Things i have learn whilst being a my own boss.

 Top man jeans | H&M Breton Top | Zara Patent loafers | Daniel Wellington watch

Things wont come to you over night, build a strong client base, have faith in your abilities and above all else work hard!

Freelancing has been a dream ever since I was a child, well I didn’t call it freelancing then but working for myself and calling myself boss is a dream of mine. So I thought I would share with you what I have learn and a few tips and thoughts.

Keep yourself organised

This is something i struggle with, there are elements we are all going to struggle with and this varies between people. I keep a big calendar and diary with colour coding so I can instantly look at it and know what I have to do. The calendars I use are pretty similar to these Rymans Calendars.

The night before 

Make your to-do list the night before, so you can wake up and know exactly what needs to be done that day, I use to do this when I was at school to help with my anxieties works a treat.

Prioritize 

 We all have days when we are bombarded with lists of work, prioritizing is the best way forward to cope with mountains of work. Make sure you get all deadlines written down and list them all of what needs to be done first, if its a quick job or needs a little more work. It will also help your brain does with mine.

Write everything down  

When I started I had a million note books and planners, but eventually I learn to put all my ideas, thoughts and to-do lists in one place, it all depends on how you work, I’m all about a good pen and paper situation, but using the notes in your phone, voice recording, get those thoughts, ideas and work down and out of your head.

Keep records

Keeping on top of fiances is something I have learn very quickly, making sure I document spending and keeping on top of my paper work has really helped. I do this all manually but I know a lot  use Kashflow to help them keep track of invoices, payments etc. 

Keep a templates

I have found it easier to keep standard templates for invoices and emails I personalize them all for clients it just saves time

Communication is important 

Keep your clients in the loop its the best way if ideas change or you are doing more hours then you thought. I try and keep on top of my emails everyday but hotmail does sometimes have sporadic moments Be prepared to talk on the phone or deal with skype meetings, this is something I have had to gain confidence in practice with friends I have found this works if you don’t have confidence.

Have a Break 

Having a break from work is just as important as keeping on top of everything, go for a run, having a cup of tea take yourself away from your work and focus on something else always helps with burn out or lack of inspiration. 

Inspiration

Inspiration can come at anytime so be prepared to grab that inspiration keep your sketcbook, camera and notebook on you all the time.

Competition 

 Don’t look at your competition – panic, get jealous or think you aren’t good enough, enjoy other peoples work don’t you dare question your ability. 

Network 

Don’t be afraid to put yourself, go to new event, speak to lots of new people, if you don’t ask you don’t get. A few of my clients I have sent wonderfully worded emails to, if i;m passionate about their brand and I want to work with them, I know I’m good enough go for it! 

Be prepared for rejection/disagreements 

Not all client work goes well, people can be fussy, sometimes it appears a struggle but just go with the flow, stand strong and be patient.

Pivot! 

So you’ve done something and it doesn’t work, doesn’t matter too much if that way isn’t working pivot and try a new way, keep learning and trying.

Have faith in yourself 

Things wont come to you over night, build a strong client base, have faith in your abilties and above all else work hard! 

HOPE YOU’RE HAVING A WONDERFUL CREATIVE DAY.

X

ELLA

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Massive thank you to Paige Joanna for taking the photos.