala. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Cat, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Alright, let’s jump into one of the most exciting parts of starting a new venture – how did you get your first client who was not a friend or family?

I’ve been freelancing since 2018 when I was still in college. I’ve been able to run my business off of word-of-mouth recommendations since then. I’ve realized that the most important thing you can have, even more almost than a great portfolio, is an excellent reputation. From professors, former colleagues, friends, and family, 99% of my work comes from them supporting me and feeling comfortable enough to recommend me to their network of people. I’ll never forget sitting on my living room floor, opening my first check from a big client that I was recommended to by a former professor, and feeling the potential that this career had.

The first client that I got entirely on my own without recommendation was totally random. I made an Instagram graphic using a quote from a Nike Trainer I followed and he happened to see it and reached out about working together. He’s still a client to this day. The most important thing that taught me is the importance of passion projects because, without the initiative to make that graphic just for fun, that relationship would have never developed.

Cat, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Being 26, I grew up with technology and have always loved it. I learned everything you could about Microsoft Word when I was 7 or 8 and how you could make the page look “pretty” and at the school book fair, I begged my mom to buy me the KidBiz software. I have always had an interest in design before I even knew what it was and starting a business was something that always seemed like a no-brainer to me. When I discovered graphic design as a career path in college, everything clicked.

I quit my full-time design job in January 2023 to pursue freelance full-time. The decision was completely unplanned and freelancing full-time was never something I considered because of how scary and daunting it seemed. Besides changing my major in college, it was the best decision I ever made. I love being able to seek out clients and projects that align with my personal beliefs and interests, and the flexibility that I have in more valuable to me than job security (sorry mom and dad.)

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Having a positive reputation is wildly important to me. I think consistent communication and quick turnaround times are the two most significant factors that make clients feel comfortable recommending me to others. Often, people don’t even ask to see my work anymore because they trust the recommendation that much and that is so valuable to me.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative as a career is being able to spend my days making things and lending my skillset to small businesses. Whether it’s corporate work or an exciting illustration, creating is the ideal way for me to spend my time, and doing that full-time is so fulfilling. I also love that I can help small businesses succeed in their own endeavors with my skills and experience.

Contact Info:

• Website: catderbala.com
• Instagram: derballin

Image Credits
Aaron Sharp (Sneaker photo)