Creative Network 101. While independence is what inspires many freelance creatives to pursue a self-employed career, having a supportive, creative network of fellow like-minded freelancers is essential. However, for freelancers, forming those types of tribes, communities, and connections can be difficult. Welcome to the awkward-free way of networking.

In the era of #MeToo, we are all becoming more aware and empathetic of sexual harassment in the workplace. A recently published personal anecdote detailed the horrific story of one female freelance journalist who experienced being sexually harassed by a famous man while attempting to interview him at his flat. The incident made her realise that “most (women) do not take legal action,” and she puts this down to “cost and lack of evidence” as well as the “he said, she said” aspect that accompanies cases that “often take place behind closed doors.”

So you’ve finally gained enough clients to start working for yourself and the thought of full-time freelancing fills you with excitement. But a few months or even years down the line, a sense of loneliness starts to creep into your life. A couple of weeks without work starts to make you question whether freelancing was the right choice in the first place. Juggling multiple clients brings on a suffocating feeling. The unpredictability of income causes anxiety in the middle of the night. Last year, 1.4 million people were referred to NHS mental health therapy, but what role do self-employment and freelance work play in this surge? 

For many, freelancing is synonymous with living the dream. A better work-life balance, less stress, more time with family and friends, turning a passion into a career.  However, with erratic working hours, an unpredictable salary and days spent alone at home, it’s easy to become somewhat of a ‘self-employed precariat.’

Most of the freelancers we know would rather gnaw off their left arm than do their bookkeeping - and with good reason. It’s confusing, it’s boring, and it’s not what you signed up for. You became self-employed to spend time doing what you love - not wrestling with spreadsheets. But, like it or not, accounting is important as a way to understand your business finances and a legal requirement! Thankfully there’s a simple way to not hate bookkeeping. Let's address the accounting spiral of doom.

Shoot locations that propel your photography project forward and flawlessly deliver your vision are difficult to find. It can take days and weeks to discover the perfect location to shoot in as well as trying to organise timing, lighting, access permission and travel. To help tackle this, we have compiled a great list of striking and beautiful potential photoshoot locations all across the UK. 

Setting photography rates can be a confusing. It’s something that stops most photographers in their tracks. Especially for freelance rates, photography has a number of nuances that should be considered. Whilst using conventional freelance rates calculators may provide a ballpark figure, it can often be way off the mark for your sector, location and experience. Here is our guide to help you find your true worth as a freelance photographer and hit that pricing sweet spot. 

It’s rare to meet a freelancer who hasn’t had to chase a late payment or had issues with a client who refused to pay. It impacts cash flow, is detrimental to the freelancer’s well-being, and is highly time-consuming. Freelancers don’t want to jeopardise the client relationship with threatening emails or, worse, spend time in the Small Claims Court. So what's the answer? When Solna, a smart invoicing App, got in touch, we jumped at the chance to ask their advice.