Chad's a firm believer that his time working in agencies, has made him a better freelancer. He got to know the ropes - the techniques, the business, the rates, the people... and most importantly his niche of premium packaging design.
But it's interesting: he isn't one of those freelance guests who puts much 'personal' into his brand - he may know the ropes, but do we know him?
Read MoreWhen Prerna’s husband couldn’t work due to ill health, her side project of writing suddenly became crucial for their family.
Over time they realised it had real potential, her husband joined the business, they hired others as ‘Content Bistro’ served up hungry businesses around the world. It’s an amazing story. She had no money, no other options and no fear. And no idea how much her life was about to change.
Read MoreAre we stronger together?
Paris based freelance designer and art director Jonathan Da Costa thinks so. By collaborating with other freelancers he's managed to take on bigger projects - to grow his business whilst taking time out for his family.
Read MoreAfter being made redundant Tia Meyers didn't just take her experience of social media and start being freelance. She also decided to take it and grow a community of other freelancing females.
2 years on, we chat about the many lessons learnt both in adjusting her services, getting paid and work-life balance AND from growing a Facebook Group of 8000 members with meet ups globally.
Read MoreRon's success as a freelancer stems from talent, hard work, generosity, seizing opportunities and... Instagram. The app is at the heart of it all. Giving him the confidence to be a pro photographer. Finding an audience and community. Bringing him to the attention of big brands and opening doors that he's more than eager to burst through. The power of putting yourself out there and making and taking opprtunities shines through.
Read MoreBen O'Brien, started out as a freelance illustator and animator, even forming a successful studio. But being creative was usurped by being a manager. So he went solo again and freelancer 'Ben the Illustrator' was born.
Ben tells us about being there for his family, making connections to peers around the world through an awesome survey and whether by knocking on doors or using side projects and social media - making himself unavoidable.
Read MoreJess knew she wanted to work on her own terms.
What she didn't know, was what a 'virtual assistant' was.
And yet when an opportunity came up to be one, to work remotely and become freelance... she jumped at it. As years went by, the amount of work started to overwhelm her. So she hired her own virtual assistants to help out... and her company Don't Panic Management was born. Everything 'virtual' had gradually become very real.
At the heart of Matt's success are other people. Sure, of course he's good at what he does. But it's the people he's met along the way that have helped him grow himself and his business.
Put simply: the more people you meet, the more chance you have of working with them in the future. Be that fellow freelancers or potential clients. Just keep meeting people!
If you don't take yourself seriously, why would your clients?
South African photographer and digital artist Natalie chats about making connections, passion projects, hiring other freelancers, expanding her services and wrestling with being a workaholic learning when to say 'no'.
Composer Grant Kirkhope has spent the past 20 years not just making video games music, but making a name for himself.
From the lessons and habits learned as an in-house composer, to breaking out as a freelancer in a new country: looking for opportunities, an agent and a day off.
It may seem like a series of ‘happy accidents’ but it’s a tale of persistence, creativity and professionalism. Doing whatever it takes to get the job.
Read MoreEarly on, London based filmmaker Ben started juggling life as a freelancer and studying.
Here, he chats about working for free and how he transitioned that to paid gigs.
How collaborating with others can inspire him both creatively and in business.
Plus, coping with cashflow and the pressures of travelling for work.
