Graphic Designer & Illustrator Itzel Islas

Graphic Designer & Illustrator Itzel Islas

Author: Steve Folland November 24, 2025 Duration: 34:46
Overworked as an in-house designer, Itzel Islas turned to Instagram as a creative outlet and visual diary. Not realising it would soon turn her days into a colourful freelance business. Rooted in her Mexican culture, she’s built a joyful career that reflects her style, values and personality. With multiple income streams - from branding clients, to her shop, sticker club, partnerships and murals; Itzel shows what freelance life can look like when you follow what's fun.

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
Owning your age as a freelancer: The Wrinkly Writer - Mary Cameron [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:49
Aged 58 Mary found herself staring ageism in the face. Full time work wasn’t coming her way. And she realised perhaps she didn’t want it to. Maybe it was time for a change. With age comes experience. A stack of it in wri…
Copywriter Adri Kopp [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:29
From big cat zookeeper to taming words as a freelance copywriter, Adri's freelancing story starts a little differently. Burnout led to her quitting the zoo before even securing a paying client. A persistence in cold emai…
Logo Designer Blesson Varghese [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:40
This time we're off to India to chat to self taught Logo & Brand Identity Designer Blesson Varghese. We cover the importance of networking, 'silent' mentors, balancing work and life, and the challenges faced by freelance…
Virtual Assistant Erin Buck [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:24
A twinge in Erin’s back didn’t go away. The pain and operations, all could have left her housebound, watching daytime TV. Instead she propelled herself into an online business world she hadn’t known existed. From an awfu…
Social Media Strategist Andréa Jones [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:11
Early success on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork led to Andréa expanding her services and horizons. Using video and podcasts she built trust. She also built an agency. Dealing with the challenges of managing a team, wor…
Exhibition Designer Rebecca Shipham - Revisited [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:51
Rebecca first shared her freelancing story on the Being Freelance podcast in October 2015. Now it's time to cacth up. What happened in the next 8 years?! Through the challenges and rewards of working directly with client…
Copywriter Eddie Shleyner [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:50
In 2014 Eddie started the Very Good Copy blog to educate himself. But he wasn’t the only one loving it. As it grew in popularity, people started reaching out, offering him work. He turned them down. Until in 2020, an opp…
PR Lucy Werner [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:32
From starting as a PR freelancer to accidentally heading a small agency, working with her husband and then transitioning back into solo freelancing, Lucy shares the challenges she's faced along the way. As the creator of…