Going freelance - did it work?
A look back at 2024
Towards the end of 2023 I took the decision to go freelance full-time, spending more time on writing, drawing, and creative projects to promote Scottish culture. It was a bit of a leap, but one I had already been experimenting with and working towards for a few years in my own time.
Now my first year as a full-time freelancer is drawing to a close - so, did it work? It has been quite a learning curve, but all in all it has worked well enough that I can keep going and try again next year. That’s all I could ask for in year one. Now I’m excited to have the opportunity to carry on, to implement what I’ve learnt, and to make some new work.
2024
A few things I did this year as a freelancer:
Displayed my work at fairs including the Meadows Festival, the Highland Show and the West End Fair. In total I spent 56 days at craft markets this year, a new record!
Spoke at this year’s Scottish Illustration Festival in Huntly, the Portobello Book Festival, the Grange Association talk series, the Bruce Festival in Dumfries, and a civic reception for Visit Dunfermline.
Released ‘Another Scotland Is Possible’, an illustration to mark the 10 year anniversary of the independence referendum. I also spoke at the anniversary rally outside the Scottish Parliament.
Reviewed Perth Museum (the new home of the Stone of Destiny) for The National.
Wrote about the creative life of Helen Cruickshank.
New Print: Scots Pine
I recently finished a new print of the Scots Pine (guithas-Albannach), Scotland’s national tree. The pine can live up to an astonishing 700 years, making it an icon of both Scotland’s natural history and its cultural memory.
These trees are distinctive for their reddish bark, wind-swept twisted trunks, and upraised branches. Some of them are remnants of the ancient Caledonian Forest which once covered much of the Scottish mainland.
What’s next?
I want 2025 to be a year of trying new things. I’m already really looking forward to an illustration commission coming up early in the new year. It’s a book cover design for a project which really chimes with my interests. More on that later.
In the meantime I’d like to thank everyone who has helped me this year, whether you have bought some of my work, attended a talk, given advice, or even just subscribed to this newsletter. All of it has helped. Thank you, and a very happy 2025 when it comes.
That’s wonderful! You’ve created a path for yourself through your talent, passion and hard work. They say the first year is the hardest, so keep doing what you are doing.
Congratulations on your first year as a freelance; keep at it!