I first dipping my toes into self employment in 2007. I started as a graphic designer. I had a copy of Photoshop 5, an old mac and dial up internet. Ready to go!
It was a fun time, I worked on a saucy lingerie website, Lucas film merchandise and a children's book. In those days getting commissions was hard work. I didn't know much about invoicing and admin. Completing a paper tax return would fill me with dread. I learnt a lot of what not to do in those years.
My second attempt at a small business started in 2019. The COVID lockdowns gave me the headspace and time to come up with a business plan and create my first greeting card designs. I moved from graphic design to Illustration. It felt a lot easier this time. Craft markets were taking off, people wanted to shop hand made and local. HMRC went online and was easy to navigate.
My design skills came in handy for website design and promotion materials. Being a sole trader can be hard and it's difficult to switch off sometimes but the freedom and new friends I've made make it the best decision of my life.