Graphic and Web Designer, Amy Irving, answers our questions about working freelance…

Name:

Amy Irving

Job title:

Graphic and Web Designer

How long have you been freelancing?

Since October 2009

Why did you start freelancing?

I started because I had worked at the same agency for over five years since graduating from university and I felt I needed a change and was confident enough in my own abilities to make the leap.

What’s the best thing about freelancing?

Being your own boss is the obvious advantage, but I also really enjoy having the freedom to work on varied projects. I regularly work with local creative agencies as in-house support so I get the opportunity to take part in larger projects that I could not take on by myself. Having my own clients and working as part of an agency gives me a good balance.

What’s the worst thing about freelancing?

I think because you have to find business by yourself you can feel pressure about getting a new client or project. I have had occasions where work has quietened down and then a week later several jobs come in at once which need juggling.

How do you overcome it?

If business slows down I will approach a few clients which tends to then result in the several projects at once! I just carefully plan out the jobs into my calendar and use my evenings and weekends to get them all done.

You need to be very disciplined – how do you manage your time?

I have always found it quite easy being disciplined because you have to rely on yourself. If I wasn’t focussed on finding new work or finishing projects on time I wouldn’t be able to make a living!

How do you go about finding new business?

I am lucky that I have had a lot of business through recommendations from previous clients which is great. I also try to attend networking events which are aimed at the creative/digital industry.

Which blogs/websites could you not live without?

I read the Creative Review site and blog quite a lot and I am a slave to Facebook and Twitter which I go on every day without fail!

Which three gadgets could you not live without?

I love my iPod Touch as I don’t have an iPhone yet and I use my MacBook Pro every day as it is my main computer. I have a terrible sense of direction so my TomTom is great for going to meetings!

Find out more about Irving Creative and check out Amy’s portfolio on her website and you can also follow her on Twitter.