Starting as a Freelancing: How I Discovered My Path

From Architecture Dreams to Something New

For the longest time, I imagined myself as a corporate badass — working my way up the ladder of an architecture firm. I loved the idea of creativity living within technical lines. Throughout primary and high school, I was certain that architecture was my calling. I poured hours into sketching, building models, and imagining the structures I might one day design.

After four intensive rounds of portfolio submissions, I landed one of just 70 spots (out of 1,000 applicants) at the University of Pretoria, my dream university. Pretoria greeted me with its unique mix of chaos that finds every university student, streets lined with blooming jacaranda trees, and a culture that somehow makes Brandy & Coke feel like a rite of passage.

Discovering Inspiration

A couple of weeks before starting uni, everything shifted. I stumbled upon a few YouTube channels, and one in particular resonated with me: Matt D’Avella. At first, I was drawn to his minimalism content, fascinated by the idea of simplifying life to focus on what truly matters. But the deeper I explored his channel, the more I connected with his approach to freelancing, habit building, and living intentionally.

Suddenly, the path I thought was set in stone didn’t feel right anymore. I realized I was about to commit to an intensive degree with a rigid career path that would only teach me architecture. I wanted more — something flexible, creative, and evolving, something that allowed me to live with freedom and intention.

The Decision to Switch

I remember rereading the university guide one night and discovering BIS Multimedia — a degree that offered graphic design, animation, audio, video editing, game development, web development, and more. My heart skipped a beat. This wasn’t just another program; it was a playground of creativity, a chance to explore multiple fields and find my own voice.

Making the decision to switch wasn’t easy. My parents weren’t thrilled. They thought I was throwing away my “talent for architecture” and were worried that I might be choosing a path with less stability. I felt torn too. There were moments of doubt, late-night research, and intense self-reflection. But deep down, I knew that this was the right move for me. Over time, my parents slowly came around, and we all learned that sometimes the path less traveled is the one worth taking.

University Life and Challenges

Fast forward four years: university life was intense, exciting, and, at times, exhausting. Late nights studying and coding often left me feeling like I was on the verge of tears. Group projects, tight deadlines, and design critiques pushed me out of my comfort zone. But every challenge taught me resilience, patience, and problem-solving skills I would later carry into freelancing.

One night, I was building a full-stack website, completely absorbed in the process. A few hours before submission, I accidentally typed userid instead of user_id, which broke my entire website. Panic set in immediately. I spent over six hours trying to debug the problem, tearing my hair out, wondering how a tiny mistake could ruin everything. And then, finally, I discovered that little underscore — something so small almost cost me the whole project. That night, I realized web development wasn’t just about coding; it was about patience, problem-solving, and creative persistence. It was a form of expression that could grow and evolve with me over time.

Finding My Path in Freelancing

By the end of my degree, I knew exactly what I wanted: to dive into freelancing. I wanted the freedom to choose my projects, to work directly with clients, and to explore the full range of my skills. I also wanted to live intentionally, crafting a career that aligned with my values rather than just following a predefined path.

Starting in January 2025, I began exploring the world of freelancing. I knew it wouldn’t be easy — the uncertainty, the client hunting, the learning curves — but I also knew it would be worthwhile. Freelancing represented growth, flexibility, and the ability to take ownership of my work and my life.

What Freelancing Means to Me

For me, freelancing isn’t just a way to make money. It’s a chance to grow, experiment, and express myself. It allows me to combine design, coding, and storytelling in a way that feels authentic. Every project is an opportunity to learn something new, to push my limits, and to leave a mark on the digital world.

This website, the core of my freelance business, serves as more than a portfolio. It’s a space to document my growth, reflect on my experiences, and share insights with others. It’s a place where I can be honest about my struggles, celebrate wins, and connect with people who are curious about the journey.

Looking Ahead

This is just the beginning. Freelancing is a journey full of unexpected lessons, challenges, and rewards. I’m excited to share what I learn, the projects I take on, and the insights I gather along the way. Whether you’re curious about freelancing, web development, or the creative journey in general, stick around — there’s plenty more to come.