When I first started telling people I was going to quit my full-time job and go freelance, I think they heard “rogue” instead. It’s as if I just announced I was going to make a living making balloon animals or shooting to outer space. It’s hard to explain their expression-a mix of disbelief, pity and maybe even undertones of resentment.
I initially chalked it up to my own insecurities. Maybe they thought I wasn’t good enough or that I was just being Brandi-you know irresponsible, only child syndrome.
What they said was things like:
You can’t be a writer. Writers do things. You’re too young. You need to see the world and live your life before you sit down and write.
Not everybody “follows their dreams.” Some people actually have to make a living.
I bring this up now because I’ve got a multitude of deadlines and I’m wondering if age, my life experiences or my travels have given me the ability to write for a living.
I can’t be sure.
Since I started freelancing, I’ve had the opportunity to travel to Italy, Greece, London and Paris. And I have gotten older. Plus, there’s been a sprinkle of good and not-so good experiences in my life since them. But doesn’t that happen to everybody?
When I think about it, what seemed to help me most is plain old practice. That and lots of reading. How boring right?
Traveling has helped a little though. I’d be lying if I didn’t say that this recent trip didn’t help me.
But when it comes to inventing up ideas for my work, getting gigs and finding the discipline to keep going, it all seems to come down to a few basic things: being open to inspiration, taking care of myself and reading, lots of reading.
What helps you?
Is there anything that help gets your ideas flowing? Are there things that help you with brainstorming ideas to pitch or ideas for new characters?
Would love your feedback! {P.S. Your comments could wind up on a future article I’m working on.}
Hey Brandi! I would say freelancing lent to a freedom of creativity for me and while it has been hard work and stressful I am glad I chose to do it. I have gained so much experience from it on many levels. I wake up in the mornings inspired (guess you could call me a morning person) and am anxious to see what the day holds. Hopefully new projects or just the continuing design process on current ones.
Unfortunately, this past year’s events have left me uninspired, unfocused and I just can’t seem to find my creative spark that I used to have. I am slowly trying to gain back happiness in my life in various ways and one thing that has uplifted me more than I expected is Pinterest. The visual impact is amazing… I am inspired, I smile, I laugh, and I can slowly feel my creativity creeping back in. I hope it stays as positive and true as it is now but since it is still in beta testing that is yet to be determined.
I am also appreciative for finding your website along with a few other inspirational blog sites and credit others experiences and advice to my healing as well.
Thanks for doing what you do!!
Aw thanks for the sweetest comment Beth!
I’m sorry you’re going through a difficult time. But so glad you’re hanging in there and I so appreciate you being an inspiration to me. Truly, you are. You are so amazingly creative and talented that I know when you’re ready, everything will take off.
Thanks again Beth! And will find you on Pinterest. It’s my latest late-night obsession too.
You are so welcome! Thanks for your words of encouragement as well! 🙂
Brandi, I am so glad that you published this piece! I had a strikingly similar experience when I went full-time in January 2010. My husband supported wholeheartedly. In fact, he suggested that I leave the corporate world and concentrate on my freelance career full-time. I was essentially working two full-time jobs anyway because my client base and assignment queue grew so rapidly. However, I did not receive this level of support from others close to and a few of those with whom I have fairly close friendships. One of my brothers and his wife were quite supportive, but my other brother told me it was a stupid move. My mother, who is very enthusiastic about my published work and tells me how wonderful it is that I can write well, did not share my husband’s enthusiasm with my taking the full-time plunge.
Like you, many of the negative Neds and Nancys I encountered back then spoke with an air of thinly-veiled envy — even jealousy. I took this into account when dealing with them.
Also, like you, I began to doubt myself and my ability to make an income that equals my corporate salary. For 2011, my gross income will reach above and beyond my corporate income by 1/4. As I look at my deadline calendar, my rate card, and the increased happiness working from home has given my kids and hubs, I have only grateful thoughts and joyful feelings about my decision.
This is where I’m supposed to be. This is where you are supposed to be.
On occasion, I still hear the voice in my head that tells me I’m not really a decent writer at all and that everyone will soon find out what a mistake they have made. I think all creative people hear that voice once in a while. But, I’ve learned to look at the evidence (income, happiness, client growth, client quality, etc.) and tell that lying voice to shut-up!
I love learning, love getting advice and tricks from others in any freelance field or niche, and love my first ‘real’ editor, who brutally edited my work and made me correct every infraction until it was right.
Loved this post. Thank you.
Samantha
http://www.freelancewritingdreams.com
Wow Samantha! I am SO super happy for you!! That’s amazing that you just started in 2010 and you are already exceeding your financial goals. I think that this is why we need to surround ourselves with other creatives and supportive people. No matter how well we’re doing, it’s so easy to get stuck into the negative thoughts that false beliefs that we’re not good enough. I think that comes with the territory and will always be something we need to keep tabs on. I’m so grateful that you wrote about your story. It’s always wonderful and inspiring to hear about how others took a big leap and landed in their own happily ever after.
Hi Brandi, great post. I echo both Samantha and Beth; like Samantha I quit a full-time job in January 2010. There are times that focus has been difficult to maintain, as Beth and you mentioned, because real life can intrude more intensely when you make your own hours. Reading also helps me, as does meeting other freelance professionals (other writers and designers) in my area. It helps build a knowledge base and gives me ideas for my own business.
Hi Mahesh! One thing I admire about you guys is that you do such a good job networking with other professionals. It’s something I admit I need to do more of. How do you make time for it in your already busy freelancing schedule? I feel like most times it’s a balancing act with always something falling by the way side. Would love to hear your point of view.
It can be difficult sometimes. I’m also in the suburbs, and it’s a good hour commute, two-ways, to events, along with the event itself. So I plan only a few events a month, depending on work flow, and make note of the ones that I’d like to make regular, y’know?
In person networking seems to be key! Making these events a priority sounds like it’s helping your career. Appreciate the tip and will definitely take note. I so need to do more of that!