I've Been Tracking This Trend for a While Now...

I have to admit, when I first heard about indie devs earning 4-5L/mo, I was skeptical. After spending 8+ years in design tools, creativity, visual content, and digital art, you develop a sixth sense for what's actually worth paying attention to versus what's just hype. But here's what changed my mind: last quarter, I was helping a client who was struggling to scale their freelance projects and product development. They were doing okay, but they wanted to break through to the next level. So, I shared with them what I've learned from my experience, and it made all the difference.

Experience-Based Context

Let me give you some background based on what I've seen in the industry. In my 8+ years working with designers, artists, creative professionals, and developers, I've noticed that the ones who succeed are those who can balance their freelance projects with their own product development. It's not easy, but it's doable if you have the right strategies and mindset. I remember when I first started, I was focused solely on freelance work, but as I grew, I realized the importance of having my own products to fall back on.

Practical Insights from Experience

Here's what I've found works in practice: you need to have a solid understanding of your target audience and what they're looking for. This means doing your research, testing your ideas, and being open to feedback. I've worked with numerous clients who thought they had a great idea, only to find out that it wasn't what the market wanted. So, it's crucial to be flexible and willing to pivot when necessary. One thing that always surprises people is how much time and effort goes into creating a successful product. It's not just about having a great idea; it's about executing it well and continually improving it.

Actionable Strategies

Based on my experience, here's exactly what you should do: start by identifying your strengths and weaknesses as a developer. What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? What are your clients looking for? Once you have a clear understanding of this, you can start building your freelance projects and products around these areas. It's also essential to have a solid online presence, including a professional website and social media profiles. This will help you attract clients and showcase your work. I've seen many developers struggle with this, but it's crucial for success.