My interest in it died right there when seeing 99designs

Yep I got trough. and since then it has been nothing but a blast. Sure it takes some time to get trough the application process, but its worth it with the time you save getting new clients. I have had short term and long term projects since then and as the clients are also selected and briefed on what to expect you rarely have a bad experience ( I never had one)

Interesting, as what kind of designer did you apply and what test did you feel did not reflect the skills needed to do a good job? I had a great experience, was very nervous about the tests at first but as long as you have enough expertise its definitely worth it as it makes getting new clients a lot easier.

On the "Turn features on/off to suit your needs" section, I had a usability problem making the connection between the slider under the section and the screenshot. I tried for some time pressing each circle icon to get it to light up. Maybe try to implement it in the same background as the rest to have a clearer connection.

I think there is a problem with your low sales numbers for the first shirts, with resulted at least in my mind in a negative social proof and kept me from purchasing or generating more interest in these shirts.

Done

Actually they also have guidelines for the bar with labels. And hiding the bar when scrolling / not needed is quite often used in popular apps.

Well he could have pointed out the study they made in america switching pictures of criminals from square to rounded, that resulted in less arrests because they seemed more friendly.

Mostly yes. Every year I take a few months slower to prevent any burnout and focus on expanding, which always has worked in the past and helped improve my live in every aspect.

I spend a lot of time at on improving skills, exploring things beside of classic design and reading roughly 1 book per day.

Also currently located in Ukraine where my wife studies, but most of my clients are in Germany. Thats why I can gladly afford to have that freedom and use it.

25 year old Freelancer with very low overhead and high priority for work live balance.

• Wake up around 9:00
• Breakfast, workout, shower its now 10:30
• Start work till 14:00
• Lunchbreak till 15:00
• Work till 17:00
• Then read a book till 18:30
• Have a relaxing evening with my wife
• Go to bed around 1:00