Happy Labor Day Monday, everyone! We hope you are enjoying some well-deserved time off from your hard work. To gear you up for diving back into the grind again, we’re dropping in with OBA’s first weekly newsletter! In this edition you’ll find:
Podcast episode sneak peek
Spotlight on a graphic designer who is killing it
Articles published in OBA Magazine all about starting out as a freelancer
A financial resource that could be pivotal to your savings account
Job listings we have hand-picked for you
Polls and more fun stuff!
Let’s go!
This Week’s Podcast Episode
As an OBA newsletter subscriber, you get a sneak peek at the upcoming Freelance Warrior podcast episode! Listen here:
Or drop us a follow and check out past episodes of the show on Spotify Like the episode below:
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Spotlight on Freelancer Success: Georgiann Tyrrell’s Journey
In this edition, we're thrilled to feature Georgiann Tyrrell, a freelance graphic designer whose path from environmental advocacy to design excellence is nothing short of inspiring. Georgiann shares her unique journey, starting from her college days in Environmental Science, where she discovered a passion for design while promoting sustainability. After a successful stint in corporate marketing, she took the leap into freelancing, finding her footing on platforms like Fiverr.
Georgiann opens up about the challenges she faced in the early days, the importance of building a strong portfolio, and the lessons learned from setbacks, including losing a major client. She also highlights her major wins, like designing a comprehensive campaign for a podcast, which significantly boosted her career.
Beyond her professional achievements, Georgiann emphasizes the role of self-care, staying motivated, and the importance of a supportive community in managing the ups and downs of freelancing. Her story is a powerful reminder that resilience, continuous learning, and intentional networking are key to thriving in the freelance world.
For more on Georgiann’s insights and advice for aspiring freelancers, check out the full article:
OBA’s Weekly Article Roundup
Just getting your side hustle up and running? Dream of working at home full-time and planning to switch your part-time freelancing from low gear into high gear? Need to know if it’s even worth pursuing freelancing as a viable option for making a living? Our articles this week outline the basics you need to know to get started. Learn how to build a good foundation for your own success!
Predictions For The Future of Freelancing — Is it Worth the Investment?
Freelancing used to be a side gig for unappreciated and hard-working creatives of all kinds. However, today freelancing has grown into a legitimate means that one can support themselves and their family. But committing to a career of just you against the big wide world without the backing of traditional employment is still extremely risky–not to mention daunting! So, based on experts’ current predictions and market trends, is freelancing worth jumping into with both feet?
10 Things Every Budding Entrepreneur Should Know
When I first started out freelancing as a model and writer, I assumed things would be easier. It was easy-ish to find gigs. It’s simple enough to get started as long as you know the right sites for your industry.
It was not easier.
Business and entrepreneurialism has such a crazy learning curve, no one seems to really talk about it. When you first start out, you will hit hard bumps on the way. From taxes to productivity, naysayers to investors, these are the warnings I wish I got when I first started.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Own Personal Brand
A brand may seem like a luxury only big companies are capable of creating. But a personal brand is not only possible for your everyday freelancer to develop–it is essential. Making your own is a bold endeavor that doesn’t have to be daunting! We’ve broken the process down into an easy, step-by-step guide for you.
STEP 1: Identify Your Unique Selling Point (USP)
Any knowledge or experiences you could share? OBA Magazine is looking for contributors!
State of the Bank Account Address
Betterment is a really great resource for freelancers who don’t have employer 401(k)s! You can set up a high-yield cash account for free, automatically invest as little as $10/month, and get education on planning for your own retirement on their website. Check them out!
*We don’t make any money for advertising Betterment, we just like them.
LAYOUT DESIGNER WITH BACKGROUND IN GRAPHIC DESIGN WANTED FOR PRINT AND DIGITAL SUNTANNING MAGAZINE—Possibility for work extending to other publications if Editor-in-Chief likes your work. Must be able to follow directions and be open to modifications. (Direct samples and questions to @ossiana.makes.content on Instagram.)
PART-TIME REMOTE WRITER FOR My Consulting Offer (MCO)—Help the next generation of consultants break into the industry. We’re looking for former management consultants or consulting recruiters to write articles about navigating the recruiting process and landing a consulting job. For more information about this position, click here. (To apply, email to writing@myconsultingoffer.org. Tell us a bit about your background in consulting and writing and provide a business writing sample 500+ words in length.)

What We’re Obsessed With This Week:
Jared: “Currently reading Ishmael by Daniel Quinn, a novel about a telepathic gorilla who is seeking a student to help him save the world through philosophical teachings. It is a book that will put your place in the universe in perspective for you.”
Charles: “Re-listening to and thinking about Smashing Pumpkins' Melon Collie and the Infinite Sadness and Siamese Dream albums, re-watching Avatar: The Last Airbender for the umpteenth time, nearly finished with Moby Dick, movie theater aesthetics, and how many video games I am super looking forward to coming out next year.”
Ossiana: “I'm low-key on a massive Bluey binge. Also have been obsessing over fall candles. It's how I get my work done.”
Ceylan: “I picked up The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie and finally finished it this week. Now I need to read the rest of the First Law series, because I am completely hooked on these characters and their world! (Also, Joe, how did you make such a disgustingly spoiled, pompous jerk like Jezal a lovable character??)”
Cooper: “I’ve been listening to a lot of Pixies lately. Doolittle is one of my favorite rock albums ever and I find myself listening to it a lot around this time of year.”