Tell us a bit about yourself, what's your background?
I’ve been practicing as a graphic designer for the last 10 years, working for small-to-medium sized design-led agencies. Soon after I completed my Bachelor of Design at Auckland University of Technology in 2012, my passion for design was cemented during my 6.5 year-long stay in Sydney, Australia. During that time, I was fortunate to work across many areas within the design sphere, including brand identity design, web design and event and installation design. Being exposed to such a unique range of working experiences, enabled me to grow into a multi-disciplinary designer, wearing many hats, not only as a designer, but also as a project manager. It’s this versatility that has greatly influenced the success of my freelancing business today.
Tell us about your journey as a freelancer.
In 2019, my partner and I decided to return home to New Zealand permanently. We wanted to reconnect with family and friends and to forge a new way of working, one that provided more work-life balance. During this time of transition, I began taking on small freelancing projects. It soon became apparent to me that I had the perfect career that provided this sense of balance I was searching for. Inspired to propel forward with freelancing, I was driven to find ways of building my client base, so I started to search online, that’s when I stumbled upon Unicorn Factory – and I’ve been on the platform ever since.
The last three years of freelancing have been incredible, I’ve worked with some amazing local businesses here in Auckland and the wider North Island regions. This is all thanks to Unicorn Factory, which has been a game changer for my business and I can imagine for many other freelancers alike.
What is the personal or freelance project you are most proud of? Why?
I’m proud of all my freelance design work as it’s a constant reminder that when it comes to freelancing, you can still be exposed to some great client projects. You don’t have to work in a studio or with some of the biggest clients to achieve a sense of reward or prestige.
One project that I particularly enjoyed creating was Tinnbot a tinnitus-based Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) app designed to help people overcome a condition known as ringing in the ears. I’m proud of this project as I myself have tinnitus and understand the need to help people learn to manage it better. So channeling from my experience, I was able to create a brand that eased the experience for users troubled by the condition.
Another project I enjoyed creating is the brand identity for Social Nature Movement (SNM), a business that’s purposefully connecting people with nature in a more conscious way. I’m particularly proud to have been a part of this project for the positive impact that SNM are having on the lives of so many people; helping them reconnect with the great outdoors and most importantly, each other.
What would you say is the most rewarding part of being a freelancer?
Being a freelancer has so many rewards, but most of all, it allows you to be the master of your destiny. Freelancing enables you to set your own working hours, choosing where and how you want to work. Being a freelancer means you’re accountable for the quality and service you provide, so what you put in, you get out. And because it’s up to you and nobody else, it makes freelancing more rewarding.
What is the most challenging part of running a freelancing business?
The most challenging aspect of running a freelancing business (aside from managing accounting) is learning to trust yourself and trust the process. Trusting that work will continue to flow will foster a positive mindset and attitude. If you believe in your ability, remain focused and dedicated to providing the best service to your clients, then good will follow good.
What has worked best for you when it comes to finding new clients?
Hands down, Unicorn Factory is the way to go when finding new clients. A lot of my clients who have found me on Unicorn Factory have become my long-term clients. I work with great people everyday and it’s thanks to Unicorn Factory. Secondly, word of mouth is another great way to find new clients. A lot of clients and colleagues I’ve worked with in the past have referred me to other people which I’m grateful for. Never underestimate the lasting impression you can have on people, as you just never know what opportunity may present itself in the future.
What advice would you give anyone wanting to start freelancing?
- Try it, you will never know if you don’t try! I harbored worries when starting out as a freelancer, as I didn’t know how it would work out, but it always did! That’s where trusting the process can help immensely.
- Be patient, good things take time. Building your client base can take time, but eventually as you start to build a name for yourself, your clients will keep coming back to you, which means more peace of mind for the future.
- Get an accountant straight away. Managing all things finance is incredibly important, like sorting your student load, gst, provisional tax, income tax etc, all takes time to get your head around. So find an accountant that can help set you up on Xero. Alternatively, try an accounting app like Hnry, which takes all the stress out of accounting, it’s a life saver.
- If you want to be a successful freelancer, do it properly. The time and energy you put into your freelancing business, will directly reflect your success. Provide a service to be proud of. Originally I set-out to achieve work-life balance with freelancing which I have achieved and continue to do so… but I also work harder than I ever have before, because I care so deeply about what I do and it’s my livelihood at the end of the day.
How can we learn more about you and your work?
For some of my latest work, you can check-out my portfolio website or connect with me on Behance.
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