I’m a relatively new to the freelancing world but I’m definitely enjoying it. Being my own boss has been incredibly freeing. I’ve always been a bit of a Jack (or in this case Jane) of all trades, so it makes sense that having more control and freedom over my work is gratifying. As a classic Jack of all trades, my desk is a smorgasbord of stuff. All necessary. All organised, but no less a smorgasbord of stuff.
shiny gadget pen
I’m a huge fan of a gadget. Any type of gadget that makes life admin more efficient. My pen is a level, a ruler, a stylus, a flat head and a Philips head screwdriver with 3 replaceable ink cartridges. Really useful for both a quick note and making sure a floating shelf is level. It’s not alone though – it’s lodged against a myriad of felt tips, colouring pencils, water-soluble brushes, eco-straws, scissors, and a few rulers – all 100% necessary.
I’ve always been a bit of a Jack (or in this case Jane) of all trades, so it makes sense that having more control and freedom over my work is gratifying.
a big chunky camera
I studied photography for A-Level, for which I was momentously average. All my creative juices started flowing after I left school. I actually make the kind of money that my art teachers would have scoffed at me making by being creative, fifteen years ago. Point is, I like to take good quality arty photos for my Etsy shop and my social media. Not too long ago I bought one of those portable studios from Amazon after I started hand moulding soap. It fits in great with my cascading mountain of stuff.
I’m also exploring new photography techniques and having the camera near me encourages me to get started. Big chunky cameras bring with them some sense of nostalgia; wandering about in dark rooms, and shifting photo paper through chemicals
a little easel
My parents have a design background. My Dad (though rusty) studied graphics and my mother makes wedding dresses for a living. They bought me the easel after seeing how well I was getting on with my more creative side. They pipped me to the post on this one but it was definitely appreciated. I wasn’t the most creative of children when I was young, focussing on the academic but now as an adult freelancer in content and art, I make sure this item is never far from my desk. Quick sketches, a surface for photography and to carry outside for inspiration, it is a compact little star of an easel.
Big chunky cameras bring with them some sense of nostalgia; wandering about in dark rooms, and shifting photo paper through chemicals.
an array of notebooks
Technically this includes lined and multi-use pads for my art prints. I actually record most things. Each pad has a purpose, drawing outside, making notes, and noting down expenses. I keep a hard copy of all my expenses ALWAYS. It’s exceptionally useful when you’re doing something as dull but as necessary as taxes. Here comes the #adulting.
a mini library
I like to have books around. Sometimes you need to work something out but you don’t want to have to reinvent the wheel. Not a fan of dry factual books so I have some enthusiastic forays on my little shelf. I keep books, particularly on grammar and copywriting with me at all times. It helps just to be able to dip in and out – plus books make me feel safer. Can’t be a writer without being a reader.
the hydration trio
I always have a closed mug of green tea on hand. Always. In fact, I mix matcha green tea with every drink. I met a girl at one of the agencies I worked at who ordered me my first jar about four years ago. I’ve been ordering them since then every month without fail. I mix it with peach white tea, peppermint or forest fruits black tea. Glass of water and a small glass of morning smoothie. Wakes me right up.
Copy & Content by Lola 