The Start of Something New

The portfolio career where surviving, and even thriving, in multiple industries is a testament to resilience and curiosity – follow your heart!

Hi! I'm Fran! Welcome to my new website and its first post.

This is where I’ll be sharing stories from life as a creative freelancer, behind-the-scenes glimpses of my art and illustration work, and lessons learned over three decades working independently across film, journalism (tech, travel/cruise, fitness, wellness, aviation, real estate - so. many. industries), content and now illustration.

This post also marks the launch of my monthly newsletter, Back to the Drawing Board, which combines my reporting skills, love for newsletter writing and passion for illustration to help freelancers survive.

If that sounds like your kind of inbox companion, I’d love you to sign up.

Now, take a deep breath…. I have.

Three Decades, Several Industries, One Freelance Life

I’ve worked for myself for over 30 years. I feel old saying that, haha, as I navigate life now with four young kids, various health problems, perimenopause, elderly parents, etc, but through everything, the births (the miscarriages), Covid, industry forays, the time outs for surgery, and so on, I’ve scaled up, scaled down and delivered tonnes of contracts in between. 

I have been: On. It. 

And, I still am, as I retrained taking me full circle back to my childhood obsession of drawing and now working in the world of illustration.

Another exciting journey is starting and I want to use my experience to help you.

In the past I haven’t fully valued my resilience and tenacity. Like many freelancers, I often felt like I was simply “winging it”. Even when films I worked on went well or I was getting regular bylines in The Telegraph, New Scientist, The Standard and other national titles, it took years and some deep personal work to see it for what it really was: a career defined by adaptability, creativity and (hard to write this, still) hard-earned skill.

I realised that surviving, and even thriving, in multiple industries for this long actually isn’t an accident. It’s a testament to resilience and not being afraid of failure. You go forth nevertheless knowing it’s better to have tried than not at all. 

Because how do you know what you like doing unless you do it?

(Quick, write a list of everything you like to do and use that as your guide!)

My Portfolio Career (Still Going Strong)

These days, my freelance life is as varied as ever, and I’ve come to see that as a strength. I’m currently working as a Fractional Chief Content Officer for a brilliant company, running my own content business Piece Boutique, I’m still taking on occasional journalism commissions (only if I want to do them) and building a growing body of work as an illustrator…my favourite thing to do! 

This is the essence of a portfolio career – something I think more and more creatives are embracing. It’s not just a way to make a living, it’s a way to stay creatively engaged and in control of your time and energy. I've done it all my life before it was even a thing.

This is particularly important for neurodivergent people, like me, who need to ensure they have enough energy to manage work and life admin.

For years I thought I was doing it “wrong” by not having one fixed identity. I have never ever fit into a box. But now I see that shifting between disciplines has given me buckets of experience and kept me (self) employed.

If you’re a freelancer, here are a few things I’ve learned that I wish someone had told me earlier:

• You’re not winging it, you’re adapting, honing your resilience, and that is Strength.

• Imposter syndrome is a liar. The fact you care and sometimes lack confidence doesn’t mean you’re not good enough.

• A jigsaw puzzle of jobs can make a rich and rewarding career – your portfolio career can be successful for you, which is the most important thing (some success is all fur coat and no knickers, and we want our knickers on, right?)

• Your name doesn’t have to be in lights for your contribution to shine. Quiet consistency counts.

  
  

Join Me – Connect More Puzzle Pieces

Whether you’re an art lover, fellow freelancer or art director looking for new work, I’d love to support your work through my new newsletter Back to the Drawing Board.

You’ll get:

Freelancer interviews - how are they making it work?

AI focus - how to AI-proof your style or niche and what's happening in the market.

Freelancer survival tips

Five places to pitch.

Industry must-know news.

Plus I'll share my latest collection with the process and story behind it.

👉 Sign up here

Thanks so much for reading this, I'm looking forward to connecting with you.

Fran xx