Keep It Creative Podcast

In this week’s episode, we go through Kate’s work in the fashion industry. Most recently, Kate has collaborated with Gold Coast brand, Tanouk Apparel. We chat about how this was organised and how you can connect with local brands too. We also chat about her recent trip to Sri Lanka and how it has inspired her creativity.

• Focus on what you want, take a trip or even a staycation to realign with this.

• Consider a brand’s sustainability practices

• Don’t be afraid to reach out to local brands to connect and work with them.

Alarice Stuart is a brand strategist and website designer. With clients like Air New Zealand, Two Islands Co., Saben, Hippie Lane and Rhye Intimates to name a few! In this episode, we chat about her recommended path for those considering getting into the design world.

Alarice goes through if you should go to university or study online/at a smaller college and the perfect journey for you. She also explains how to build up a rocking client list. Keep listening to find out how.

Montana Lower is an engineer, model, activist, and artist who has now started a non for profit called Murals For Change.

In this episode, Montana shares with us how to balance contrasting skills into one project, we talk about tips for those wanting to open their own NFP and how Montana’s upbringing has influenced her outlook and the way she lives her life.

This episode is full of insight, compassion and positivity, so if you’re thinking about making some big changes in your life or want to support others working towards changing, you need to listen to this!

Take a look at Montana Lower’s Instagram here.

Murals For Change Go Fund me.

Shibui is a Gold Coast-based film developing lab.

In this episode, we’re chatting about how Brooke and Josh started Shibui Film, working as a couple and how they’ve grown the business and tips for shooting on film.

If you’re an aspiring photographer or are considering making the transition to film, this episode is for you!

Check out Shibui Film here.

Instagram here.

Is it just me, or are there some weeks where you’re just flying through life, win after win, and others feel like they’re draining every last bit of life out of you?

Today I want to chat about what to do when motivation is at an all-time low. Because not every week is going to be buzzin’, and learning how to deal with this is a part of life.

So here are some of my favourite ways to deal with low low motivation.

What do you do when you need to get motivated?

Check out https://www.keepit-creative.com/

Charli Burrowes is an Australian artist, photographer and film maker, who has worked with a broad range of international luxury brands on unique campaigns, beautiful artwork and dynamic editorials, both here, and overseas.

Her clients include Uniqlo, Lorna Jane, David Jones, Westfield, Kikki K, Magnum, Swisse, and Fuji Film, and her work has been published internationally on billboards, television and in magazines.

Check out Charli’s Instagram here and Me Oh My Girl’s website here.

In this episode, we’re talking about Charli’s creative process, how she gained experience to work as a visual artist and why taking risks and throwing all your money into something can totally work out!

One email a day, check sites like Pedestrian.tv, OzLance, Upwork (I don't like), and reach out to businesses directly.

Travel websites, any brand with a blog, check out ProBlogger which advertises a lot of work, Contena is a paid site - I haven't used so can't recommend

If you’re struggling for work, consider getting some work with a local marketing, digital or PR agency. The main thing is though, you’re still working for someone else, but if you don’t want to have to deal directly with client’s this could be a great option for you.

So always ask to begin with, what the pay is to confirm, rather than telling them your price. This will save you a lot of time. Refer to the previous blog for more information on pricing yourself too.

Once you start building yourself up as a writer, your strategies and ideas will continue to grow.

Your writing style will also strengthen.

So if there’s one thing you take from this article, remember, that the only way to become a freelance writer is to actually WRITE.

And if you need to improve your skills, WRITE and READ every single day.

Read publications and articles you’d like to write.

Read books and reviews.

Write out anything that comes to mind.

Write creatively.

Write about whatever you wish.

Slowly, but surely, your skills will improve.

Research is a key part of copywriting.

You may not always be able to visit or experience the product or place you are writing about.

So having the ability to research and comprehend, and learn about it, is so important.

Google is a key research tool, as well as YouTube, books and speaking to those who have experienced the brand, product or place you’re writing about. Get creative!

Explore online tutorials, videos and training materials to help you along the way.

Get another copywriter or a friend who is good at English to proof your work before you submit it.

This is key.

Oh and use Grammarly. It’s da bomb.

Once you have about 4 -5 pieces of high-quality work, you have now started to build up your portfolio.

Get ready to reach out to bigger brands and organisations, and either a) get your name out there b) start earning money.

If we're talking about the travel writing industry, reach out to directories like Visit Queensland (unpaid), the Urban List (paid), and use the scripts/template below.

Depending on your experience and the company, this will either be free or unpaid.

Once complete, add these articles to your Portfolio of Work tab.

For example: when it comes to pitching to travel writing or dining review sites. As a tip - pick up a few local guides, including Sydney and you’ll quickly identify the writing style and a few similarities in each review.

Write about locations, places to visit, activities on the weekend or even - suburbs /where to live etc. Or if you’re a bit of a lover of fine dining, write directory listings about restaurants and bars.

This was a great introduction for me to get used to having my work published. It even pays (very little, but still!). The more page views and clicks, the more money you earn.

If you know people who own their own business or can connect you to the business they work with - reach out to them. This is how I built my experience in gas, electrical and finance (random hey!). Send a quick text or email out to friends to see if their business needs any writing for blogs, newsletters or social media. It only takes a minute, but is well worth it!

So things are looking good for you, you’ve decided the style of writing you’re ready to do, now it’s time to get ready for business.

Set up a free website: on WIX, Squarespace or Wordpress. Add navigation tabs including - About, Portfolio of Work, Services (optional).

Determine your goals - what sort of job in writing do you want? Do you want to continue to freelance, or work for a brand? If it’s temporary, determine by when you’d like a full-time gig.

Write out a list of potential clients and what their needs are. And specifically, who their audience is. Review their website content, what is the tone?

Figure out revenue. Set up a budget and an action plan. How much do you need to earn each week, what’s your minimum and desired hourly rate? How will you make sure it is profitable?

Do some practice with your blog and figure out how long 250, 500 and 1000 words will take you to write. Specifically for pieces that are thoroughly researched.