Becoming the go-to freelancer in your niche - Jessi Illustrates

Becoming the go-to freelancer in your niche - Jessi Illustrates

Author: Steve Folland May 10, 2026 Duration: 43:42
Jessica Hartshorn was trained as an illustrator, but unable to get work as one she went in another direction. Jessica spent the next 16 years working in museums and galleries. But the itch to illustrate never went away. So she set up a secret Instagram account and started painting again without telling a soul. Seven years on, she's a successful illustrator, freelancing with museums, galleries, heritage sites and parks across the UK. And her 16 years behind the scenes at the museum? Turned o...

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: 100

Being Freelance
Podcast Episodes
Designer & Illustrator Iancu Barbarasa [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:27
Iancu moved from a successful branding career as an employee in Romania to being a freelancer in London. 1200 miles. Smoothed over by 600 emails. Not asking for work, but seeking connection. This episode is sponsored by…
Conversion Copywriter Diane Wiredu [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:28
Diane has learned and change a lot in a short space of time of being freelance. Or being the 'business owner’ of ‘Lion Words’. By my taking time to step back. Adjust. And just do it. She’s doing more of work she enjoys.…
Illustrator and Arts Educator Fredde Lanka [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:39
Creating posters for queer club nights, meant the work of Fredde Lanka (AKA Fredrik Andersson) was plastered all over London and that brought him more projects. But it was when those nights shut in lockdown that things r…
Photographer Tianna J Williams [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:38
Tianna was working as a midwife. Photography was a self-taught hobby. But having a family of her own meant she wanted flexibility that midwifery simply couldn’t give her. So she helped bring her own business into the wor…
Health Copywriter Louise Shanahan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:40
Straight out of university Louise wanted to travel and start her career. Instead she had to start treatment for a major health scare. On the mend, she found a job in government, but decided to focus on making a differenc…
Graphic Designer & Consultant Greg Bunbury [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:52
It was when Greg planted the flag of his values that things changed. Instead of chasing jobs as ‘anyone’, he became ‘someone’ - someone people wanted to work with for what he stood for. Now Greg’s not just a graphic desi…
Creative Director & Designer Raydene Hansen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:13
After years of working her freelance life from 6pm-1am alongside other jobs, Raydene’s now gone full-time freelance. Working for herself. But not by herself. She’s set up a collective of freelancers to collaborate on pro…
Visual Storyteller Ashwin Chacko [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:31
When Ashwin moved from India to Ireland, it was more than just his surroundings that changed. At first he took any design work he could get. Then he decided to focus on being an illustrator. But the pandemic allowed him…
Illustrator & Animator Lo Harris [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:21
When you work for a news organisation you're not allowed to let your personal thoughts out in your work. So when 2020 happened - the pandemic, George Floyd and beyond... Lo needed a way to express what she was feeling. S…

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