Embarking on a freelance career is a weird mix of freedom and responsibility. On the one hand, the freedom it brings is truly exhilarating. No more horrible commutes. No more being hauled over the coals by managers. No more awkward water cooler encounters with that fellow office worker you really don’t like. No more plucking up the courage to ask for a raise only to be brutally rebuffed. Instead, the freedom to choose projects that align with your passions and set your own schedule. Bliss.
On the other hand, freelancing also brings new responsibilities: the responsibility to find clients, manage your workload, and, crucially, actually get paid on time. All this demands a high level of self-discipline and business acumen.
In honour of National Freelancers Day on 20 June, we reached out to seasoned creative freelancers to share their top tips for thriving in the freelance world. So whether you’re considering making the leap into freelancing or are already on your way, their advice can provide valuable guidance and encouragement.
We’ll share their best tips below, and you can read the full discussion on Threads and X.
1. Take the leap
We’ll start at the beginning. “The best advice I can say for anyone apprehensive of going freelance is to go headfirst into it!” says illustrator and designer Kohenoor Kamal. Muralist and illustrator Briks agrees, saying: “Go for it! This lifestyle is a tough one but rewarding. Hold onto the feels of the highs to carry you through the valleys. Don’t limit yourself.”
Yes, taking the leap into full-time freelancing is undoubtedly a terrifying prospect. But it’s a necessary step to fully commit to your new career. And if you speak to anyone who’s done it themselves, very few regret it; quite the reverse.
That said, you don’t necessarily have to do it overnight. You could always start with a side hustle while maintaining a steady job. This approach allows you to test the waters and build a portfolio without the pressure of relying solely on freelance income. When you’re ready, take the plunge and trust your ability to succeed.
“Take freelance work on the side for a year or two at least to build up a clientele and learn the ropes,” advises Isaac LeFever. “Start tracking where your inbound work comes from and how frequently you get it. By doing that, you’ll start to see when your business is really taking off and can make a more informed decision about when to go solo.”
Whether you go independent suddenly or slowly, though, remember every successful freelancer begins with that first step.
2. Find your niche
Our next tip comes from illustrator Ollie Hirst. “Find your USP!” he enthuses. “Clients buy into people as well as skills.” Or as fellow illustrator Megdalena Pankiewicz puts it: “Don’t look at what others are doing and develop your own style.”
They’re not wrong.