Afternoon Freelancers and welcome back to another edition of #FreelanceLife.
This week we caught up with fantastic Freelance Graphic Designer Paul, who has been a full-time freelancer for just over a year now. He's 'armed with a pencil and not afraid to use it'. Over to you Paul:
"Hi, I am Paul. A Freelance Creative Graphic Designer. I love being involved in all aspects of Graphic Design and my passion is bringing Brands to life through Creative Thinking & Playful Design."
1. What is your favourite thing about being a Freelancer?
I love the adventure of being Freelance. My main aim for going Freelance was to disturb and change the status quo of my career or become it. You don’t know who you will connect with or what work will come through the door. Very often connecting with new people leads to exciting things. The variety of projects I have been working on over the last year has made the transition into Freelance extremely interesting and has really helped me develop my skill set into new and exciting areas.
2. What is your least favourite thing about being a Freelancer?
Spreadsheets spreadsheets spreadsheets.The old chestnut of keeping all your books up to date. Being a creative person and someone who hasn’t had any experience with that side of business, it’s a little challenging but my top tip for being Freelance is keeping the paperwork up to date.
3. What skills are essential for a Freelancer?
Hard work and Dedication. Simples. Freelance Life is amazing BUT it’s not all plain sailing and kicking back waiting for work to come. Work hard and you will reap the rewards. Making things happen - sometimes you might have periods that are a little quiet and it’s up to you to make things happen. That’s the exciting challenge.
4. On average, what time do you start and finish work? What does your day map out?
My average day starts at around 7.30-8am and I work through till 1pm - then I love to walk my dog Oscar and sharpen my focus for the afternoon ahead. I am fully recharged for the afternoon 2-5 then spend a couple of hours with my beautiful family. Then I start work again in the evening around 7.30-9.30.
5. How often do you work remotely?
I love the balance I currently have of working within Design Agencies and working remotely. Around 60% of my work time is spent working remotely and for me this balance works.
6. What do you wish someone had told you when you were starting out?
I like to think I was quite well equipped for going into the wild but I wish someone had told me about the time spent chasing invoice payments and the admin side of Freelance. I love designing and Bringing Brands to Life not the admin side of things as much.
7. Would you ever consider going for a permanent position?
No! I firmly believe now I have taken that step into Freelance Life I don’t want that adventure to end. I consider myself very fortunate to have a Freelance Career.
8. What is the most standout memory from your Freelance Career? (Whether it brings, elation, anger, humour, sadness)
My stand out memory has to be the fist bumping and high fiving joy you feel when your hard work into networking pays off. It takes a while to forge a relationship with clients and agencies but when all of your hard work pays off it’s the best feeling ever. It’s something you have worked towards and you have made happen.
9. What song best represents your Freelance state of mind? Metal, Hip Hop, Classical?
ACDC - It’s a long way to the top
It’s a massive tune, it’s harder than it looks but smooth seas don’t make skilful sailors. Enjoy the adventure.
To get involved and share your #FreelanceLife you definitely can! Just get in touch with us now, we'd love to hear from you. You can catch up on the previous 10 chapters and our special editions here.
