Dive Club 🤿 Gabe Valdivia - How to Thrive as an Independent Designer
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Aug 29, 2025 Gabe Valdivia, an independent designer renowned for his work with early-stage startups, shares insights about his transition from corporate life to freelancing. He discusses the booming market for fractional design and his innovative three-phase client model. Gabe reveals how he’s redefined success, balancing financial metrics with personal fulfillment, and the importance of mentorship in nurturing new talent. Additionally, he explores the evolving perceptions of fractional work and the role of emerging technologies like VR and AI in shaping design's future.
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Early Hustle Built Momentum
- Gabe closed his 20th client within two years of going independent and mostly served early-stage startups.
- He stretched creatively across healthcare, insurance, consumer, and B2B dashboards to build that portfolio.
Hire Apprentices To Multiply Capacity
- Bring apprentices into your practice to scale capacity and provide mentorship.
- Use apprentices as both contributors and a training pool you can deploy as designers-in-residence.
Redefine Success Beyond Revenue
- Gabe redefined success away from pure revenue toward impact, opportunities created, and work he’s proud to sign.
- He intentionally added non-monetary metrics like apprenticeships, founder character, and time with family.
