Tired Eyes, Tight Deadlines: How Text-to-Speech Can Rescue Your Freelance Brain

Freelance designers put on many hats—and sometimes all at the same time. One moment you are studying a client’s design brief; the next minute, you’re adjusting typefaces, and before you know it, you’re swimming in layers of feedback and balancing three different project timelines.

Does this ring a bell?

As someone who’s been grinding as a freelancer for years, I can attest that the hustle is real—and the burnout is even more real. If you’re like me, hours spent staring at the screen eventually catch up with you: your eyes burn, your head throbs, and even the most thrilling creative project begins to feel like drudgery. That’s when I discovered a game-changing partner — text-to-speech technology.

I now use resources such as Murf AI text to speech on a regular basis to balance productivity with mental health. From what was just an experiment, it has evolved to be one of the most important components of my process — and in this article, I’ll demonstrate how it can do the same for you.

The Freelance Designer’s Dilemma

Flexibility is what freelancing provides, but it is also a request for self-motivation and effective time organization. The fact that one always has to be producing quality work, talking with clients, and keeping up to date with fashion trends can lead to exhaustion. Skimming over long briefs, emails, or articles further contributes to stress, making focus and creativity more difficult to preserve.

When Your Eyes Can’t Keep Up, Let Your Ears Take Over

Let’s discuss the reality of doing creative work. We all came into the world of design because we enjoy creating — layouts, visuals, and experiences. But in reality, a great portion of our time is consumed with such activities as going through documents, reading comments, and sifting through research. And all of this involves more screen time.

After several 12-hour days of alternating between Adobe Illustrator and client Slack threads, my eyes were pleading for mercy. However, avoiding reading client updates or delaying reading design trend pieces wasn’t on the agenda either. That’s when I discovered that I didn’t have to read — I could listen.

With decent text-to-speech software, I could “read” on my feet, do the dishes, or even stretch on the floor of my studio apartment. It was as if I was stealing back time from the burnout spiral.

How I Employ Text-to-Speech in My Freelance Process

All freelancers are unique, but these are a few ways that I’ve utilized text-to-speech to simplify my life — and my work.

• Listening to Design Briefs Rather than Reading Them

It’s incredible how much more you pick up when you hear something read out loud. I began copying and pasting briefs into a text-to-speech program, and suddenly, I could move around while listening — mentally noting things without zoning out in front of a screen.

This tiny adjustment allowed me to process information quicker and more efficiently, particularly during hectic weeks with concurrent projects.

• Editing My Own Copy with Fresh Ears

We’ve all been there: you read your own project description or case study five times and never catch typos or clunky phrasing. Hearing your own copy through text-to-speech brings to light all the small things you wouldn’t have noticed otherwise. I now produce all my portfolio updates and blog posts through audio prior to publishing them.

• Learning on the Go

Keeping up with design trends is a full-time job. I utilize text-to-speech to hear blog posts, newsletters, and even eBooks when I’m not at my desk. I’ve learned so much valuable information this way — about typography trends, accessibility best practices, and even freelancing business advice.

If you’re wondering where to begin, I suggest looking at these innovative workflow tips from DesignWorkLife. They’re full of advice that pairs wonderfully with audio learning.

Why Murf AI Stood Out

Not all text-to-speech software is created equal. What I adore about Murf AI is that it sounds natural. No robotic voices or stilted pauses — just crisp, professional-sounding narration that actually feels human.

It also features various voice types and accents, which keeps me alert and not zoning out when hearing long content. And because it’s cloud-based, I can use it from both my desktop and phone — really convenient when I’m changing workspaces or on-the-go.

When You Should Definitely Use Text-to-Speech

Text-to-speech is not only a gimmick — it’s actually a productivity solution. I’d highly suggest it for the following situations:

• You have multiple clients to handle and must catch up on docs on the go
• You prefer proofreading your own writing with improved accuracy
• You’re attempting to develop healthier work habits and decrease screen fatigue
• You wish to transform reading time into active listening time for commutes or workouts

Whether you’re designing logos, building out UI kits, or creating pitch decks for clients, this technology allows your brain to take a break — while still staying in motion.

The Bottom Line: Work Smarter, Not Harder!

So the next time your eyes feel heavy, your inbox overflows, and the deadline looms, let your ears take over.

One more thing...

You didn't start freelancing to spend hours every week searching through job boards. You started freelancing to do more work you enjoy! Here at SolidGigs, we want to help you spend less time hunting and more time doing work you love.

Our team of "Gig Hunters"—together with the power of A.I.—sends you high-quality leads every weekday on autopilot. You can learn more or sign up here. Happy Freelancing!

Jack Nolan

Jack Nolan is a seasoned small business coach passionate about helping entrepreneurs turn their visions into thriving ventures. With over a decade of experience in business strategy and personal development, Jack combines practical guidance with motivational insights to empower his clients. His approach is straightforward and results-driven, making complex challenges feel manageable and fostering growth in a way that’s sustainable. When he’s not coaching, Jack writes articles on business growth, leadership, and productivity, sharing his expertise to help small business owners achieve lasting success.