National Freelancers Day - 28 June 2018

Choosing to freelance can be a very daunting prospect.

Making the decision to strike out alone, follow a dream, without the security of an employer, or colleagues, can be challenging. For some, it's the need to be your own boss and lose the perceived shackles of someone else's ideas and demands. For others, its the only way to find employment whilst balancing the needs of a complex and hectic life.

To mark the tenth anniversary of National Freelancers Day 2018, we asked Ar, freelance writer, designer and artist, of https://actualar.co.uk, some questions:

Image credit: https://actualar.co.uk

HW: Tell us a little bit about yourself in three sentences.

Ar: I'm a writer and artist from North East England.

I play rugby in the national women's league competition with my local team.

I have three different degrees - none of which I really put to much use these days!

HW: How did you get in to freelancing? Was it driven by the love of the work, or was it something you 'fell into', as it fitted with your life circumstances?

Ar: A bit of both really! I have always been a creative person and after leaving my job in education I realised that I had the opportunity to follow my real passions in life, one of which is writing and another being art and design work. I started out painting and designing artwork and selling it online, and then decided to explore the world of freelance writing. Being able to work in a freelance capacity fitted around my home life as well, which made a massive difference.

HW: What was your first paid commission as a freelancer? Was it what you were hoping for, or was it just the joy of getting your first paid opportunity?

Ar: I've done a few now but one of my favourite ones was actually an art based commission. It was a header and logo design package I did for a blogger who contacted me through Twitter. I absolutely loved creating the pieces because I really felt like I understood her messaging - plus it was one of the first times I'd been paid in full for my work, so that was a fantastic feeling.

HW: Did you, by any chance, spend the money you earnt in the first commission on celebrating your new found career? If so, what did that 'celebration' look like?

Ar: I wish! No, the money went straight into the bank and that's where it's stayed - freelance work isn't guaranteed to be stable so I really believe in setting yourself up with a steady bankroll before actually spending it on anything. I think the most expensive item I've spent any of my freelance cash on so far has been a new mobile phone I could use purely for work-related things.

HW: Are you ever tempted back to the 9-5? If so, what are those temptations?

Ar: Occasionally. Only because of the financial instability that comes with the freelance territory. You can never guarantee that you're going to earn a set amount each month, whereas with a paid employment, you know that no matter what happens, you'll receive a salary payment at the end of the month. I've got a little girl to take care of, so when times are tough it can be hard not to look back at the job market.

HW: What was your favourite commission to date?

Ar: Aside from the design pieces I talked about before, I'd say one of my other favourites was a piece of artwork I created for a customer who wanted a story to go alongside it. The piece was a present for a friend of hers who had recently lost a child, and she wanted something special to remember him by. It was a tough job actually, but one of the most rewarding things I've ever written and drawn.

HW: What do you think it is that sets your apart from your 'competition'? Why do clients say they hire you? If you get repeat customers, what is it that brings them back?

Ar: I think they feel that I really listen to their ideas and work as closely to the brief they provide as possible. I'm also quite creative in my own take on things and sometimes that is useful to clients who may not have thought of certain ways of interpreting their plans visually. I do a lot of creative writing alongside feature and article writing, so I think I have quite a varied skillset when it comes to writing.

HW: Who are your favourite clients to work with? Ignoring the obvious, 'The ones who pay...', do you prefer to work in collaboration on a design brief, or be left alone to be inspired?

Ar: Again, a bit of both! I like clients to feel involved and I'm not precious about my style...well, not too precious anyway! I'm happy to work in collaboration with someone but equally happy to be told 'I want this...' and just get on with it.

HW: What would you tell someone who made the decision yesterday to make today their first day freelancing?

Ar: Get your house in order. Sort a separate bank account, put some money in it to cushion you and then start creating a portfolio of your own work. Be prepared for it to get rocky, and don't undersell yourself; its such an easy mistake to make but you have to value your own work.

HW: Anything else you want to say before we sign off?

Ar: Only that if you'd like to work with me or check out any of my work you can do so at my website https://actualar.co.uk. Thank you!

Image credit: https://actualar.co.uk

Sincere thanks for your time Ar. Wishing you, and all our freelance readers, a happy National Freelancers Day.

---------------

National Freelancers Day was established by the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self Employed (IPSE). IPSE's mission is to represent and promote the interests of the UK's self-employed population. You can out more about IPSE at www.ipse.co.uk.