Being Freelance

By Steve Folland

Freelancing? Being boss of your own life and business can be tough and isolating. But it can also be totally rewarding. Pick up tips, advice and thoughts on how to make it as a freelancer, an entrepre... more

4.8

4242 ratings

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FAQs about Being Freelance:

How many episodes does Being Freelance have?

The podcast currently has 344 episodes available.

Being Freelance episodes:

May 26, 2025 Your Handy Dandy Brandy Gal: Hollie Arnett
PODCAST SPONSORED BY RIVERSIDE:
High quality audio/video recorded online www.beingfreelance.com/riverside
It’s free to get started - use code BEINGFREELANCE to save 15% on a paid plan

ABOUT THIS EPISODE
From a young age, Hollie Arnett was inspired to pursue a creative path.
Fast forward to today, and she’s running not one but two brands from Wellington, New Zealand: Maker & Moxie, where she coaches artists and makers on building their own brands, and By Hollie Arnett, where she offers branding and illustration services.
High School Hollie would be proud.
In this episode, Hollie shares how her journey as a freelancer began as a teenager doing design work for her youth group, how a life coach nudged her into officially launching her business, and the twists, pivots, and passions that shaped her freelance career.
We also dive into subscription services, pricing packages, the power of creative communities, her own experiences with chronic illness, confidence issues and ultimately following the joy in what she does. It's a joy to listen to.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY
You're not alone being freelance.
Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).
beingfreelance.com/community

NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!
The Being Freelance course is made for you!
Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership.

FREELANCER MERCH
Get Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shop
Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:
Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelance
YouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland
...more
56min
May 05, 2025 Collaborating, Not Competing - Jerel Ramsey’s Freelancer Story
PODCAST SPONSORED BY RIVERSIDE:
High quality audio/video recorded online www.beingfreelance.com/riverside
It’s free to get started - use code BEINGFREELANCE to save 15% on a paid plan

ABOUT THIS EPISODE
From a young age, Jerel Ramsey was inspired by his father to work for himself. And here we are. In this episode, Jerel shares how he turned his passion for design into a full-time business, Sola, which he runs with his wife from their home in Trinidad and Tobago.
Starting out as a graphic designer, Jerel’s journey went from side gigs to establishing a purpose driven creative agency. He talks about how his experience with the Red Cross sparked his desire to work on meaningful projects and how he built a business based on collaboration rather than competition. Building a network of other freelancers to 'co-create'.

Staying to true to his father's message to work 'with' people, not 'for' them.
Jerel opens up about the realities of freelancing, from finding clients in a saturated market to balancing work and life with his wife, and how their complementary strengths make their business thrive.
VIDEO version also available on YouTube and Spotify!
JOIN THE COMMUNITY
You're not alone being freelance.
Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).
beingfreelance.com/community

NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!
The Being Freelance course is made for you!
Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership.

FREELANCER MERCH
Get Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shop
Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:
Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelance
YouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland
...more
37min
April 21, 2025 Communications Specialist Dee Primett
PODCAST SPONSORED BY:
RIVERSIDE: High quality audio/video recorded online www.beingfreelance.com/riverside
It’s free to get started - use code BEINGFREELANCE to save 15% on a paid plan

PODCAST SPONSORED BY:
PORKBUN: Get a domain name for your website. www.beingfreelance.com/porkbun

ABOUT THIS EPISODE
This time around Dee Primett shares her 10 year journey from a side hustle grinding with content mills to becoming a sought-after freelance communications specialist for healthcare and tech brands.
Dee got her start writing online while juggling young children, slowly carving out a niche in healthcare content—and discovering a talent for making complex ideas easy to understand. Her freelancing career evolved from generalist blog posts to strategic content and brand communications, fuelled almost entirely by referrals and word of mouth.
In 2022, Dee was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer. In this honest and inspiring conversation, she opens up about the impact it had on her life and business; from surgery and recovery to reshaping her lifestyle, working patterns, and mindset.
She talks about coping with post-cancer anxiety, the huge difference getting a studio space made, building better boundaries, and leaning into what matters most. We also hear about the Female Copywriters Alliance, the vibrant community she founded for women in copywriting, and her growing interest in creating a micro agency model that supports other freelancers fairly.
Dee brings plenty of humour, heart, and wisdom to this episode of the Being Freelance podcast which you can also watch with video on YouTube and Spotify.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY
You're not alone being freelance.
Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).
beingfreelance.com/community

NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!
The Being Freelance course is made for you!
Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership.

FREELANCER MERCH
Get Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shop
Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:
Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelance
YouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland
...more
51min
April 07, 2025 Using Creative Skills For Good - Conservation Illustrator Styngvi
EPISODE SPONSORED BY (AND RECORDED USING) RIVERSIDE
Record high quality video & audio with Riverside.

See how recording, live streaming and repurposing your content with Riverside can help your freelancer business.

It’s free to get started, but use code BEINGFREELANCE to save 15% on a paid plan.
Head to: http://www.beingfreelance.com/riverside
-----
ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Icelandic artist Stefán Yngvi Pétursson, also known as Styngvi, shares his journey from working in an ad agency to becoming a freelance conservation illustrator.
Inspired by shocking pollution during a trip to Indonesia, Stefán decided to use his creative skills for environmental activism, or 'artivism'.
He established a successful freelancing career through Instagram, but more recently has expanded his network and leads via LinkedIn and email outreach.
With a growing online presence and support from platforms like Patreon, Stefán aligns his art and business with his values, promoting sustainability, environmental awareness, kindness and positivity.
In this chat we explore his passion-driven career and his strategic pro bono work (including a collaboration with a major music star). But whilst it may feel like Styngvi may have found his calling, what to actually call himself is another matter. An ethical designer? A conservation illustrator? A science communicator?
How about: a really great podcast guest?
Enjoy!
00:00 Introduction to Stefán Yngvi Pétursson
02:47 Starting the Freelance Journey
04:45 Discovering a New Path in Indonesia
07:04 Building a Sustainable Art Career
10:13 Navigating Business and Outreach
18:24 Pro Bono Work and Strategic Collaborations
22:54 Freelance Community and Networking
24:18 Stefan's Portfolio and Online Presence
26:02 Managing Freelance Workload
26:59 Exploring New Content Strategies
28:22 Balancing Work and Personal Life
29:30 2 Truths/1 Lie Game
33:42 Life on the Road as a Freelancer
34:55 Crafting a Professional Identity
38:01 Conclusion and Farewell
JOIN THE COMMUNITY
You're not alone being freelance.
Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).
beingfreelance.com/community

NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!
The Being Freelance course is made for you!
Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership.

FREELANCER MERCH
Get Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shop
Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:
Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelance
YouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland
...more
39min
March 24, 2025 Freelance Freedom: How Rebecca Rosenberg Balances Work and Wanderlust
EPISODE SPONSORED BY (AND RECORDED USING) RIVERSIDE
Record high quality video & audio with Riverside.

See how recording, live streaming and repurposing your content with Riverside can help your freelancer business.

It’s free to get started, but use code BEINGFREELANCE to save 15% on a paid plan.
Head to: http://www.beingfreelance.com/riverside
-----
ABOUT THIS EPISODE
This time, we explore both a metaphorical freelance journey and physical one.
In 2015 Rebecca decided she wanted to travel whilst freelancing.
After building up savings and clients for a couple of years, she headed off to Europe as a digital nomad. Travelling whilst working as a content writer and strategist.

At first she did more sight seeing that client work, but as time went on she was ready to switch that balance. To settle for longer - both in terms of location and contracts.
Rebecca shares insights on how she made the most of her network for initial clients, and adapted to changing freelance landscapes over the years through platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook groups, and Slack communities.
She discusses the challenges and benefits of running a location independent business. (She’s currently settled in Bonn, Germany - but before that spent two years in Turkey!).
Plus we hear about the importance of community, developing her freelance business with external help in mastermind groups and with coaches. Plus getting strategic by herself with regular quarterly 'CEO retreats' - taking time out of client work, to focus on what she's building herself. Because even if she's staying put for longer geographically these days, she's definitely still going places.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY
You're not alone being freelance.
Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).
beingfreelance.com/community

NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!
The Being Freelance course is made for you!
Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership.

FREELANCER MERCH
Get Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shop
Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:
Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelance
YouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland
...more
36min
March 10, 2025 Animation Director Dave Anderson
EPISODE SPONSORED BY (AND RECORDED USING) RIVERSIDE
Record high quality video & audio with Riverside.

See how recording, live streaming and repurposing your content with Riverside can help your freelancer business.

It’s free to get started, but use code BEINGFREELANCE to save 15% on a paid plan.
Head to: http://www.beingfreelance.com/riverside
-----
ABOUT THIS EPISODE
How does a Welsh schoolboy recommended by a career advisor to become a tree surgeon end up illustrating and animating for some of the biggest media outlets across the globe?
Becoming a location independent freelancer, working from London, Lima in Peru, and Barcelona in Spain.
Getting known for creating funny content. With a range of satirical dog toys and creating animated videos for some of the worlds biggest podcasts including Joe Rogan and The Rest Is History?
Dave shares his thoughts on steering his career in the directions he desires.
The importance of meeting people, working in somewhere other than your home, and paying attention to what work you’d like to do and the work that’s no longer coming your way.
Available as a video podcast too - Watch Dave here on the site, on YouTube, or Spotify. Enjoy!
JOIN THE COMMUNITY
You're not alone being freelance.
Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).
beingfreelance.com/community

NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!
The Being Freelance course is made for you!
Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership.

FREELANCER MERCH
Get Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shop
Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:
Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelance
YouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland
...more
47min
February 24, 2025 Antisocial Socialite Yolanda Sissing
EPISODE SPONSORED BY (AND RECORDED USING) RIVERSIDE
Record high quality video & audio with Riverside.

See how recording, live streaming and repurposing your content with Riverside can help your freelancer business.

It’s free to get started, but use code BEINGFREELANCE to save 15% on a paid plan.
Head to: http://www.beingfreelance.com/riverside
----
ABOUT THIS EPISODE
In this podcast we chat to South African freelancer Yolanda Sissing.
From her base in the UK she explains how a near-death experience made her realise filling in KPI reports for a boss wasn’t what she wanted.
She’s now found her niche freelancing for purpose-driven clients and shares her strategies for getting clients through networking, content marketing, LinkedIn and Instagram Lives.
Yolanda discusses the importance of setting work-life boundaries, leveraging community support, and pursuing long-term goals (if you watch the video version you’ll get to see her actual mood board!).
We also get an introduction to the Anti-Social Socialites - the community which Yolanda co-founded to help people uncomfortable with traditional networking. And from that, the power of LinkedIn audio rooms.
She might not like small talk, but there's big things to enjoy about this episode.
Available as a video podcast too - Watch Yolanda here on the site, on YouTube, or Spotify. Enjoy!
JOIN THE COMMUNITY
You're not alone being freelance.
Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).
beingfreelance.com/community

NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!
The Being Freelance course is made for you!
Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership.

FREELANCER MERCH
Get Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shop
Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:
Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelance
YouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland
...more
51min
February 10, 2025 Illustrator Helen Ridley
EPISODE SPONSORED BY (AND RECORDED USING) RIVERSIDE
Record high quality video & audio with Riverside.
See how recording, live streaming and repurposing your content with Riverside can help your freelancer business.
It’s free to get started, but use code BEINGFREELANCE to save 15% on a paid plan.
Head to: beingfreelance.com/riverside
-----------
In this episode, Steve Folland interviews Helen Ridley, a freelance illustrator who has carved a unique niche in live event illustration.
Helen shares her inspiring journey from studying fashion design to working in retail for over a decade and finally making the leap to full-time freelance illustration during the 2020 lockdown.
She discusses the challenges and rewards of building her business, the importance of pitching and persistence once you have a contact, and her success with live portraits at events, including a notable partnership with John Lewis.

Helen’s not just pursuing her passion. She’s focussed her freelancing on what’s actually profitable.
Helen also delves into her collaborative creative workshops and retreats, strategies for email marketing and PR for freelancers, and the value of community and networking in the freelance world.
00:35 Steve Folland's Introduction and Riverside Sponsorship
01:21 Helen's Journey to Freelancing
04:15 Transition to Live Illustration
09:07 Success with John Lewis and Pet Portraits
17:14 The 100 Rejections Challenge
20:58 Collaborating on Creative Workshops
25:49 Unexpected Bookings from Podcasts and Events
26:46 The Power of Email Marketing
28:10 Balancing Marketing and Live Events
32:09 The Role of a Part-Time Job
33:49 Promoting Yourself and Winning Awards
41:54 Fun Facts: Two Truths and a Lie Game
48:48 Advice for Aspiring Freelancers

JOIN THE COMMUNITY
You're not alone being freelance.
Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).
beingfreelance.com/community

NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!
The Being Freelance course is made for you!
Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership.

FREELANCER MERCH
Get Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shop
Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:
Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelance
YouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland
...more
52min
January 27, 2025 Photographer Xavier Buendia
EPISODE SPONSORED BY (AND RECORDED USING) RIVERSIDE
Record high quality video & audio with Riverside.
See how recording, live streaming and repurposing your content with Riverside can help your freelancer business.
It’s free to get started, but use code BEINGFREELANCE to save 15% on a paid plan.
Head to: beingfreelance.com/riverside
-----------
ABOUT THIS PODCAST EPISODE
In this episode, Xavier Buendia shares his journey from Mexico City to Brighton, and more importantly from the world of hospitality as a sommelier to a career as a successful freelance photographer.
Xavi discusses the importance of people skills, marketing consistency, self-confidence, and believing in yourself.
He highlights both the financial benefits and creative downsides of having routine retainer clients; his pivot when COVID and Brexit hit the food industry he’d relied upon. And his recent experiments with hiring a very human PR and using AI – both to help his business in different ways.
00:00 Introduction to Xavi Buendia
02:04 Xavi's Freelance Journey Begins
03:16 Moving to England
04:04 Discovering Photography
04:38 First Photography Gigs
06:57 Building a Photography Business
07:24 Using Social Media for Business
08:19 Learning Business Skills
09:08 Expanding the Business
12:11 The Role of Customer Service
17:01 Challenges of Freelancing
18:11 Managing Work and Life
19:28 Embracing Food Photography
20:20 Lockdown and New Opportunities
21:13 Impact of Brexit on the Food Industry
23:18 Networking and Diversification
28:14 Managing Retainers and Routine Challenges
37:01 Working with a PR
39:18 Advice for Freelancers and Relocation Insights

JOIN THE COMMUNITY
You're not alone being freelance.
Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).
beingfreelance.com/community

NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!
The Being Freelance course is made for you!
Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership.

FREELANCER MERCH
Get Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shop
Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:
Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelance
YouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland
...more
42min
January 13, 2025 Podcast Producer Kate Taylor
EPISODE SPONSORED BY (AND RECORDED USING) RIVERSIDE
Record high quality video & audio with Riverside.
See how recording, live streaming and repurposing your content with Riverside can help your freelancer business.
It’s free to get started, but use code BEINGFREELANCE to save 15% on a paid plan.
Head to: beingfreelance.com/riverside
-----------
ABOUT THIS PODCAST EPISODE
In this episode of the Being Freelance podcast, host Steve Folland interviews Kate Taylor, a seasoned podcast producer and founder of the Feast Collective.
Kate discusses the highs and lows of her 20-year freelance career, emphasising the importance of personal relationships and trust in bringing word of mouth work.
She shares the journey of starting the Feast Collective to combat the isolation and stress inherent in freelance work, fostering a supportive community for audio professionals. Very much a sense of not seeing your peers as your competition. It's an interesting taking on freelancers working together and growing together.
Kate also opens up about her personal fears, the rejection she's faced, and the strategies she uses to maintain work-life balance.
The episode celebrates 10 years of the 'Being Freelance' podcast - Thanks so much for listening and being part of it!

00:00 Introduction to Kate Taylor and Feast Collective
00:39 Podcasting with Riverside - SPONSOR MESSAGE
01:52 Celebrating 10 Years of Being Freelance
03:20 Start of Kate Taylor's Freelance Journey
08:49 Building Relationships in the Audio Industry
12:33 The Birth of Feast Collective
15:41 The Structure and Focus of Feast Collective
23:15 Challenges and Successes in Freelance Audio Production
29:03 Balancing Work and Life as a Freelancer
30:20 MESSAGE - Join the Being Freelance Community
31:50 Dealing with Rejection in Freelancing
34:39 The Importance of Awards and Recognition
38:06 Climate Change and Podcasting
41:59 Game: Two Truths and a Lie
48:57 Advice for Freelancers: Wisdom from Experience
51:28 Wrapping Up: Join the Being Freelance Community
JOIN THE COMMUNITY
You're not alone being freelance.
Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).
beingfreelance.com/community

NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!
The Being Freelance course is made for you!
Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership.

FREELANCER MERCH
Get Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shop
Like VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:
Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelance
YouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFolland
...more
53min

FAQs about Being Freelance:

How many episodes does Being Freelance have?

The podcast currently has 344 episodes available.

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