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