Lifestyle
The view from over there
We know how we’re doing over here, but how is the world of freelancing going during the economic downturn in other countries? Julian Granirer, a freelance environmental consultant in California, gives us the lowdown…
What am I?
What do you call yourself when you aren’t just one thing? This is one of the issues freelancers can face when they’re asked, “What do you do?” Lubna Gem Arielle, for instance, would find it hard to pigeon hole her job – or even give it a title – as she explains.
A Bright Spark
A bright spark
“It has gone stupidly busy,” says John Crowther two weeks before Christmas. “What happens with my work, is that, at this time of year, everyone wants everything done before the festivities come – and builders want to finish off their jobs so they can have their Christmas shut-down.”
A working mother
According to the International Freelancers Academy 2011 Freelance Industry Report in the US, more women (65%) than men (55%) feel strongly that being freelance is the right thing for them. Perhaps this is because, traditionally, women have juggled their paid work with bringing up children.
Write on!
These days, there are a fair few people who are finding that the decision to go freelance is thrust upon them, rather than a considered choice. Or, to qualify that, it is still a choice, but very likely one that wouldn’t even have appeared on their radar had a full-time, permanent position been available.
Mixing it up
These days, with established clients drying up and long-term security a thing of the past, it sometimes becomes necessary to take on a full-time job to make ends meet. This can pose dilemmas for long-term freelancers, who will have spent years building up a client base and a name for themselves.
Spacing Out
In our continuing look at the different fields in which it’s possible to freelance, this time it’s the turn of a place maker.
Copy that!
“I'm a freelance copywriter, associate creative director and senior creative,” says Julie Seal. “That means I come up with the ideas for advertising campaigns, then write any of the words for them (from taglines to website-long copy to TV scripts, etc). I also direct the creative on a number of clients.
