You and your team have spent hours on the hair, crafted the makeup, picked out the ideal wardrobe, but what about the nails? They can easily be the last thing you think about when it comes to preparing for a test shoot. After all, the focus is usually on the models face, body language and wardrobe but nails that look amazing and compliment the concept of the test shoot are essential.

Graphic design is used by all types of businesses in some capacity to promote their products or services in an eye-catching way. Graphic Designers develop a brand identity and produce visually aesthetic 'assets'. Graphic design supports a businesses' marketing efforts and aids in attracting and retaining customers. Graphic Design skills are required in industries such as manufacturing, advertising, media, editorial, public relations and wholesale. How to get started as a freelance graphic designer is the real challenge. We're going to tell you how. 

With every new year comes new promise (and a new gym membership). A number of people use January 1st as an arbitrary date to reset their lives and plan their New Year's resolutions. Freelancers are no different. In order to drive your business forward, making the right resolutions is essential. Whether you’re just starting out or have a few years under your belt, here are seven New Year resolutions every freelancer should be keeping and it pays to set them early! 

No morning commute, working in PJs, and a home-cooked meal for lunch. Working from home is a big draw for freelancers. It undoubtedly has its benefits. Get up when you want, wear your slipper socks all day and never miss a delivery again! But what about the perks of an office environment? The water-cooler gossip, interaction with the outside world, working in a team and a structured working life. How do freelancers prevent the isolation of working from home becoming a problem and severely affecting health and mental wellbeing?

How do you land jobs as a freelancer? Well, the first thing an employer will see is your portfolio. It's like your CV. The quality of your work, experience and relevance will go a long way to landing the job. How to you build a portfolio? Join the Freelancer Club, connect with other freelancers and shoot together. We speak with a couple of members who did just that to learn how to build the perfect portfolio.

Freelance meaning what exactly? Defined as 'self-employed - hired to work for different companies or individuals on projects', being a freelancer means a whole lot more. It starts with a moment of inspiration, followed by a plan of action, and takes a lot of hard work. The Freelancer Club was set up precisely to help freelancers in the creative sector, provide the steps, tools, contacts and learning to achieve your freelance dream.

We are extremely fortunate to have so many talented, passionate, and creative freelancers in our club. We see a lot of incredible work on the site but don't often hear about the journeys. When we were contacted by Jazzmine, who wanted to surprise her friend and Freelancer Club member, Miguel Villar, with a unique birthday gift, we loved the idea. Enjoy the story of photographer Miguel Villars in Jazzmine's words. Happy birthday.

The way we do business in the freelance industry is changing at a faster pace than ever before and those who are in denial will face an uphill battle to survive. The value of freelance services in certain sectors has decreased while the cost of running a freelance business has risen. On top of this, there is greater competition flooding into the market as more and more people choose to freelance. So, how does a freelancer succeed? There are steps a freelancer can take to help adapt to our current economy. Here are four things to consider