My Top 3 Resources As A Freelancer

For whatever reason, I noticed that I’ve really started settling into my role as a freelancer ever since the new year kicked off. It could be because I just finished up my first major tax season as such (UGH), but I’ve officially found my groove. I’ve got spreadsheets going, websites up to date and a running spreadsheet for ideas and dream projects that should carry me well into the end of the year.

That said, I’m only one teeny tiny person in a sea of talented creative freelancers, and I can only do so much on my own. So, today I’m talking about the resources that have helped to pull me through the murky waters of this profession. My hope is that it starts a mini conversation and that the rest of you freelancers will chime in with your own suggestions. I think we learn best from each other in this community, after all.

First, I have to gush about my new favorite toy as a freelancer: my Intel Tablet. Although I like to think that my creative business isn’t all that technology-based, when it comes down to it, it really is. I’m constantly on my phone catching up on what my fellow writers and bloggers are up to via social media, and now my new tablet has made the process even easier (goodbye, squinty eye reading). The massive screen makes browsing blogs a cinch, and I’ve already filled up the device with my go-to apps and photo editing software—more on that soon.

My latest freelance blog series obsession? Molly Jacques’ long-running Freelance Diaries. I spent several hours the other night pouring through Molly’s archives on my tablet, catching up on the process she’s gone through to make her freelance lifestyle as fulfilling and as productive as possible. You should definitely check it out if you’re looking to get some great “real person” tips and tricks—plus, you’ll probably be just as blown away as I am by her gorgeous lettering and illustrations.

Shelter magazines also are a big deal for me as a freelance writer. I’ve found that, whenever I hit a rough patch (aka. writer’s block), all I need to do is bury myself in a great magazine to kick start my wordsmithing. Darling Magazine is a recent addition to my coffee table, but I couldn’t be more in love. I recently had the opportunity to interview Sarah Dubbeldam, the founder of the magazine (see the feature here on Glitter Guide!), and now I am even more of a loyal follower since finding out about the conversation that Sarah’s trying to fuel with her female-focused mag.

Finally, I have to give a big shoutout to our team at Career Contessa. Our growing archive of interviews is chock-full of features spotlighting women who are making their freelance lifestyles work in innovative ways. The inspiration is so thick, it will leave you reeling. And Jenna Arak, our CC Daily editor, has really transformed the content on that side of our site since she joined the team a few short months ago. Whether you’re looking to get the deets on what you need to know in order to become a freelancer, or want to know how to build your personal brand, it’s all there.

What are some of your favorite freelancer resources? And before I sign off for the weekend, I want to extend a special thanks to Intel Tablets for inadvertently helping to jump-start this conversation so organically—I never knew that a piece of technology could be quite so inspiring!

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