As the end of year rapidly approaches, creative freelancers face a unique set of challenges and opportunities. For many, December signals a slowdown in work opportunities, which can be both a blessing and a source of stress. There is no point ignoring the elephant in the room; 2024 has been hard for many people when it comes to work, however, there are signs that 2025 may see us bounce right back. As for now, whether you’re busy wrapping up projects or finding yourself in a lull, this time of year is ideal for strategic planning, skill-building, and financial preparation.
Here’s how creative freelancers can use the next few weeks to make the most of the season, secure their finances, and set the stage for a successful start to the new year.
Planning Ahead for the Quiet Season
The festive season can bring a natural pause in work for creative freelancers. For those who are busy with last-minute projects, it’s a good time to prepare for the slower weeks ahead. Conversely, for those in a quieter period, this is an opportunity to plan ahead.
Set Financial Goals for the Holiday Period
Freelancers know that income can fluctuate wildly, and the weeks leading up to the end of the year often bring an imbalance between high spending and unpredictable earnings. Set aside a portion of your current income to cover January's slower start. Use budgeting apps to monitor your finances and allocate funds for essentials like rent, utilities, and subscriptions.
This is also a good time to let your recruitment consultants know if you’re planning to be available over the end of year break. While work opportunities inevitably slow down, there is always the possibility of a last minute requirement coming through. Letting your consultant know you’re available will help keep you front of mind in those situations.
Evaluate Your Current Workload
Review your project pipeline. Are there tasks that can be closed off before the holidays? Communicating deadlines and expectations with clients early will help you manage your time effectively. For ongoing projects, propose milestones to ensure steady income even during the traditionally slower weeks.
Updating Your CV and Portfolio
The quiet period leading into the holiday season is perfect for revisiting your CV and design portfolio. It’s a bit like those yearly reminders to change the batteries in your smoke alarm; use these periods to help keep your CV and folio fresh, up-to-date, and useful as a sales and marketing tool for you. Keeping these updated ensures that you’re ready to seize new opportunities when the market picks up again.
Refreshing Your CV
Tailor your CV to highlight the most impactful projects you’ve worked on in the past year. Focus on results-driven achievements; did your designs help a brand achieve higher engagement? Make sure that you include specific metrics to demonstrate your value. As I always remind people, listing your duties in the role might get you an interview but highlighting your achievements will be what gets you the job. When a market gets tight, it isn’t uncommon for people to start wearing a few different titles. Finished Artist might also become Studio Managers. Graphic Designers may also take on Account Management as they deal directly with clients. If this is the case, and you can see yourself transitioning, consider creating a couple of different CVs that speak to the strengths of each job title. This isn’t about embellishing or being dishonest - keep it real.
Don’t overlook soft skills. Team collaboration, meeting tight deadlines, and problem-solving are qualities clients and recruiters look for in creative freelancers. Ensure your CV reflects these capabilities alongside your technical skills.
Optimising Your Portfolio for Maximum Impact
An updated portfolio is your strongest marketing tool. Start by assessing whether your portfolio reflects your current skills and niche. If you’re targeting specific industries, create bespoke sections tailored to their needs. For instance, if you specialise in animation, consider separate sections for corporate explainer videos and creative storytelling pieces. Showcase variety in your work but aim for quality over quantity. Also consider the age of some of the pieces. If they’re over 10 years old, maybe consider retiring them from your folio. If you can, have an online offering however ensure the page works correctly and that the URL is live, accurate, and hyperlinked on your CV. At the least, have a well crafted, nicely designed PDF that can be under 20mb in size.
Investing in Skill Development
As tools and trends evolve rapidly, staying competitive as a freelance creative means continually improving your skill set. December is an ideal time to enroll in short courses or workshops to strengthen your technical abilities.
Focus on High-Demand Tools
Recruiters and clients increasingly value proficiency in software like Figma, Adobe After Effects, and Premiere Pro. Mastering these tools can set you apart from the competition. Platforms such as LinkedIn Learning, Skillshare, and Coursera offer affordable and often discounted courses during this period. If money is tight, you can often find other inexpensive, or even free options, on platforms such as Youtube. While absolutely a topic that can cause division, AI is another area that appears to be here to stay. Upskilling in this area and highlighting it on your CV also showcases that you’re keeping across current trends and considering their impact on the industry.
Taking It to a Next Level
If you’re already familiar with tools like Adobe Creative Cloud, consider delving deeper into advanced functionalities. Learn to optimise workflows, integrate plugins, or explore new features introduced in recent updates. Adding these skills to your repertoire can increase your value to clients, making it easier to command higher rates.
Taking a Well-Deserved Break
Burnout is a common challenge for freelancers, especially after months of juggling deadlines and client expectations. The holiday season offers a natural pause to step back, recharge, and refocus.
Why Rest Matters for Creativity
Creativity thrives when the mind has time to wander and explore new ideas. Taking time out during the holidays can help you return to work with fresh perspectives and renewed energy. Whether it’s a short holiday, spending time with family, or simply enjoying hobbies, prioritising rest is essential.
Set Boundaries with Clients
Communicate your holiday availability early. Set clear expectations for response times and project progress to avoid last-minute requests disrupting your downtime. The temptation might be there to continue working through the break, so ensure that you set boundaries with yourself as well.
Navigating Stress During the Slow Job Market
The combination of holiday expenses and a slow job market can heighten stress for freelancers. While it’s natural to feel concerned, taking proactive steps can alleviate some of the pressure.
Networking for Future Opportunities
Networking doesn’t have to stop during the holidays. Use this time to reconnect with past clients, attend industry events, or engage with online communities. Platforms like LinkedIn and creative forums often host virtual meetups or holiday-themed events where you can showcase your skills and connect with potential collaborators.
Explore Alternative Income Streams
Consider monetising other skills during the quiet period. From selling design templates on marketplaces like Creative Market to teaching a workshop, diversifying your income can provide financial stability and open doors to new opportunities. I know of many creatives who have taken some time out to sell their artwork, write children’s books, or craft an incredible typeface.
Preparing for a Better New Year
While December may bring challenges, the general conversation out there is that we should expect to see improvement in 2025. While it may not be an immediate improvement, we’re optimistic that we should see more opportunity sooner than later. Use this time to focus on long-term growth and professional development.
Set Goals for the Year Ahead
Reflect on your achievements and areas for improvement over the past year. Set actionable goals for 2024, whether it’s landing a dream client, learning a new skill, or increasing your rates. Break these goals into smaller milestones to track your progress throughout the year.
Creative Recruiters End of Year
As we get towards the end of 2024, our attention is turning to what we can offer in 2025. Stay tuned, as we have some exciting things in store. In the meantime though, like many others, we are taking a well earned break. Our last day in the office will be Friday 20th December 2024, and we’ll be back at our desks from Monday 6th January 2025. As we move into a more balanced hiring environment, there’s a sense of optimism for a brighter 2025 ahead, and I share that hope for all of us.