PUSH 2018 is in full swing with lots of creative experiences still to enjoy. On Sunday, as part of the festival, we hosted an informative and inspiring panel discussion on setting up as a freelancer. Digital Reporter Kat Grayston went along to pick up some tips…
Becoming a freelancer can be a scary step, leaving behind regular pay cheques, a steady workload and someone else doing your admin. You’ll be doing what you love and working for yourself, but often having to creatively stretch your bank balance and your time too! Not to mention the tax return forms…
The Setting up as a Freelancer session featured three successful freelancers across various sectors – Sarah Emmett – theatre producer and owner of performance company Art with Heart, Loren Dunn – film producer and owner of Delavel production company, and Dan Hett – BAFTA-winning creative technologist and digital artist. The session was chaired by freelance theatre practitioner Kate Bradnam.
The panel provided a very insightful and honest look into the world of creative freelancing and though all three contributors have had different pathways to success, several universal tips and tricks came up during discussion.
Balance your time
It is important to strike the right balance between projects that bring in money and projects for yourself. Though passion projects are more appealing, sometimes it’s necessary to take more corporate jobs to get a bit of cash. It was suggested that enough money is set aside to cover rent/essentials and the rest used to invest in yourself. Attending and partaking in development opportunities such as conferences, networking events or courses is an investment as it expands your skill set, which will in turn broaden your future opportunities. Any additional skills you gain will help develop your USP (unique selling point) as an artist and push you ahead of the competition in an oversaturated market.
Make connections
The freelance world is driven by people and connections, particularly with the amount of collaborative projects within the arts sector. Assert yourself and use your time wisely to connect with people online and in person. Attend events in your field as much as possible; being in the same space as people with common interests will engage you as an artist and help you make connections. Also, find people who challenge you and your ideas, and make you ask yourself why you have made your creative choices. Ask someone who is not in the arts to be your critical voice to gain an outside perspective – you are not making art for other artists, you are making it for the people.
Put yourself first
It’s also key to weigh up whether taking a job will be beneficial or harmful to your own wellbeing and mental health. Be generous with your time, but don’t let people exploit you. Panelists warned against agreeing to unpaid jobs for ‘exposure’ for a big media corporation that can afford to pay you a proper wage. In addition to this, it was emphasised that freelancers should never work without a contract. Ask yourself what is the job and how much time it will take you and insist on a fee that reflects that – value yourself, your time and your talents. To assist with your wellbeing make sure you separate work life from home life if you’re working in your living space. Give yourself fixed office hours, ensure you get out of the house and most importantly, get dressed when you start your day!
And finally, as Sarah Emmott concluded…“Keep pushing yourself and believing you can do it and also… wing it A LOT! If you just keep doing that you too will win an award, or even a few!”
Images: Nathan Whittaker
PUSH 2018 continues here at HOME until Sat 27 Jan. Find out more and book tickets here.