Get Freelancing

Thinking of becoming a freelancer now or in the future? We can help with events, resources and support.

Freelancing can be a flexible way to earn income and build experience — but it comes with its own rules and risks that aren't always obvious when you're starting out. We're here to help, if you're looking at freelancing you can also use our Student Enterprise service. We have the Freelancing 101 workshop, an in-person interactive session, you'll get a practical, no-nonsense introduction to what it really takes to freelance in the UK – whether as a side hustle or a full-time career – plus first-hand insight from someone with experience in the field. 

You don’t need any experience, everyone is welcome, no matter what you’re studying. Whether you don’t have a clue where to start or you already sell your own products/service. Give freelancing a go.

Freelancing 101

What we'll cover:

  • What freelancing actually involves day-to-day, and how to know if it's right for you
  • The practical basics: registering as self-employed, tax and National Insurance essentials
  • How to price your work and get paid on time
  • Where your first clients are likely to come from, and how to pitch yourself with confidence
  • Why contracts matter, even for small jobs, and what to include
  • A live Q&A with a guest freelancer, sharing real experience of getting started, finding clients and navigating the ups and downs

Expect a mix of short talks, discussion and hands-on exercises rather than a straight lecture.


Freelancer resources

The UK Government provides useful information about Working for Yourself.

Creative Enterprise Toolkit includes useful handbooks, worksheets and case studies to help you shape your idea into a successful business.

Cultural Enterprise Office – read an inspiring story of a Glasgow-based artist who re-established her creative career and became a freelancer.

Freelancer Club is a website that allows freelancers to showcase their work, connect with others and access a wide range of benefits.

A guide on how to price your work from the Artists Information company. Particularly useful for visual artists.

If you are looking for some books and publications with helpful tips and facts about the world of work, The Bloomsbury creative careers section is for you.

Jess Kelly teaches the 'Business of Craft' course at Edinburgh College of Art and runs a Pinterest page for the course. On the page, you will find information about identifying craft value and skills, building brand awareness and positioning, Gallery/Commission/Agent relationships, business planning, marketing, entrepreneurship, accountancy and the use of online promotional & e-commerce tools.

From this Pinterest page, we identified some books and resources that can be of interest to freelancers in certain industries and at certain stages:

Check out this map of maker spaces by the Edinburgh College of Art:

Makerspace map (2.95 MB PDF)

Freelance Finder 

Check out our Freelancer Finder - a database of freelance offerings available from University of Edinburgh students and graduates to help you grow your business. Add your freelance service to the list or find a freelancer to join your startup. Visit the Freelance Finder now. 

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