

5 Successful Freelancers Share Their Tips
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Georgia Dayton
PR, marketing & social media consultant
Build your network early. After 17 years in PR and brand marketing, becoming a parent led me to launch the Made by Mammas podcast. While my niche is parenting, I also work with fashion and beauty brands. I love the flexibility of freelancing, taking on both long-term awareness projects and short-term creative work like events and influencer trips.
Gain experience before freelancing. Years of experience gave me the confidence to juggle multiple clients and projects, a skill essential for freelancing success. Freelancing wasn’t an option earlier in my career, but my experience prepared me for it.
Set boundaries to stay productive. Freelancing with family can be challenging, so I set clear boundaries. I use tools like Notion to manage tasks, and a change of scenery often boosts my productivity.
Don’t undervalue yourself, but be flexible. Talk to peers to gauge rates, but don’t undervalue your work in the long term. Be flexible in negotiations, especially early on, but always know your worth.
Avoid overpromising and don’t say yes to everything. Set clear scopes of work and communicate additional costs upfront. Tools like Xero or Invoice2go help manage payments and avoid chasing invoices.
Follow @GeorgiaDaytonPR
Elsa
freelance artist & illustrator
Feel the fear and do it anyway. Freelancing was daunting, but it’s been the best decision I’ve ever made – especially as a creative. Leaving in-house roles gave me the freedom to explore my style and work with some dream clients.
Build an audience and experiment with your niche. I started by creating striped prints and painted tablescapes before sharing them on social media. Freelancing offers variety, and experimenting with different projects helped me figure out what I love most. Don’t stress over websites or logos at first – focus on your work and getting it seen.
Avoid clients who push for discounts – they’re often the most demanding. Value your work and know when to say no. Pricing was tricky at first, but I’ve learned to charge what my time and skills are worth. Not every client is the right fit, and saying no can free you up for better opportunities.
Stay organised and create a routine. A diary, sketchbook and journal are my go-to tools for staying on track. I start my mornings with a walk, then I clear my inbox and dedicate afternoons to uninterrupted painting. Structure keeps me productive and sane.
Don’t wait for perfection – just start. You don’t need a perfect website or branding to begin. Deliver great work, use free platforms like Instagram to promote yourself and refine as you grow.
Celebrate every win. From landing a dream collaboration with Aperol Spritz to smaller successes, every milestone matters. Celebrate the progress – it keeps you motivated.
Follow @Elsa_Works_
Nick Teulon
grip in the film industry
Freelancing is dynamic – so find what works for you. I’ve been freelancing as a grip since 2007, mainly on commercials and music videos. I value flexibility over financial stability, which is why I prefer short-term gigs. While longer projects like films can pay more, I enjoy the variety and adaptability that short-form offers over long-form.
Freelancing is about relationships. Find people you click with, support each other and grow together. I had zero experience when I first started – just a chance opportunity as a runner on a commercial. Over time, I met people who helped me along the way.
Be yourself and enjoy your work. Success in freelancing isn’t about being the best at everything; it’s about being pleasant, authentic and reliable. Clients prefer working with people they can trust and enjoy being around.
Price fairly, stand your ground and trust your instincts. We have set rates by our union, and I always adhere to them no matter what; undercutting others is never going to get you respected by peers or employers. If a client doesn’t value your work today, they won’t tomorrow. Freelancing can be unpredictable, but trust your gut and don’t be afraid to walk away from a bad fit.
Your network is key. Work comes through relationships, not platforms. Build your network and reputation in the industry – it’s the most valuable resource for securing ongoing work. Don’t forget to learn from everyone you meet along the way.
Follow @GripTheNick
Morgan Williams
Producer, art director & podcaster
Embrace variety in your projects. I’m a freelance producer and art director, specialising in fashion and beauty shoots. I work with brands like Monsoon, Accessorize, ASOS and Tu (Sainsbury’s). I work mostly with established brands but aim to collaborate with emerging ones this year. Flexibility in both short- and long-term projects keeps things exciting.
Don’t give up – keep learning. I tried freelancing as a photographer in 2016 but struggled and returned to full-time work. After building my network and experience over seven years, I’m now more successful and confident in my freelance career.
Stay organised with simple tools. I rely on iCal for planning and Notion to track goals and projects. Clear planning helps me manage multiple projects and stay on track.
Plan ahead for quiet and busy periods. During quieter months, I focus on personal projects and updating my website. I also plan ahead for busier months to maintain a steadier flow of work.
Follow @MorganWilliamsProduction
Egle Achmadijevaite
PR consultant
Take the leap when it feels right. I started freelancing after the pandemic made me reassess my work-life balance. If you’re considering freelancing, don’t wait for the ‘perfect moment’ – take the leap when it feels right for you. The freedom to manage your own time is invaluable, so trust your instincts.
Focus on what excites you – whether it’s design, wellness or another field – and build a strong network early on. Freelancing isn’t about competition; it’s about support. Find your niche, build connections and network to set yourself up for success.
Stay organised and set boundaries. Flexibility is one of freelancing’s perks, but staying organised is the key to thriving. Structure your day around deadlines and commitments, using calendars and to-do lists. Set clear work-life boundaries to keep everything balanced and prioritise what’s most urgent.
Set your rates based on experience and industry standards. Also, trust your gut and only work with those who align with your values, even if financial pressure tempts you otherwise.
Expect ups and downs – and protect yourself. Freelancing is not always steady. There will be slow months but that’s normal. Use the quieter times to recharge and stay organised. Always protect yourself with clear contracts to avoid late payments and scope creep – communication is crucial.
Follow @Egle_Legs
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