Louise Turley’s freelancer story

As part of our freelance celebration we’re sharing the experiences of female freelancers. Here’s Louise Turley’s story.

What do you do? 

I’m a freelance graphic designer.

How long have you been a freelancer? 

About 20 years.

Why did you go freelance? 

To be able to be flexible and travel all over the world and have often taken on other part time positions during my time as a freelance. I was a scuba diving instructor for many years and worked as freelance alongside this too. You could say I was remote working all over the world, before remote working became a ‘trend’.

What do you love about being a freelancer? 

Being my own boss, choosing my clients who share my values, and fitting work life balance as a single parent.  

And what do you hate about being a freelancer? 

The unreliability of a monthly pay check, and having to find my own clients. 

How long did it take to earn an income you were happy with? 

A long time…!  

And how long to get a good client rota? 

That constantly comes and goes.

Have you ever turned a client down? And if so, why? 

I think I’ve only ever really turned one down, but she simply had very different core values to myself and an ethos I didn’t like, and could see would be a difficult work relationship.  

If you could offer any advice to yourself starting out as a freelancer what would it be? 

Just do it! Give it a go… and seek out freelance communities and co working spaces. Build a great working community around you if like minded people and great contacts and friends. 

This is what the East Devon Jelly has become … my #jellytribe. I set this up before the co working / collaboration trend and it has been great and taken away any sense of loneliness.  

Find out more about Louise