What do you do? 

I’m a graphic designer.

How long have you been freelancing?

11 years as of April 2023.

How did you get into freelancing?

Left a job I did not like and thought I’ll try freelancing

What’s the best thing about freelancing?

Time! Manage my time to work out what I can do. Especially with a family. Work on projects I want to work on. Not answering to anyone in an office. Meeting other lovely freelancers.

What have you found most challenging about freelancing?

Knowing when to say no. Putting up fees.

When are you most productive?

In the morning. I love getting up early. Also after I have had a break – I come back with new ideas.

How did you find out about Freelancer Magazine?

I’ve been designing it since Issue #1. Soph texted me on New Year’s Day 2021 and said…”I’ve got an idea”…

What have you enjoyed most about working with Freelancer Magazine?

I’m the creative lead and I have creative freedom. I love this magazine! 

Which Freelancer Magazine article are you most proud of designing?

The first issue. I loved the buzz of starting something new.

If you could be another freelancer for a day, who would you be and why?

I would love to have a creative/arty shop near the sea that also sells ice cream. Or tea’s in the winter – can’t see ice cream as a winter seller. I’d love this so I could chat to people all day.

What is success for you?

Good feedback from my designs. Also – financial. Making money from something I love doing as a job.

What piece of advice would you give to someone starting as a freelancer?

Do your research. I wish there were the resources and communities out there when I started. Have a look at courses or guides on what you will need to start.

Cats or dogs?

CATS. Although I love dogs too. I always cry when Super Vet or For The Love of Dogs is on.

Who is your inspiration and why?

My mum! Might sound cheesy to some but she has worked hard all her life and I admire her for bringing up me and my sister when my dad passed away when I was a teen. Think I follow her ethics to be kind and work hard.

What’s your favourite biscuit?

Arghhh… anything covered in chocolate

Work from home, cafe or cowork?

Home. But trying one day a week in a cowork or library. 

What scares you?

Horror films. Holes – actual holes, the phobia is called trypophobia.

What’s your hobby?

At the moment, cycling.

Print or digital version of Freelancer Mag?

Print! I love the smell of print

What’s your favourite podcast?

Oooo – last year the top one on Spotify was Being Freelance by Steve Folland.

What book are you reading at the moment?

About to start Rootless by Krystle Zara Appiah. She is in my cycle club and I’m so proud of her.

Sunrise or sunset?

Sunrise when at home. Sunset when on a holiday abroad

Tea or coffee?

Tea – preferably Yorkshire Tea.

What’s your favourite film?

Argh… can I have three? Great Expectations (David Lean black and White version), Stand by Me and Trading Places. 

How do you start your day?

Gym. School drop off. Work.

What other area of freelancing would you love to try?

Illustration or photography.

What’s the one thing you’d like to achieve by the end of 2024?

I will have my own podcast… putting it out there for accountability.

 

 

Find Angela Lyons on LinkedIn /AngelaLyons1.