I have a lot of people asking how to make the leap into the world of freelancing, how to set up and prep, how to not only survive, but strive and also have fun doing it!

So I have been compiling lots of stories and tips and tricks to help you all along the way, elements I have learned the hard way, and hope that you might benefit from.... but then Russia invaded Ukraine …. and here we are!

Talking about slips and trips in running a creative business seems so far away from the conversations we should be having, so very far away from what we should be seeing in the media, even if it is the social variety.

How do you freelance while living on the edge of a world war?

Really! We are the sole drivers of our business, the only ones responsible for things happening and getting done, so how do we stay focused and driven and motivated when its feels like the craft of taking beautiful photos could not be any less relevant to the crisis happening in the world today.

We don’t need to state that the world is still turning, businesses are still running and we are all still need to keep the cogs in motion as we are of course, running off the back of two inactive years, which are on the back of a decade of political unrest and economic crashes…

The inner conflict and need to support, to do something positive, and yet still need to run a business and pay the bills in an ethical way, true to who we are ethically as well as creatively, is real!

Let's talk freelancing, but with a contextual twist!
Freelancing is not easy, and there will always be things that happen that try to derail you, so let's start talking about how we can navigate that in an emotionally, social and politically sensitive and intelligent way.

So how do we navigate it?

Be present

Acknowledge the pain and distress, put time aside for it, for reading the news, for digesting what is happening, give it designated respectful space, then move on to the other elements of life that also require space and time in your day.

Be Positive

All of this is real, and we could have the world change as we know it in a matter of days, so enjoy every second the sun is shining, every laugh, every win, every moment. Life is for the living, there is enough space for both respecting trauma and celebrating life.

Check your privilege

For those of you who are feeling new to this phrase, we all have a privilege, may it be affluence, access to education, social circles, skin colour, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and many, many more. These provide us with access to opportunities that are denied to others. Please be mindful of your own privileges within your space, those next to you may not see the world the same way, and how we react, act and speak defines us. *Please read more on this subject – it refer to a great deal about the social construct of the world you live in.

Use your platforms

Your audience and those who think and feel like you may be struggling too, now knowing what to do, how to help and what to take from it all. Use your platforms to share things that will help, donation platforms, cloths donation points, articles and news broadcasts.

Be true to who you are

People have a lot of opinions, times like this mean that everyone starts to vocalise them – this is a good thing, it means we all care, but it also has a space and a place, and it can be respected whilst not being allowed to impact or dominate your own personal process. Do what you need to do, in your own way,

Be mindful of your goals and your energy

Keep your goals and miles stones in site but be mindful that you are now running a marathon uphill. You may need a bit more time, a little more kindness to yourself and a little more support in keeping to your targets. That’s all ok  you’re still winning.

Do you have any tips on how you have been finding your way through?

I’d love to hear them. Leave a comment below:

Being Freelance Through a Crisis