Freelancing

Freelancing is a MAJOR part of the creative industries, and it’s not as scary as it sounds. Creative freelancing is when someone works for themselves instead of having one permanent employer. Creative freelancers use their skills to work on different projects for different clients.

Instead of working in one company full-time, freelancers might work on short contracts, collaborate with creative teams, or be hired for specific projects. Many creative industries — like film, design, music, fashion, gaming and media — rely heavily on freelancers.

Freelancers often choose the projects they work on, set their own schedules and build a portfolio of work across multiple companies or brands. Some work independently, while others regularly collaborate with studios, agencies or production teams.

Creative freelancing offers flexibility and variety, but it also requires organisation, networking and managing your own business.

  • 📊 Freelancing is common in the creative industries.
    Around one in three people working in the UK creative industries are self-employed, which is more than double the UK average.

    🎬 Some sectors rely heavily on freelancers.
    Industries like film, TV, music, theatre and gaming often hire freelancers for specific productions or projects.

    💼 Portfolio careers are becoming more common.
    Many creatives combine multiple income streams — for example freelancing, running a small business, selling creative work online or working part-time for companies.

    🌍 Freelancers can work globally.
    Because many creative jobs are digital, freelancers can work with clients from around the world.

    📈 Demand for creative skills continues to grow.
    As businesses need more content, digital design, video and creative experiences, freelancers play an important role in helping companies deliver creative projects.

  • 💻 More creatives will build global careers online.
    Freelancers are increasingly working remotely with clients around the world — meaning your next project could come from another country.

    🎨 More people will build “portfolio careers.”
    Instead of one job, creatives might combine several roles — like being a designer, content creator, artist and entrepreneur at the same time.

    🤝 Creative teams may form and dissolve around projects.
    Future film, game or design teams might come together for one project and then move on to the next collaboration.

    📱 Social media is becoming a freelance portfolio.
    Platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube are increasingly used to showcase work and attract clients.

    🤖 AI tools may help freelancers work faster.
    Creative freelancers are already using AI for brainstorming, editing, design support and productivity — helping small teams create big projects.

    🚀 More young people may start freelancing earlier.
    With accessible creative tools, online platforms and digital portfolios, many creatives begin freelancing while still studying.

  • Here is a fantastic lesson plan all about freelancing by Discover! Creative Careers (one of ERIC’s main partners).

    The Illustrated Freelancer’s Guide is a practical resource for the increasing number of artists, makers, writers and other creatives working freelance in Scotland. “This essential resource has been created to fill an information gap for creative freelancers to understand their rights and best practices in avoiding and addressing difficult situations.”

    This free course by the Open University is all about freelancing in the creative industries.

    Creative Boom have a massive library of news, tips and resources for freelance graphic designers, illustrators, artists, photographers and makers.

Like the sound of Freelancing?

Learn more on the ERIC app through our industry guides. When you’re ready to explore further you can start browsing the Freelancing section for opportunities, internships, events, courses and more!

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