My ultimate goal : Become irreplaceable to 5–6 mid-market companies by operating as a retained design partner inside their product decision loop. In this model you are not a freelancer taking briefs. You become a retained design partner who sits inside 5-6 companies' product decision loop on an ongoing basis. Monthly retainer, not project fees. The difference is a freelancer is called when needed. A retained partner is consulted before decisions are made.