What is
freelancing?
A freelancer is a person offering defined services, who typically works on multiple unique contracts within a year. Freelancers earn money on a per-job basis charging hourly, daily or weekly rates for their work. Freelancers are usually self-employed and therefore are responsible for their own sources of work, pay, accounts, taxes and pension. However, some freelancers work on a PAYE basis moving from one employer to the next.
In order to work as a self-employed Freelancer you must register with Revenue as self-employed.
Freelancing is particularly common in the creative and cultural sectors, especially in the animation and screen industries, the performing arts, and the visual arts.
This is due to two main factors. On one hand, the project-based nature of these industries where certain roles are required for defined periods of time ranging from days to months. On the other, for most arts workers, whether you are a creator, crew personnel or producer, it is the only viable option, as full-time employment is rare in the sector.
Advantages of being a freelancer
Flexibility
Most freelancers choose when and where they work, having the potential opportunity to select projects that suit their preferences and align with their interests and career goals.
Variety
Freelancers have the luxury of moving between different types of projects, industries, clients, and tasks, allowing them to build a versatile skill set. Each project adds to their portfolio, showcasing their adaptability and expertise, while building relationships. In the screen industry, this might be a four-week feature film on location or a sixteen-week TV series in studio. In the performing arts, you might be working on a theatre or dance piece, an opera, or a musical, in large or small venues, or touring nationally and/or internationally.
Control
Freelancers are not confined to the career trajectory of certain employed roles. They have the ability to manage and drive their own career in a way that is bespoke to their unique needs year on year.
Challenges of being a freelancer
Unpredictability
As a freelancer you might face lean periods, even when you have established yourself as a professional. Planning for those periods is crucial for a sustainable career in order to avoid financial difficulties.
Administrative and logistical obligations
As a freelancer you are in charge of running your own business, from seeking out work and writing up proposals, to managing your own bookkeeping and tax obligations. This might be overwhelming when you start out and we hope this guide helps you navigate these challenges.
Wellbeing
There are other factors that might add extra pressure to your career, such as long working hours, isolation, or finding the right work-life balance. Minding your health and wellbeing is essential. In this guide you will find many tips, strategies and other useful information to look after your physical and mental health.
We hope that this website arms you with the information you need to sustain a rewarding career in the creative and cultural sectors.