Laura Whitehouse didn’t follow the usual path into graphic design.
While studying archaeology and anthropology (told you) at university, she started designing posters for student theatre shows. At first for free, then for £20 here and there (or sometimes just a pint). What began as a creative outlet quickly became the foundation of a freelance career.
Thanks to word of mouth clients and the help of various mentors, she built skills and confidence.
Until five years on, one of those mentors simply told her: "Just do it".
So she did. She quit. And start freelancing full time
In this episode Laura talks about:
Building a business through word-of-mouth referrals
Gradually increasing her rates after nudges from other freelancers
Showing only certain types of work online to shape perception
Running her one-woman studio Mighty Fine
Why she prefers working with freelancers rather than building an agency
The reality of managing 45 projects at once
Being completely unapologetic about chasing unpaid invoices
Why the financial side of freelancing can be the most stressful part
And the strange phenomenon of people wanting to “just grab a coffee” to pitch startup ideas
Laura also talks about working in film and TV graphics, co-hosting the podcast Opening Credits, and how reading fantasy novels recently helped her switch off from work in the evenings.
It’s a fun and honest conversation about building a freelance business your own way, without necessarily following the usual advice about niches, marketing strategies, or growth.
Sounds like a mighty fine idea.
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Being Freelance is hosted and created by freelance podcast editor Steve Folland.