Welcome to the 2022 and 2023 Meldel annual report! Apparently, I release these every two years now because of a general dread of the chore. So why submit myself to this torture? Three reasons. First, I need to have a better understanding of how I make and spend money as an independent designer. Spending time swimming in the business side of my business may not be fun, but financial review is a necessary part of successful self-employment. Second, I sincerely hope my trials, tribulations, successes, and failures are relatable and can help motivate others to take on freelancing. I have learned a lot of lessons about running a business the hard way and hope to share that knowledge. Third, I want to challenge the practice of gatekeeping and salary secrecy. It’s true that most of the folks proselytizing pay transparency are advocating for it in a corporate job setting. But for freelancers, the reasons are often the same—a data point that you can share with others to make sure you are in sync with your professional value. Wannabe freelancers can see what kind of income is realistic, and understand how many projects and clients it takes to get there. That said, my experience and method of freelancing is just one way to be. Last year I outlined four freelance styles based on myself and some close colleagues. Whatever path you’re on, it’s invaluable to share openly with others, to compare rates, and find what is just right for you.
Meldel Annual Report: The COVID years
Community losses and gains
The years 2020 and 2021 blurred together as our communities collectively navigated how to work, gather and connect in ways that mitigated risk. My previous annual report was published in July of 2020 when time seemed to warp. So much was unknown. The nation and my city were alight with protest, an emotional firestorm and, later in the summer, an actual blazing Oregon wildfire.
These were dramatic and tumultuous years, with the economy and our collective optimism waning with every COVID spike. With so much despair about national inaction, I looked locally for hope and inspiration. I looked to the multi-faith leaders coming together to organize for gun reform, to the growth of the Portland Street Response as an alternative to police, to the resurgence of community events relaunching this summer after a two year hiatus. Events that feel more purpose-driven, diverse with a new focus on equity and access. My community is starting to come back, and the joyful gatherings feel like collective healing.
Against this backdrop, I turned 40. I am welcoming all the hallmarks of middle-agedness: feeling out of touch with Gen Z lingo, fighting to stay on top of technology changes, and being reluctant to embrace fashion trends or attend events that start past 8pm. But, I feel more confident in my work than ever. Every year brings new clients, new design challenges, and a growing portfolio that I am proud of. I understand the value my experience brings to my work, and I don’t feel stuck or bored. So onward I go, embracing my middle-aged years, confident in the road ahead.