being a freelancer

James started freelancing in 2010 after spending a couple of years building a name for himself online. He was still working for an agency during that first couple of years. He’d spend his days working on whatever landed on his desk, and his evenings creating exciting things for clients like MTV. Eventually, the balance tipped and James went freelance full time.

By working on his own projects and putting that work out there, James was attracting clients who wanted to pay him for the things he loved doing. And it’s gone that way ever since.

“When I was younger, I had an immense frustration with not having my own style,” James says. “That frustration was necessary. If you’re complacent, you’re not evolving. The more you do, the better you get. Don’t let that frustration stop you.”

This episode of Being Freelance is supported by Coconut.

Coconut is the ultimate accounting and tax tool for self-employed people. With expense tracking, receipt capture, invoicing and tax all in one easy-to-use app, Coconut gives you the power of a finance team in your pocket.

Free yourself from business admin at getcoconut.com

Love learning from other freelancers like this? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, be part of the Being Freelance Community!

You'll also find useful links for this episode. That's beingfreelance.com

Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

Who the hell is Steve Folland?

You know how everyone bangs on about how powerful video and audio content can be? Yeah, well Steve helps businesses make it and make the most of it. Find out more at www.stevefolland.com
Track him down on Twitter @sfolland or lay a trail of cake and he'll eventually catch you up.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY
You're not alone being freelance. 
Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).
beingfreelance.com/community
 

NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!

The Being Freelance course is made for you!
Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership.
 

FREELANCER MERCH
Get Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shop

Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:
Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelance
YouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

Bored at home when she first became a mum, Diane decided to launch an online shop. She didn’t have money to invest so she got to work DIY-ing the website herself. She barely sold a thing, but she did start getting questions from people who wanted the name of her web designer. And so a new business was born.

It’s ten years later now and, as well as running her own web design business, Diane’s teaching others how to use WordPress via her YouTube channel.

She’s struggled in the past to know when to stop working. But now, thanks to avoiding distractions during the working day, finding other interests outside of work, increasing her prices and being strict with her boundaries, she’s found a way of balancing things that feels good. Like making Wednesdays just for her.

This episode of Being Freelance is supported by Coconut.

Coconut is the ultimate accounting and tax tool for self-employed people. With expense tracking, receipt capture, invoicing and tax all in one easy-to-use app, Coconut gives you the power of a finance team in your pocket.

Free yourself from business admin at getcoconut.com

Love learning from other freelancers like this? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, be part of the Being Freelance Community!

You'll also find useful links for this episode. That's beingfreelance.com

Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

Who the hell is Steve Folland?

You know how everyone bangs on about how powerful video and audio content can be? Yeah, well Steve helps businesses make it and make the most of it. Find out more at www.stevefolland.com
Track him down on Twitter @sfolland or lay a trail of cake and he'll eventually catch you up.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY
You're not alone being freelance. 
Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).
beingfreelance.com/community
 

NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!

The Being Freelance course is made for you!
Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership.
 

FREELANCER MERCH
Get Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shop

Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:
Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelance
YouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

Rose is on her second run being freelance after things didn’t work out the first time around. After realising she’d underestimated the amount of work she’d need to put in, Rose took a job at an adult store in London.

She’d been a writer at a magazine for years before going freelance and then ending up in retail, so when she found out her new employers were launching a magazine and website, she put herself forward for the work and carved out a full-time writing role.

Rose learnt a lot on the job about the differences between journalism and writing as a marketer, and when she moved to Brisbane with her Aussie husband, she ended up freelance once again, and this time with a much better idea of how to make it work.

She shares all the lessons she’s picked up along the way, from the things that have gone wrong and those that have gone right, and talks about the one big mindset shift that’s made a crucial difference.

This episode of Being Freelance is supported by Coconut.

Coconut is the ultimate accounting and tax tool for self-employed people.  With expense tracking, receipt capture, invoicing and tax all in one easy-to-use app, Coconut gives you the power of a finance team in your pocket. 

Free yourself from business admin at getcoconut.com

Love learning from other freelancers like this? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, be part of the Being Freelance Community!

You'll also find useful links for this episode. That's beingfreelance.com

Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

Who the hell is Steve Folland?

You know how everyone bangs on about how powerful video and audio content can be? Yeah, well Steve helps businesses make it and make the most of it. Find out more at www.stevefolland.com
Track him down on Twitter @sfolland or lay a trail of cake and he'll eventually catch you up.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY
You're not alone being freelance. 
Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).
beingfreelance.com/community
 

NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!

The Being Freelance course is made for you!
Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership.
 

FREELANCER MERCH
Get Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shop

Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:
Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelance
YouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

Ruud launched an illustration studio straight of university in the Netherlands with his then-girlfriend. It started well but the work didn’t keep coming, and he soon took a job as a web designer to help pay the bills.

After a move to Scotland, where his girlfriend landed her dream job as a game developer, Ruud took another shot at building the studio. He set up in a co-working space and made friends who inspired him, but after his relationship broke down he eventually moved to Portugal in search of the sun.

He’s still there now three and half years later, with a steady flow of commissions coming in via word of mouth and social media. “There’s no magic formula,” says Ruud, “It’s just a matter of time.”

This episode of Being Freelance is supported by Coconut.

Coconut is the one simple app you need to manage your business finances when you’re self-employed, with banking, bookkeeping, invoicing and tax all in one place.

Free yourself from business admin at getcoconut.com

Love learning from other freelancers like this? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, be part of the Being Freelance Community!

You'll also find useful links for this episode. That's beingfreelance.com

Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

Who the hell is Steve Folland?

You know how everyone bangs on about how powerful video and audio content can be? Yeah, well Steve helps businesses make it and make the most of it. Find out more at www.stevefolland.com
Track him down on Twitter @sfolland or lay a trail of cake and he'll eventually catch you up.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY
You're not alone being freelance. 
Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).
beingfreelance.com/community
 

NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!

The Being Freelance course is made for you!
Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership.
 

FREELANCER MERCH
Get Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shop

Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:
Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelance
YouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

Julia spent 8 years designing greetings cards in-house at Hallmark and Moonpig before she was “forced into freelancing”. Turning away on-the-side gigs that she just couldn’t fit in around full-time work, Julia realised she was losing money.

She went freelance full-time, securing guaranteed work from her former employer for the first year, and continued to teach the calligraphy classes that were helping her get her name out there. She niched from illustration to lettering, rebranding her entire business, and she’s now busy building up multiple income streams.

She chats to Steve about the different avenues she’s exploring, how she finds work and builds relationships with art directors, and what her big goals for the future are.

This episode of Being Freelance is supported by With Jack

With Jack exists to help keep you in business by supporting you financially or legally if you have problems with a client.
With Jack is all about giving freelancers the insurance they deserve.

Visit withjack.co.uk and be a confident freelancer.

Support also comes from Coconut.

Coconut is the one simple app you need to manage your business finances when you’re self-employed, with banking, bookkeeping, invoicing and tax all in one place.

Free yourself from business admin at getcoconut.com

Love learning from other freelancers like this? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, be part of the Being Freelance Community!

You'll also find useful links for this episode. That's beingfreelance.com

Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

Who the hell is Steve Folland?

You know how everyone bangs on about how powerful video and audio content can be? Yeah, well Steve helps businesses make it and make the most of it. Find out more at www.stevefolland.com
Track him down on Twitter @sfolland or lay a trail of cake and he'll eventually catch you up.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY
You're not alone being freelance. 
Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).
beingfreelance.com/community
 

NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!

The Being Freelance course is made for you!
Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership.
 

FREELANCER MERCH
Get Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shop

Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:
Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelance
YouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

John’s freelance career began in 2009 after he was made redundant from his role as a software tester. Struggling to get an interview, let alone a job, he embarked on a new adventure as a technical writer.

Work came via old contacts, family and friends for the first five years, and then John discovered the world of online marketing. He developed his website, began using his skills to create “Relentlessly Helpful” content, and got really good at LinkedIn. “It feels a bit like you’re shouting into the wind at first”, says John, but eventually the referrals and enquiries started coming in.

He chats to Steve about building an online presence, speaking at events, writing a book, working with clients, and being a bit rubbish at the whole work-life balance thing.

This episode of Being Freelance is supported by With Jack

With Jack exists to help keep you in business by supporting you financially or legally if you have problems with a client.
With Jack is all about giving freelancers the insurance they deserve.

Visit withjack.co.uk and be a confident freelancer.

Support also comes from Coconut.

Coconut is the one simple app you need to manage your business finances when you’re self-employed, with banking, bookkeeping, invoicing and tax all in one place.

Free yourself from business admin at getcoconut.com

Love learning from other freelancers like this? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, be part of the Being Freelance Community!

You'll also find useful links for this episode. That's beingfreelance.com

Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

Who the hell is Steve Folland?

You know how everyone bangs on about how powerful video and audio content can be? Yeah, well Steve helps businesses make it and make the most of it. Find out more at www.stevefolland.com
Track him down on Twitter @sfolland or lay a trail of cake and he'll eventually catch you up.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY
You're not alone being freelance. 
Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).
beingfreelance.com/community
 

NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!

The Being Freelance course is made for you!
Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership.
 

FREELANCER MERCH
Get Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shop

Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:
Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelance
YouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

Anne got into web development in 2010 and eventually found that coding for email was her sweet spot. She worked in permanent roles for years while freelancing on the side, and then her cat got diagnosed with cancer and she went freelance full-time to be with him.

It turned out to be great timing for Anne. She’d been involved in ‘Email Geek’ communities online, and by being active, helpful and enthusiastic about her work, her name got around and she was picking up bigger clients.

She chats to Steve about where her work comes from now, how she manages her time, her experience of attending and speaking at events, and how she avoids distraction in her work by getting herslef into the ‘Code Zone’.

This episode of Being Freelance is supported by With Jack

With Jack exists to help keep you in business by supporting you financially or legally if you have problems with a client.
With Jack is all about giving freelancers the insurance they deserve.

Visit withjack.co.uk and be a confident freelancer.

Support also comes from Coconut.

Coconut is the one simple app you need to manage your business finances when you’re self-employed, with banking, bookkeeping, invoicing and tax all in one place.

Free yourself from business admin at getcoconut.com

Love learning from other freelancers like this? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, be part of the Being Freelance Community!

You'll also find useful links for this episode. That's beingfreelance.com

Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

Who the hell is Steve Folland?

You know how everyone bangs on about how powerful video and audio content can be?
Yeah, well Steve helps businesses make it and make the most of it. Find out more at www.stevefolland.com
Track him down on Twitter @sfolland or lay a trail of cake and he'll eventually catch you up.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY
You're not alone being freelance. 
Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).
beingfreelance.com/community
 

NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!

The Being Freelance course is made for you!
Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership.
 

FREELANCER MERCH
Get Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shop

Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:
Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelance
YouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

Being Freelance returns on Sunday 12th January with our first guest of season 10, but for now, a bonus episode with Holly June Smith and Andrew and Pete.

Both previous guests in the Being Freelance community on Facebook, Holly, Andrew and Pete all joined Steve for Live Q&A sessions, where they answered your burning questions about being freelance.

Holly is a life coach who helps people find their sweet spot between productivity and presence.

Through their Atomic programme and community, Andrew and Pete help small business owners grow their businesses “the smarter way”.

Need advice on how to follow through on the goals you set in January; get comfortable with putting yourself out there; or decide where to focus your time when there’s only so much of it? Holly, Andrew and Pete have you covered.
 

1:12 - Following through on your January goals, with Holly June Smith

3:14 - Following up on proposals or introductions, with Andrew and Pete

8:01 - Motivating yourself to win new client work, with Holly June Smith

10:17 - Finding the courage to put your face out there, with Andrew and Pete

15:21 - Managing your intentions when you have limited time, and avoiding overwhelm when there’s lots to do, with Holly June Smith

21:44 - How to handle networking when you find it uncomfortable, with Andrew and Pete

24:57 - Getting unstuck when you know what your goals are but haven’t made any progress with them, with Holly June Smith

27:56 - Tips for getting testimonials, with Andrew and Pete

31:26 - How to decide which projects or ideas to focus your time on, with Holly June Smith

34:16 - Advice for using LinkedIn, with Andrew and Pete

37:12 - How to get speaking gigs, with Andrew and Pete

This episode is supported by FreeAgent - online accounting software that makes managing your business finances a breeze.
With an award-winning UK based support team on hand to help out, it’s easy to stay on top of your expenses, invoices, banking and tax.
To claim your 1-month free trial, visit FreeAgent.com/beingfreelance

Support also comes from With Jack
With Jack exists to help keep you in business by supporting you financially or legally if you have problems with a client.
With Jack is all about giving freelancers the insurance they deserve.
Visit withjack.co.uk and be a confident freelancer.

Love learning from other freelancers like this? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, be part of the Being Freelance Community!

You'll also find useful links for this episode. That's beingfreelance.com

Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

Who the hell is Steve Folland?

You know how everyone bangs on about how powerful video and audio content can be?
Yeah, well Steve helps businesses make it and make the most of it. Find out more at www.stevefolland.com
Track him down on Twitter @sfolland or lay a trail of cake and he'll eventually catch you up.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY
You're not alone being freelance. 
Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).
beingfreelance.com/community
 

NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!

The Being Freelance course is made for you!
Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership.
 

FREELANCER MERCH
Get Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shop

Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:
Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelance
YouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

Ketan left his full-time role as a graphic designer with 2 or 3 freelance clients lined up. Within a couple of years he had enough work to hire a second designer, but when they lost a big client the following year, Ketan had to let his employee go.

Ketan went on to co-found his own agency in Manchester before moving to Australia with his wife and son. He worked remotely for a year before the agency folded and he found himself freelance once again.

He chats to Steve about the lessons he’s learnt along the way, including the difficulties involved in taking on employees and the benefits of being a solo freelancer.

This episode is supported by FreeAgent - online accounting software that makes managing your business finances a breeze.
With an award-winning UK based support team on hand to help out, it’s easy to stay on top of your expenses, invoices, banking and tax.
To claim your 1-month free trial, visit FreeAgent.com/beingfreelance

Support also comes from With Jack
With Jack exists to help keep you in business by supporting you financially or legally if you have problems with a client.
With Jack is all about giving freelancers the insurance they deserve.
Visit withjack.co.uk and be a confident freelancer.

Love learning from other freelancers like this? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, be part of the Being Freelance Community!

You'll also find useful links for this episode. That's beingfreelance.com

Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

Who the hell is Steve Folland?

You know how everyone bangs on about how powerful video and audio content can be?
Yeah, well Steve helps businesses make it and make the most of it. Find out more at www.stevefolland.com
Track him down on Twitter @sfolland or lay a trail of cake and he'll eventually catch you up.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY
You're not alone being freelance. 
Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).
beingfreelance.com/community
 

NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!

The Being Freelance course is made for you!
Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership.
 

FREELANCER MERCH
Get Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shop

Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:
Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelance
YouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

Ready for a career change in her mid-30s, Nik landed an internship with a local design company. She took a risk and went freelance soon after, with only 1 client on her books and no cash to back her up.

It worked for a while, and then Nik ended up back in employment with a boss she didn’t respect. It didn’t take long for her to return to the freelance world, and this time she came to it with fresh eyes.

Through working with a life coach to overcome burnout and tackle the psychological challenges that self-employment throws up, Nik’s found a way to make freelancing work for her.

It turns out you don’t need to wear shoes at home to trick your brain into thinking you’re at work. You just need to learn to say no.

This episode is supported by FreeAgent - online accounting software that makes managing your business finances a breeze.
With an award-winning UK based support team on hand to help out, it’s easy to stay on top of your expenses, invoices, banking and tax.
To claim your 1-month free trial, visit FreeAgent.com/beingfreelance

Support also comes from With Jack
With Jack exists to help keep you in business by supporting you financially or legally if you have problems with a client.
With Jack is all about giving freelancers the insurance they deserve.
Visit withjack.co.uk and be a confident freelancer.

Love learning from other freelancers like this? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, be part of the Being Freelance Community!

You'll also find useful links for this episode. That's beingfreelance.com

Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

Who the hell is Steve Folland?

You know how everyone bangs on about how powerful video and audio content can be?
Yeah, well Steve helps businesses make it and make the most of it. Find out more at www.stevefolland.com
Track him down on Twitter @sfolland or lay a trail of cake and he'll eventually catch you up.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY
You're not alone being freelance. 
Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).
beingfreelance.com/community
 

NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!

The Being Freelance course is made for you!
Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership.
 

FREELANCER MERCH
Get Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shop

Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:
Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelance
YouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

Over the last 15 years, Rachel’s gone from unhappy administrator to IPSE’s Freelancer of the Year.

Rachel teaches 1 on 1, she mentors choirs, she’s performed around the world and appeared as a judge on a SKY 1 TV show, and she runs workshops in schools and communities. And that’s not even everything.

By taking her talent and finding plenty of different ways to apply it, Rachel’s been able to build a successful portfolio career with multiple income streams.

“Clients are buying into you when they hire you, “ says Rachel. “As freelancers, we are the product.”

This episode is supported by FreeAgent - online accounting software that makes managing your business finances a breeze.
With an award-winning UK based support team on hand to help out, it’s easy to stay on top of your expenses, invoices, banking and tax.
To claim your 1-month free trial, visit FreeAgent.com/beingfreelance

Love learning from other freelancers like this? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, be part of the Being Freelance Community!

You'll also find useful links for this episode. That's beingfreelance.com

Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

Who the hell is Steve Folland?

You know how everyone bangs on about how powerful video and audio content can be?
Yeah, well Steve helps businesses make it and make the most of it. Find out more at www.stevefolland.com
Track him down on Twitter @sfolland or lay a trail of cake and he'll eventually catch you up.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY
You're not alone being freelance. 
Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).
beingfreelance.com/community
 

NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!

The Being Freelance course is made for you!
Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership.
 

FREELANCER MERCH
Get Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shop

Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:
Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelance
YouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

David developed an array of skills studying multimedia at university in Ireland, and he’d freelanced on the side of full-time gigs for years, as well as going solo for a while before one of his clients took him on as an employee.

He didn’t stay long though. By then, David had caught the travel bug.

From Ireland to Central America and everywhere in between, he’s spent the past couple of years travelling the world. He never intended to work while he was away, but the jobs kept coming in, and David soon found himself living the digital nomad lifestyle.

Now settled in Mexico, where he fell in love, David’s freelancing full-time and building up his one-person studio. This is his story so far.

This episode is supported by FreeAgent - online accounting software that makes managing your business finances a breeze.
With an award-winning UK based support team on hand to help out, it’s easy to stay on top of your expenses, invoices, banking and tax.
To claim your 1-month free trial, visit FreeAgent.com/beingfreelance

Love learning from other freelancers like this? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, be part of the Being Freelance Community!

You'll also find useful links for this episode. That's beingfreelance.com

Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

Who the hell is Steve Folland?

You know how everyone bangs on about how powerful video and audio content can be?
Yeah, well Steve helps businesses make it and make the most of it. Find out more at www.stevefolland.com
Track him down on Twitter @sfolland or lay a trail of cake and he'll eventually catch you up.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY
You're not alone being freelance. 
Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).
beingfreelance.com/community
 

NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!

The Being Freelance course is made for you!
Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership.
 

FREELANCER MERCH
Get Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shop

Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:
Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelance
YouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

Sian started freelancing on the side 12 years ago, with one gig leading to another. When a job came along that was enough to cover rent, she left the security of employment without giving it much thought.

6 months later, Sian’s client folded and she was out of work.

She bounced back and found her niche, built relationships with clients, and grew and edited her own successful website. She now writes emails for a living and is crowdfunding her first book.

Sian chats to Steve about the lessons she's learned along the way, the fear she still feels sending pitches, and that one time the tax office threatened her with bankruptcy.

If you want to support Sian’s book, The Pyjama Myth, use the code BEINGFREELANCE for 10% off any pledge up to £100.

This episode is supported by FreeAgent - online accounting software that makes managing your business finances a breeze.
With an award-winning UK based support team on hand to help out, it’s easy to stay on top of your expenses, invoices, banking and tax.
To claim your 1-month free trial, visit FreeAgent.com/beingfreelance

Love learning from other freelancers like this? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, be part of the Being Freelance Community!

You'll also find useful links for this episode. That's beingfreelance.com

Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

Who the hell is Steve Folland?

You know how everyone bangs on about how powerful video and audio content can be?
Yeah, well Steve helps businesses make it and make the most of it. Find out more at www.stevefolland.com
Track him down on Twitter @sfolland or lay a trail of cake and he'll eventually catch you up.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY
You're not alone being freelance. 
Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).
beingfreelance.com/community
 

NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!

The Being Freelance course is made for you!
Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership.
 

FREELANCER MERCH
Get Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shop

Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:
Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelance
YouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

He’s now based in Amsterdam, but South African born Devon’s freelance story kicked off in New Zealand, where he worked as a motion designer and videographer for a church.

After one of the congregation offered him his first freelance gig, Devon was hooked. “It’s like that first taste of bacon…” he says, “I got the bug.”

Devon freelanced on the side for years while working full-time at Xero in Wellington. When he and his wife became restless, they decided to hit the road and move somewhere new.

They spent a year in Australia, where Devon finally took the plunge and went freelance full-time, and then settled in Amsterdam.

Devon chats to Steve about how the move affected his client base, how he balanced his time while freelancing and working a full-time job, and how he finds clients and makes time for fun now that he’s working for himself.

This episode is supported by FreeAgent - online accounting software that makes managing your business finances a breeze.
With an award-winning UK based support team on hand to help out, it’s easy to stay on top of your expenses, invoices, banking and tax.
To claim your 1-month free trial, visit FreeAgent.com/beingfreelance

Love learning from other freelancers like this? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, be part of the Being Freelance Community!

You'll also find useful links for this episode. That's beingfreelance.com

Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

Who the hell is Steve Folland?

You know how everyone bangs on about how powerful video and audio content can be?
Yeah, well Steve helps businesses make it and make the most of it. Find out more at www.stevefolland.com
Track him down on Twitter @sfolland or lay a trail of cake and he'll eventually catch you up.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY
You're not alone being freelance. 
Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).
beingfreelance.com/community
 

NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!

The Being Freelance course is made for you!
Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership.
 

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When a two-year stint in Hong Kong inspired Mel to pursue illustration, she put her fine art degree to good use and began teaching art workshops to top up her income.

Mel soon bought a Mac and taught herself how to use Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, setting up a website and building a portfolio over time.

Mel’s earned money in a variety of ways since then, experimenting with workshops, commissions, products, and collabs. “You’ve got to be open to having conversations with people,” Mel says, “Your confidence and ability will grow with every project.”

This episode is supported by FreeAgent - online accounting software that makes managing your business finances a breeze.
With an award-winning UK based support team on hand to help out, it’s easy to stay on top of your expenses, invoices, banking and tax.
To claim your 1-month free trial, visit FreeAgent.com/beingfreelance

Love learning from other freelancers like this? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, be part of the Being Freelance Community!

You'll also find useful links for this episode. That's beingfreelance.com

Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

Who the hell is Steve Folland?

You know how everyone bangs on about how powerful video and audio content can be?
Yeah, well Steve helps businesses make it and make the most of it. Find out more at www.stevefolland.com
Track him down on Twitter @sfolland or lay a trail of cake and he'll eventually catch you up.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY
You're not alone being freelance. 
Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).
beingfreelance.com/community
 

NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!

The Being Freelance course is made for you!
Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership.
 

FREELANCER MERCH
Get Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shop

Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:
Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelance
YouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

Working in a job he didn’t like with a bully for a manager, Leif was desperate for a way out. But, nearing 30 and expecting his first child, he didn’t have many options.

After discovering copywriting and feeling drawn to it, Leif began freelancing on the side; going to networking events, building up his portfolio with “friend of a friend" gigs, and launching a website, all alongside his full-time job.

It’s 11 years later now, and Leif’s made a career out of copywriting. The late nights and weekend-working might be (mostly) a thing of the past, but work still comes with its struggles.

As well as being freelance, Leif’s the director of ProCopywriters, a small professional association with over 850 members. He chats to Steve about the story behind his successful side project, including how it runs without a single employee and takes up far too much of his time.

This episode is supported by FreeAgent - online accounting software that makes managing your business finances a breeze.
With an award-winning UK based support team on hand to help out, it’s easy to stay on top of your expenses, invoices, banking and tax.
To claim your 1-month free trial, visit FreeAgent.com/beingfreelance

Love learning from other freelancers like this? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, be part of the Being Freelance Community!*

You'll also find useful links for this episode. That's beingfreelance.com

Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

Who the hell is Steve Folland?

You know how everyone bangs on about how powerful video and audio content can be?
Yeah, well Steve helps businesses make it and make the most of it. Find out more at www.stevefolland.com
Track him down on Twitter @sfolland or lay a trail of cake and he'll eventually catch you up.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY
You're not alone being freelance. 
Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).
beingfreelance.com/community
 

NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!

The Being Freelance course is made for you!
Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership.
 

FREELANCER MERCH
Get Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shop

Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:
Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelance
YouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

“Be the best boss you ever had,” says Stefano, and he’s trying to live up to that himself.

From not letting an employer’s limits hold him back, to re-imagining work-life balance on his own terms, to developing a portfolio that’s not just about winning work, but about showing his journey too; Stefano tries to make his professional development and mental well-being a priority.

With an “umbrella of skills” and a professional title that doesn’t tie him to one specific job, Stefano’s able to build deeper, longer-term relationships with clients.

He chats to Steve about he got started, how he finds clients, and how he’s worked on his mindset and well-being throughout his freelance career.

This episode is supported by FreeAgent - online accounting software that makes managing your business finances a breeze.
With an award-winning UK based support team on hand to help out, it’s easy to stay on top of your expenses, invoices, banking and tax.
To claim your 1-month free trial, visit FreeAgent.com/beingfreelance

Love learning from other freelancers like this? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, be part of the Being Freelance Community!*

You'll also find useful links for this episode. That's beingfreelance.com

Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

Who the hell is Steve Folland?

You know how everyone bangs on about how powerful video and audio content can be?
Yeah, well Steve helps businesses make it and make the most of it. Find out more at www.stevefolland.com
Track him down on Twitter @sfolland or lay a trail of cake and he'll eventually catch you up.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY
You're not alone being freelance. 
Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).
beingfreelance.com/community
 

NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!

The Being Freelance course is made for you!
Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership.
 

FREELANCER MERCH
Get Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shop

Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:
Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelance
YouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

After moving from her small island town to the big city of Brisbane, Australia, Emily set her sights on a job as a copywriter. She interviewed for positions but the market was tough, so she took on some nannying work to tide her over.

As luck would have it, the dad from the family Emily worked for was a web designer, and he just so happened to need a copywriter. Emily partnered with him on some projects, building her freelance business from there.

She chats to Steve about how she got to where she is now, the ups and downs she’s dealt with along the way, and what freelance life is like for her now that she’s moved to the US to be with her husband.

This episode is supported by FreeAgent - online accounting software that makes managing your business finances a breeze.
With an award-winning UK based support team on hand to help out, it’s easy to stay on top of your expenses, invoices, banking and tax.
To claim your 1-month free trial, visit FreeAgent.com/beingfreelance

Love learning from other freelancers like this? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, be part of the Being Freelance Community!*

You'll also find useful links for this episode. That's beingfreelance.com

Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

Who the hell is Steve Folland?

You know how everyone bangs on about how powerful video and audio content can be?
Yeah, well Steve helps businesses make it and make the most of it. Find out more at www.stevefolland.com
Track him down on Twitter @sfolland or lay a trail of cake and he'll eventually catch you up.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY
You're not alone being freelance. 
Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).
beingfreelance.com/community
 

NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!

The Being Freelance course is made for you!
Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership.
 

FREELANCER MERCH
Get Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shop

Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:
Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelance
YouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

After leaving high school in LA, where he was born and raised, Storm toured as a professional musician for five years before transitioning to photography.

When a friend passed on a lucrative job shooting for Nike, Storm knew right away that this what he’d keep doing. He soon found that the best gigs aren’t usually so easy to come by, and when a friend told him “Don’t get mad, get better”, it stuck.

Storm now has an agent and a substantial portfolio, and he’s working on jobs that give him lots of room for creativity.

And how does he keep the work coming in?

“If you can be cool to hang out with for 10 hours,” Storm says, “the 10% of talent is a plus."

This episode is supported by FreeAgent - online accounting software that makes managing your business finances a breeze.
With an award-winning UK based support team on hand to help out, it’s easy to stay on top of your expenses, invoices, banking and tax.
To claim your 1-month free trial, visit FreeAgent.com/beingfreelance

Love learning from other freelancers like this? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, be part of the Being Freelance Community!*

You'll also find useful links for this episode. That's beingfreelance.com

Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

Who the hell is Steve Folland?

You know how everyone bangs on about how powerful video and audio content can be?
Yeah, well Steve helps businesses make it and make the most of it. Find out more at www.stevefolland.com
Track him down on Twitter @sfolland or lay a trail of cake and he'll eventually catch you up.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY
You're not alone being freelance. 
Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).
beingfreelance.com/community
 

NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!

The Being Freelance course is made for you!
Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership.
 

FREELANCER MERCH
Get Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shop

Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:
Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelance
YouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

After graduating in 2008 during the Great Recession, Tatiana found herself looking for a next step that would make sense financially. Calling on the design skills she’d picked up as a kid, she started out freelance, sending personalised “Do you need a designer?” emails to everyone she knew.

Tatiana’s come a long way since then, finding her focus as an independent designer who works with accessibility and inclusion in mind.

Hear her talk about speaking internationally, working in a way that allows her to protect her health, and her approach to providing content that’s free to all, but still helps to bring in some cash.

This episode is supported by FreeAgent - online accounting software that makes managing your business finances a breeze.
With an award-winning UK based support team on hand to help out, it’s easy to stay on top of your expenses, invoices, banking and tax.
To claim your 1-month free trial, visit FreeAgent.com/beingfreelance

Love learning from other freelancers like this? Check out the website beingfreelance.com, be part of the Being Freelance Community!*

You'll also find useful links for this episode. That's beingfreelance.com

Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance vlog - YouTube.com/SteveFolland

Who the hell is Steve Folland?

You know how everyone bangs on about how powerful video and audio content can be?
Yeah, well Steve helps businesses make it and make the most of it. Find out more at www.stevefolland.com
Track him down on Twitter @sfolland or lay a trail of cake and he'll eventually catch you up.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY
You're not alone being freelance. 
Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).
beingfreelance.com/community
 

NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!

The Being Freelance course is made for you!
Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership.
 

FREELANCER MERCH
Get Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shop

Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:
Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelance
YouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland