This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Ben O'Brien. Ben is an illustrator, he says:

“HOLIDAYS! Have you got any tips on how to get work done through the school holidays. I work from home and my wife (although self-employed) works elsewhere so it comes down to me more often to be with our son.

2 years ago I just couldn't get through the summer holiday, I managed to work on commissions I had, but I had no time for self-promotion, maintaining client relationships, updating my portfolio etc so by the end of the holidays commissions were drying up. It felt like I ran my business into the ground a bit and it's been uphill ever since.

Every school holiday or half-term means another dip in my business. There's always a few playdates and summer camp days, plus my wife tries to take days off when possible, but it's never quite enough.

So, with the next Summer holiday coming up, do you have any tips at all on how to eek out as much time at my desk as possible?

By the way, I'm not trying to get away from my son! I love him to bits and have always been proud to spend so much time with him, but I just need to work and build my business to a more sustainable level.”

What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community on Facebook.

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Frankie Tortora's website

Ben The Illustrator

Doing It For The Kids website