Becoming a Freelance Illustrator for Marvel, Disney and DC: Doaly

Becoming a Freelance Illustrator for Marvel, Disney and DC: Doaly

Author: Steve Folland May 31, 2026 Duration: 50:59
How does a creative side project turn into a decade long freelancing business working with the biggest names in pop culture, like Disney, Pixar, Marvel, DC Comics, Lucasfilm, Warner Bros and Sony Pictures? All good super-heroes have an origin story. And this interview tells the series of events that took Doaly from working for a company in Birmingham, England, to the front page of comic covers seen all over the world. Signing at Comic-con events. It's quite the transformation. Tarlochan Doal,...

Stepping away from the traditional career path to work for yourself is a journey filled with unique highs and lows. Being Freelance, hosted by Steve Folland, delves into that reality through candid conversations with those who are living it. Each episode is built around a freelancer's personal story, moving from their first tentative steps to the ongoing challenges and triumphs of running a solo business. You'll hear authentic discussions about finding clients, setting boundaries, managing finances, and coping with the isolation that can sometimes accompany the freedom. This isn't about theoretical business models; it's the practical, often messy, human experience of building a livelihood from your own skills. Steve guides these conversations with empathy, drawing out insights that are both reassuring and actionable. The podcast serves as a regular reminder that the questions and doubts you face are shared by others navigating the same waters. Tuning in provides a sense of connection and a wealth of hard-earned wisdom, whether you're just considering the leap or are a seasoned veteran looking to refine your craft. It’s a resource that acknowledges the tough days while celebrating the incredible rewards of designing your own working life.
Author: Language: en-gb Episodes: 50

Being Freelance
Podcast Episodes
Using Creative Skills For Good - Conservation Illustrator Styngvi [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:50
Icelandic artist Stefán Yngvi Pétursson, also known as Styngvi, shares his journey from working in an ad agency to becoming a freelance conservation illustrator. Inspired by shocking pollution during a trip to Indonesia,…
Freelance Freedom: How Rebecca Rosenberg Balances Work and Wanderlust [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:30
This time, we explore both a metaphorical freelance journey and physical one. In 2015 Rebecca decided she wanted to travel whilst freelancing. After building up savings and clients for a couple of years, she headed off t…
Animation Director Dave Anderson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:08
EPISODE SPONSORED BY (AND RECORDED USING) RIVERSIDE Record high quality video & audio with Riverside. See how recording, live streaming and repurposing your content with Riverside can help your freelancer business. It’s…
Antisocial Socialite Yolanda Sissing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:07
How does a Welsh schoolboy recommended by a career advisor to become a tree surgeon end up illustrating and animating for some of the biggest media outlets across the globe? Becoming a location independent freelancer, wo…
Illustrator Helen Ridley [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:52
In this episode , Steve Folland interviews Helen Ridley, a freelance illustrator who has carved a unique niche in live event illustration. Helen shares her inspiring journey from studying fashion design to working in ret…
Photographer Xavier Buendia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:54
In this episode, Xavier Buendia shares his journey from Mexico City to Brighton, and more importantly from the world of hospitality as a sommelier to a career as a successful freelance photographer. Xavi discusses the im…
Podcast Producer Kate Taylor [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:45
In this episode of the Being Freelance podcast, host Steve Folland interviews Kate Taylor, a seasoned podcast producer and founder of the Feast Collective. Kate discusses the highs and lows of her 20-year freelance caree…
Laughs for Leads on LinkedIn - Freelancer Dave Officer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:43
Hear how Dave Officer, a freelance graphic designer got started and finds clients in this episode of the Being Freelance podcast hosted by Steve Folland. Dave shares his late leap into freelancing, discussing the challen…
Graphic Designer Angela Lyons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:51
EPISODE SPONSORED BY RIVERSIDE Record high quality video & audio with Riverside. See how recording, live streaming and repurposing your content with Riverside can help your freelance business. It’s free to get started, b…
Copywriter & Creative Director Thomas Kemeny [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:41
EPISODE SPONSORED BY RIVERSIDE Record high quality video & audio with Riverside. See how recording, live streaming and repurposing your content with Riverside can help your freelance business. It’s free to get started, b…