We recently connected with Emma Pompeii and have shared our conversation below.

Emma, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today f you needed to find a key partner or facility – how did you find them, what was the process of striking a deal like and what would you do differently knowing what you know now?

I never initially set out to start my own freelance business. I was just taking on small projects here and there. But then, I started building genuine connections with my clients. It wasn’t just about delivering a logo or a website; it was about connecting with and understanding them as people, which then lead to creating their vision and their brand.

I found that by really listening and investing in those relationships, the work became much more fulfilling. Clients began to trust me, not just for my design skills, but for my understanding of their needs and my commitment to their success. They saw me as a partner, not just a vendor. And honestly, that trust and those personal connections became the foundation of everything and how I continue to bring in new clients and key partners to this day.

It got to the point where I realized that this network of strong, trusting client relationships was more valuable than anything I could have planned. The work was coming in organically through referrals and repeat business. This wasn’t just freelancing anymore, it was a business, built on a foundation of genuine connection. So, if you’re thinking about starting out, my advice is to focus on building those meaningful relationships. The rest will follow.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi, I’m Emma! I’m a freelance graphic designer and I specialize in helping brands, small businesses, and entrepreneurs create a beautiful online presence through branding, web design, social media, & more. I’ve honed my client focus to mostly small businesses (with a heavy focus on female-founded businesses) and I’ve learned that this is where my skills have the most impact.

I began my career as a graphic designer for other various businesses, doing freelance projects on the side, and then realized I was able to freelance full time and have been for two years now. I’ve focused on small businesses with the realization of how digitally focused our world is today. Everything is online, and for small businesses, that online presence is absolutely crucial. They need a strong brand identity, a beautiful website, engaging social media, you name it, to stand out from the crowd. I realized that I had a knack for visual communication and a passion for helping these businesses succeed.

I love working with my clients because of the passion they put behind their brand. Everyday I’m in awe of the dedication and risks they take to pursue their dreams. They might need my design skills to bring their visions to life, but honestly, I need them just as much. Their drive fuels my own creativity and keeps me going. I feel lucky to be a part of every one of my client’s journeys.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

One thing I think non-creatives might struggle to understand is the constant self-doubt that comes with the territory. As creatives, we’re putting a piece of ourselves out there with every project. It can feel incredibly vulnerable, and the self-criticism can be brutal. Especially when you’re working independently or in a small team, it can feel isolating. You’re not always surrounded by colleagues offering feedback, and in such a saturated creative world, it’s easy to question whether you’re even growing – sometimes it feels more sideways than upwards. You wonder how your work truly stacks up. There’s a lot of internal questioning.

But when you do get positive feedback, when a client is genuinely thrilled with the result, it’s incredibly rewarding. It validates the process, silences the inner critic (even just for a little bit), and makes all the self-doubt worthwhile. That positive affirmation is like fuel; it reminds you why you do what you do. It’s a powerful reminder that even though the creative journey can be a rollercoaster, the impact you have on someone else’s vision makes every bit of it worth it.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots in my professional life came at a point when I had two job offers on the table, both seemingly great opportunities. One was a more creative role, aligned with my passions, but the other was…well, it was the “sure thing,” the one with the bigger paycheck. And honestly, I let the money talk. I chose the money route, thinking I was being practical. Turns out, it was a classic case of smoke and mirrors. The company culture wasn’t what I expected, the work wasn’t fulfilling, and I quickly realized I’d made the wrong choice.

That experience, though initially disappointing, became the catalyst for something amazing. It forced me to re-evaluate what I truly wanted, not just in a job, but in my career. I realized I was craving creative freedom and genuine connection with the work I was doing. So, I took the leap. I left that job and started freelancing. It was scary, for sure, but it was also incredibly freeing. That “mistake” of choosing the wrong job actually jump-started my freelance career.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.emmapompeii.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmapompeii/