Introduction

I’m not an expert. And that’s exactly why this manual exists.

Starting a creative career—whether from scratch or switching disciplines—can feel like stepping into the unknown. But non-experts have their own strengths: we’re in the trenches, figuring things out as we go, testing, failing, learning, and adapting.

This is also a journal of my journey—building projects, creating a portfolio, networking, and finding clients. It’s not a masterclass; it’s a field guide from someone who’s actively doing the work. If you're facing the same challenges, I hope this manual helps you see that you don’t have to be an expert to move forward. You just have to start.

Let’s figure this out together.