One of the biggest perks of freelancing is the ability to work from anywhere. If that freedom is what drew you to freelancing in the first place, why not take it a step further? Embrace the digital nomad lifestyle and work from a variety of locations instead of just from home.

As a creative professional, the flow of work can be unpredictable. Securing clients - especially high-budget ones - can feel like a big challenge. There are several common reasons why attracting high-budget clients can be difficult…

Being a freelancer means having control over your personal and professional life: how you spend your time, when you work, what projects you take on, and ultimately, how much you earn. That’s what I find so appealing and exciting. However, this autonomy, while having many benefits, can blur the lines between work and life. An irregular schedule, juggling multiple clients or projects, and the pressure to always be available can make it challenging to set clear boundaries.

Are you applying for creative roles but not hearing back? Landing your first role in the creative industry can be tough, especially if you’re just starting out or transitioning from another field. The creative sector is highly competitive, making it feel nearly impossible to break in without experience.

Using social media to grow your business is one of the smartest moves you can make. I’ve used it to market myself as a freelancer, promote projects like podcasts, and write for various companies. So trust me, I know it works. Whether you’re aiming to get more customers, increase brand awareness, or just build a stronger online presence, social media can help. Not only can it help you find more clients, but it can also refine your brand’s voice, mission, and audience. You’ll even gain insights into what services people want from you.

We all work differently, and that’s absolutely okay. But no matter how independent or individual you are - and let's be real, most freelancers and business owners are - building a supportive community of like-minded creatives can work wonders. Not just for your mental well-being but for your professional growth, too. Let’s face it - working in isolation can be tough sometimes. That’s why finding people in your industry who get what you’re going through is so powerful.

We all love setting goals - they give us direction and that extra push to keep moving forward. And let’s be honest, nothing beats the satisfaction of hitting a goal you’ve been working hard on. I’m huge on goal setting, I can’t work without having something to work towards. It only makes me more motivated and productive - and I love it when I hit those goals! While setting personal goals is pretty common, it’s easy to overlook how crucial it is to set goals for your business. Whether you're a freelancer or a business owner, having clear business goals is key to staying on track. Here’s why:

In the creative industry, whether you're a freelancer, entrepreneur, or business owner, rejection and setbacks are inevitable. Every successful professional has encountered bumps along the way. It’s impossible to thrive in this field without facing challenges, but these experiences ultimately make you stronger, more skilled, and more resilient.

As a creative professional, you’re probably familiar with the dreaded term ‘creative block’. It’s particularly frustrating when your career relies on your ability to generate fresh ideas and produce great work. But don’t worry - everyone experiences it, and there are ways to overcome it.

Whether you’re graduating university, finishing college, or restarting your career as a creative, stepping into the industry can feel overwhelming. It’s tough to break into any new field, but the creative world brings its own challenges - opportunities can be scarce, networking is intimidating, and financial stability can be slow to come by.

Remote working offers fantastic benefits like flexibility, reduced travel time and costs, and a positive impact on the environment. It can also improve your health, well-being, productivity, and work-life balance - only if you approach it correctly.

If you’re new to the business world, you’ve probably come across the term ‘USP.’ When I first started out, I found all the business acronyms really overwhelming. I didn’t know what anything meant - even USP! But it’s an important one, so what does it really mean?

Starting as an early career creative in a competitive industry can feel overwhelming, and attracting paid work is often one of the biggest challenges for freelancers. It requires confidence, resilience, and self-belief. Studio Self-Made is here to guide you through the process. Here are 5 steps to help you attract paid work opportunities as an early career creative:

Creativity requires a unique blend of qualities: talent, curiosity, and dedication. It also demands risk-taking, innovation, and the courage to challenge the status quo. But creativity doesn't always come easily. Often, it's tempting to focus too much on the end goal rather than enjoying the journey itself.

Freelancing offers many benefits: flexibility, autonomy, and the freedom to work from anywhere. However, with this freedom comes the need to set boundaries for yourself. Without proper planning, you risk overworking and burning out, which can impact the quality of your work. To avoid this, it's crucial to plan your week effectively.