It’s that time again, can you believe it? The ceremonial cleaning of the slate and start of a new year!
Admittedly 2022 was an up and down kind of year on both a personal and professional level, but after my first sunshine holiday in a while, a normal (really fun!) Covid free Christmas with my family and friends, and a solid kitchen boogie on New Years Eve, I have started to feel optimistic for the year ahead. It feels like Covid is slowly becoming a thing of the past (I really really hope so!!!), and that I can start to look forward again.
As a freelancer I totally expect my work to be up and down, but last year it was even more so than usual. With the cost of living crisis, the economic downturn, the war in Ukraine and the down right madness of some government policies, businesses were quite rightly checking their budgets and trying to stay afloat. In these situations, additional freelance design support is by no means a necessity – it is something I totally get and understand. Graphic design is a luxury for businesses at the best of times and so in the words of a financial director I happen to be related to, when it comes to budgets “it’s always the first to go.”
And so with this in mind, in September of last year after an incredibly last minute cancellation I approached several recruiters… And to be honest I have never looked back. The projects and brands I have worked on include Lego, Dr Oetker, Deliveroo and P&O cruises to name but a few. I’ve done work for some of the biggest newspapers in the country and presentation pitches for multinational household names. It’s been a thrilling ride to work on these brands, and dare I say it’s kind of what I got into freelance for. The range of briefs and brands I covered in the last part of last year was a little bit mind blowing and I am truly grateful to the recruiters who have helped me get the gig.
That said, I have my regulars that I still continue to work with and love how we’ve grown and adapted together with me considered to be part of their regular team. It means a lot to be invited to come along to social events, or to be called just to check in if I haven’t worked with them in a while, or a mass email commending my work, it makes me feel a valued contributor. I also have numerous contacts with people I have worked with in the past, or that I have previously reached out to or those that have reached out to me. Freelancing isn’t just about the work, that’s the easy part, it’s about connections, trust and personality, and I feel like I’m rather good at it 😉
Admittedly, it’s not all plain sailing – I did get to the point with one client where I refuse to work with them again. The attitude towards me of my point of contact was something I was not willing to accept, and again, another perk of a freelancer is to have the choice with whom I work. I know that I want to work in positive, constructive environments, and luckily have the luxury of being able to say no, and for that I feel very privileged.
With all this in mind I am hopeful for the year ahead, I feel I have more of an idea of the kind of working life I want. It’s not just about paying the bills and getting through the day, it’s about doing a good job and for people I want to work for. I realise it’s not going to be a walk in the park this year, it is going to be an uphill struggle at times, but I at least feel like I have the right shoes for the climb and know which way I’m heading!
On that note, all the best for 2023! I hope you have an optimistic outlook for the year ahead and that it turns out to be a great year 🙂