Freelance Feelings

It’s been nearly 2 months since I left my job to give this freelance thing a go. I can’t quite believe it’s been that long, life has been so busy I’ve barely had a second to reflect and process how I’ve found it- but on a 7 hr train back to Edinburgh, I’ll give it a go.

I went freelance because after a year of juggling a couple part time jobs alongside my art I was beginning to burn out, I didn’t have a real plan but I just went for it because I wanted to see what could happen.

It has been amazing, the freedom to work for my self is something really special and I have been overwhelmed how busy I have been- which is a great problem to have! I have so many ideas and things I want to try and now having the time to start working on some of these is really exciting.

At the time I left I also launched Indie- The Vending Machine, this came at such perfect timing because it has kept me very busy! Running this machine has lots of levels from collaborating with local businesses to illustrating, packing, marketing and problem solving it has really highlighted to me how many hats a freelance person wears!

I knew about all the hats, I did, but to be honest I didn’t realise how much of my time all these other jobs would take up!

What? Being a freelance Artist isn’t just painting and creating all day :( I wish!!

I think I am still settling into this new way of living and working (oh I also moved flat in the midst of this… not wise). I like to think I am quite an organised being, the organisation is chaotic and messy but so far I’ve managed to handle it; perhaps not in the most efficient way but I am still learning.

I’ve blinked and the first 2 months have gone, there are definitely a lot of things to be worked on….setting boundaries for work and home and allowing the line to blur less is one of the big ones I want to work on. I love working and want to pour as much of my time and energy into it as possible but not at the expense of my relationships and well being. When I am busy I really find it hard to prioritise movement and healthy eating and choose long days in the studio and evenings of working but I can see now how unproductive that is long term.

I have to remind myself that filling my cup with outdoor adventures, quality time with my friends and family and slowing down all in fact make me a better artist and a happier person too! These are the things that allow me to be inspired and energised and without that I cannot be an artist. I’ve found it easily to get swept up into the say yes to everything mindset because to be honest I want to say yes all the time but I’m just one person and I need to find a balance.

I have lots of fun collaborations and projects in the works so keep your eyes peeled for what’s next!