Thinking of going freelance? Or curious to know what it’s really like behind the scenes? Our next online panel discussion will bring together range of creative freelancers to share the realities of starting out as a freelancer.
Join us online on Thursday 16 October, from 5pm to 7.30pm BST as our panel share practical tips, honest insights and first-hand experiences to help you understand what freelancing is really all about.
From building a client base and managing finances, to staying motivated and making the most of the freedom freelancing can offer, they’ll discuss:
- The fundamentals of freelancing
- Their unique paths into the world of freelancing
- Freelance learnings and experiences
- Essential skills and tools for success
- Practical advice for those looking to work as freelancers
After the discussion, you’ll have the chance to ask your own questions in a live Q&A.
Who will be there?
This event will be hosted by the brilliant Zoe Thompson, a freelance zine artist, workshop facilitator and content creator. Zoe will be joined by a stellar line-up of freelance industry professionals. Check out the full line-up below:
Zoë Thompson
Zoë is a freelance zine-maker and facilitator based in London who champions the power of zine culture as a radical and playful tool of expression. She is also the founder of sweet-thang zine, a community and indie press that publishes work by Black creatives worldwide, and has worked with organisations such as the Southbank Centre, Wellcome Collection, National Gallery, Design Museum, Tate Modern and King’s College University.
Arlo West
Arlo (they/them) is a freelance graphic designer and the founder of Studio Arlo and Not Your Business. They create sh*t hot branding and websites for queer, trans and neurodivergent folks who deserve to feel fully seen, celebrated, and never talked down to. They’re a D&AD New Blood Winner (Creative Crisis, 2018) and were just named Creative StartUp of the Year (North West) at the StartUp Awards.
Francis Augusto
Born in Angola, Francis is a London-based artist working across photography and film recently incorporating oral histories. His work examines identity, the everyday and belonging through documentary practice informed by his sociology background. Recent work includes commissions by the Bodleian Libraries and British Journal of Photography, plus an Arts Council England-funded project Songs of Love & Loss (2023).
Morgan Hastie
Morgan is a young, multi‑award‑winning graphic designer from Glasgow, Scotland. Alongside studying for her design degree, she works as a freelance designer specialising in visual identity and packaging. Her work is influenced by her travels, cultural exploration and a passion for storytelling.
Yo Hosoyamada
Yo is a Japanese illustrator currently working and living in London. After studying and working in the Architecture industry, she pivoted into Illustration, studying at Camberwell College of Art. Since then, she has worked as an illustrator for clients such as YouTube, WIRED, Toyota, The Telegraph, The Times and Monocle Magazine. She is currently represented by Handsome Frank in the UK and Vision Track in Japan.
How to Apply
Our What is...? events are for anyone at the start of their creative journey – whether you’re still studying, a recent graduate, self-taught or switching careers.
This event is open to:
- Emerging creatives (aged 18 and over)
- Those with an interest in working in the creative industry – no previous experience or portfolio necessary!
This event is free to attend, and there are unlimited spaces. However, you’ll need to create a free account to register, so be sure to sign up here: https://creativelivesinprogress.com/events/what-is-freelancing-october-2025
While we have publicised this opportunity, please note that: (i) the application and selection process is managed by the advertising company/organisation; and (ii) we rely on them to: provide accurate, up-to-date details about themselves and the opportunity; ensure that opportunities are ethical and paid fairly. To report a listing, please email [email protected].