Elisa Vanrullen's Journey as a Freelance Graphic Designer – Take Control Now Podcast

For this new episode of the Take Control Now podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Elisa Vanrullen, a freelance graphic designer based in Pontarlier. She walks us through her path — from her studies to a permanent position in Switzerland, and ultimately her decision to go fully freelance.

Who is Elisa Vanrullen?

Elisa has been working as an independent graphic designer for several years. She has successfully combined passion and profession by building her skills across a range of professional settings.

Her academic background

After a school path focused on graphic arts, Elisa completed a specialist training programme that gave her strong foundations in design and visual communication.

Taking the leap into freelancing

Early on, Elisa started taking on freelance work alongside her studies — picking up small projects to get familiar with the craft and understand what clients actually need.

A permanent role in Switzerland, with freelance on the side

She then moved into a full-time permanent position in Switzerland, while continuing to manage freelance projects in parallel. This dual setup helped her build both her experience and her professional network.

The Covid turning point and going 100% freelance

The Covid crisis was a pivotal moment in her career. Faced with upheaval, Elisa chose to commit fully to freelancing — embracing a more flexible structure that worked better for her life.

Her freelance life today (services offered)

Today, Elisa offers a full range of graphic design services — from logo creation and visual identity development to print and digital collateral.

Her vision and advice

👉 Organisation : knowing how to manage your time and priorities is essential to making freelancing work. 👉 Client relationships : establishing clear, transparent communication is the foundation of lasting trust. 👉 Continuous learning : staying sharp in your skills and keeping pace with market changes is non-negotiable.

« Freelancing is a balance between freedom and responsibility. You have to be ready to take on the challenges — but also to enjoy the flexibility. »

Her inspirations

• A passion for contemporary graphic design and visual trends.
• Inspired by designers and artists she follows closely.
• Loves bringing a creative, personal touch to every project she takes on.

Where to find Elisa Vanrullen

• On Instagram: @elisavanrullen
• Portfolio: elisavanrullen.com

Conclusion

In this episode of Take Control Now, Elisa Vanrullen shares a rich and inspiring journey — spanning studies, salaried employment, and the freelance adventure. Her story offers valuable perspective for anyone thinking about making the leap into freelancing with confidence.