What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting out?

Never do spec work and never take on a project without a contract in place.

What are three things you don’t do anymore in your field?

I don't engage over Whatsapp or any other messaging apps, only by email or phone call. I set really clear boundaries with this as I don't want to be receiving messages at all hours, its too easy too get drawn in when checking personal messages.On that note I don't reply to emails or return calls after 5.30pm and never on weekends.I don't send out proposals unless i have a fairly solid idea of a clients budget and know we're on the same page.

What’s a mindset shift that changed everything for you?

Clients need me as much as I need them, we're a partnership, I'm not an employee. This made me feel able to meet clients on a more even footing and shift from a freelancer mindset to a business owner mindset. 

What’s something you once overcomplicated but now keep simple?

Brand workshops, I used to do a one-size-fits-all for these which meant that smaller clients were getting the same offering as larger organisations - an in-depth, deep dive workshop that was overkill for their needs and was a huge amount of work for me. Now I completely cater it to their budget and requirements, keeping it as simple as possible.