Andrew Houle, a veteran web designer, reflects on a career that began in 2003 with table layouts and Dreamweaver. He credits early curiosity and a steady job at a university and agency for building a client base that allowed him to launch Craft and Function in 2022. The post frames his journey as a cautionary tale for freelancers.

Central to his advice is the shift from pure coding to selling expertise. In an era of site builders and AI, a polished portfolio alone no longer guarantees work; clear communication of value and positioning oneself as an expert in niche platforms like Silverstripe can unlock new clients.

His final lesson echoes a childhood card‑collecting metaphor: diversify. Relying on a single big client or agency can leave a business vulnerable when contracts end. By nurturing side projects, networking, and staying current with tools, freelancers build a safety net that mirrors the resilience of a seasoned wolf rather than a complacent cow.