How do you build new creative muscles? I’m not talking about flexing the ones you already have, be they writing, graphic design, web development, or illustration. I’m talking instead of completely new creative activities. Why? They’ll help you be a stronger creative person. And that’s good for you and your day job. Continue Reading

You’ve been working like crazy all summer long, but you don’t have the time or the means to take the kind of vacation where you get to sit on a beach while someone regularly brings you ice cubes swimming in tequila.

Thursday has written how you can create an excellent experience by volunteering your skills for a local non-profit or charity.

Sure, you could put your mad coding skills to good use for the local homeless shelter, or write some fantastic press release for whatever cause you align with – but sometimes a change is as good as a rest, and you might want to break out of your normal daily routine. Continue Reading

One of the things that is so hard for creatives to do—despite their talents—is simply to create.

For people who have turned their passion into a full-fledged creative business, they can be so caught up in administrative tasks, completing projects and meeting deadlines, that their creativity depletes fast. Even though writers and artists may seem to be living the dream, they often feel exhausted and helpless.

I recently listened to a podcast in which Kimberly Wilson interviewed Sarah Susanka. They talked about Sarah’s series of books, especially her title, The Not So Big Life. The book focuses on how to make room for what matters in life. (The podcast focuses on tranquil living and yoga, so if you’re not into that, you’ll probably still find this episode useful.)

This got me thinking about my career, because even though I am a copywriter, author and journalist, I rarely seem to make time to work on the types of projects that bring me the most happiness. I then thought about all of the creative people out there who have established their businesses—but still seem to let “business” get in the way. Or all of those other things in life that detract from our creative time. Continue Reading

I’m in the process of updating my portfolio (ok – technically I’m creating one, but that counts as an update, right?)

As I was reviewing my client list I started to think about each of the projects, and I thought it might be interesting to hear about yours.  One of my favorite things about FreelanceSwitch is you can chat with someone that understands what you are going through.  My wife is an excellent listener, but after 30 minutes of telling her about keyword density, she gets a bit glassy-eyed.

Looking back at your portfolio, what is the project that you show to anyone who asks, and even sometimes to those who don’t ask? Continue Reading

If you could go back in time to the moment you first started freelancing, what is the single most important piece of advice you would give yourself?

• Would you spend more time developing a specific skill set?
• Would you tell yourself not to take on that CFH – Client From Hell?
• Would you ensure that all clients pay 100% upfront – before any of the work starts?
• Would you suggest that you read Freelance Switch sooner? J
• Would you spend more time developing the clients that you want to work with?

Aside from tips about investing, or not investing, in particular stocks – what is the one thing you wish you had known when you started your freelance business?

Are you sharing this nugget with the new freelancers that you meet?

Last week, we asked for your favorite quotes. Due to all the amazing quotes and responses we received, it was impossible to feature them all and difficult to choose the best! So I’ve gathered 5 more of the best quotes from our awesome readers and added one of my all time favorites.

It’s your thinking that decides whether you´re going to succeed or fail. – Henry Ford (Submitted by: Sarah)

I love being a writer. What I can’t stand is the paperwork. – Peter De Vries (Submitted by: Susan Johnston) Continue Reading

Pull up a bean-bag chair and let me tell you a story. Everyone runs out of inspiration some days. When it starts to happen, I step away from the screen and head to my bookshelf or local library for a kid’s book. There’s nothing like feeding your inner child to get the creative juices flowing.

Children’s picture books take you back to that time in childhood when you were not afraid to try new things. They also inspire with beautiful artwork, design, and storytelling. They’re filled with uncluttered inspirations and creative thoughts.

It could be a book from when you were a wee thing or books you’ve discovered recently. Find your inner child again. I’m positive it will help your work. It’s definitely helped mine.

Here are 6 picture-book classics that I love. Are any of these books familar? Continue Reading

You’ve probably heard the super-successful people say that they didn’t get there all by themselves. And you’re probably thinking that the words “super-successful” don’t apply to you, so why read this article? Because even you, a diligent climber of “Success Mountain,” have received the benefits of mentoring. And not always in the places where you think you’d find them. Continue Reading

Last week we gathered a lot of great quotes from our fantastic readers, and I’ve decided to dedicate this post to some of you. Due to all the amazing quotes and responses we recieved, I’m not able to feature all of you. So I’ve gathered the 5 best quotes from our awesome readers and added my all time time favourite quote.

Submitted by: Kolama
“Limitations live only in our minds. But if we use our imaginations, our possibilities become limitless.” – Jamie Paolinett

Submitted by: Nabeel
“Whether you think you can or can’t, you’re right.” – Henry Ford Continue Reading

Is there such a thing as the perfect home office? From my personal opinion, I’d say that your own office is the perfect one. Then again, this all depends on what we have, what we use and if we’re pleased with it. I’m not even close to satisfied with my office yet, but I’m working on it.

For all of you who has your office setup already, but could still use some inspiration or suggestions on how to improve it, or if you haven’t setup your office just yet (like me), this small round-up will definitely get you inspired. Continue Reading