The life of a freelance designer can be busy. Very busy. Throw in two young children and chaos is always close.

Averaging 70 hours a week for the last 3 years, working on multiple complex projects for a wide range of clients. Fitting in design sprints for global ad agencies. I was expecting things to quieten down. But fortunately work has exploded.

Recently I’ve produced, directed, shot and edited a ten minute corporate strategy film for a global client and a brand manifesto film for a global product. I’ve been commissioned to shoot headshots of the staff for a global agency. Been one of the designers working on the successful pitches for Channel 4 and Compare the market for OMG. Designed and delivered over 20 print items for a management conference in South beach Miami. I’ve also been approached to rebrand a few exciting consultancy groups. All this with a 3 year old boy and our new daughter – now 9 months. Both of whom refuse to sleep, so the Daddy night shift is taking it toll. As wonderful as it is sitting up with either – or both – little ones, the multiple wake ups and averaging 2/3 hours sleep a night is a brutal price to pay for the joy of being a Dad.

The lesson here is to make sure you get away from the screen and grab as much life as you can in-between design sprints.

Why we work.

None of us have a choice but being self employed does – occasionally – enable a level of control over the priorities in life. Intense design sprints and crushing deadlines do leave you a little wiped but also a lull in bookings that provide perfect opportunities for classic family time.

I’m more passionate about quality creative comms now than I’ve ever been. A little more exhausted than I’ve ever been but still driven to tell stories and create impactful design for my clients.

Here’s a few recent projects.

 

I’m always looking for new creative challenges and am happy to chat about potential projects. Give me a shout if you’re looking for fresh creative talent.