Taking Care of Business…with Lizzie Bildner

We’re passing the mic to some of our favorite freelancers who make Wingspan’s community thrive, and who remind us every day that there are no wrong ways to take care. of business. Want to be featured next? Nominate yourself here!

Lizzie Bildner is a Chicago-based branding and marketing consultant. You’ve probably used one of her client’s apps on your phone (Twitter, Uber, and yours truly, Wingspan) or in real life (Lola). She shares her go-to inspiration sources, the best freelancing advice she’s ever gotten, plus one thing she thinks all freelancers must master. 

In your own words, what do you do? 

I build and launch brands of all sizes, though I especially love working with early-stage companies. Specifically, my projects often start with understanding the customer and translating those insights into a brand's positioning, messaging, voice, name, identity, and marketing.

‍What’s the first thing you do when you wake up? 

My husband and I alternate on baby duty—we have a 7-month-old—and who makes coffee.

What’s your favorite thing about freelancing?

While it's always a good feeling to get a new project, as a freelancer, the feeling is all the more exaggerated because you are responsible for everything that made it happen.

‍What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten? 

“Care 10% less.” It’s not necessarily something I’d say to someone else, but it really resonated with me. I took it to mean a combination of “keep things in perspective” and “don’t let perfection be the enemy of good.” It keeps me accountable and makes sure the work is actionable.  

What’s your biggest challenge as an independent professional? 

TAXES. TAX CODE. ACCOUNTING: It’s the overwhelming feeling that all of those things give me. I recently watched an episode of Schitt’s Creek where David is “writing off” all his purchases, and I felt seen.