Independent creatives can get pretty close to their clients. After all, you may have to end a call because the doorbell rings or a child falls down while you're brainstorming a brochure. Because the lines between personal and professional life can get a bit blurry when you're working for yourself, it's critical to surround yourself with clients, vendors, and projects that fit your life, values, preferences, and sensibilities, as well as your professional aspirations. Don't forget that the opportunity to work on stuff—and with people—you like is a big reason why you went out on your own to begin with.