This webinar will explore what it takes to build a successful freelance career in the creative industries and explain how freelancers and creative businesses can work together.

Sally Marks and Mhairi Threlfall from the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) will share tips on how freelancers can find work, build their reputation, network with confidence and create lasting client relationships.

With tips useful to both freelancers and creative businesses who want to employ them, you’ll also hear what creative firms are looking for when hiring freelancers and how to tap into opportunities through universities, industry networks and emerging talent programmes.

Bristol Creative Industries members can register here

This webinar is exclusively for BCI members. It’s one of many benefits you get by joining the community. Not a BCI member? Read more about the benefits and join here.

Who it’s for?

Creative freelancers, students, recent graduates and creative businesses interested in building successful freelance partnerships. Whether you’re looking to win more work, commission creative emerging talent or expand your professional network, you’ll leave with practical advice and new connections.

About Sally Marks:

As a senior careers and enterprise consultant at UWE Bristol, Sally develops and delivers enterprise education that equips students and graduates with the skills, confidence and mindset to pursue freelance careers, self-employment and entrepreneurship

A freelance creative for almost 30 years, Sally has founded and grown a children’s educational resource business, alongside more than 20 years in higher education. She also delivered Bristol City Council-funded business support programmes for start-up and growth businesses. Passionate about connecting education and industry, Sally thrives on creating inclusive learning experiences that prepare learners for successful, sustainable creative careers.

> See UWE Bristol’s BCI profile here

> Connect with Sally on LinkedIn

About Mhairi Threlfall:

Mhairi Threlfall is the careers and enterprise development manager for the School of Arts at UWE Bristol, where she leads employability and enterprise initiatives that prepare students for successful careers across the creative industries. Working closely with academics and industry partners, she develops innovative programmes that connect students with professional practice, freelance opportunities, entrepreneurship and employer engagement.

Alongside her role at UWE Bristol, Mhairi is a director of Enterprise Educators UK (EEUK) and a recognised leader in enterprise and entrepreneurship education. She has over 15 years’ experience designing and embedding enterprise education within higher education, supporting institutions to develop enterprising graduates through curriculum innovation, experiential learning and industry collaboration, and was involved in the development of the UK’s first Freelance Education Framework.

> Connect with Mhairi on LinkedIn

More about the Wake Up Call webinars

The online sessions take place every other Friday morning from 8.30-9am, and allow BCI members to share their knowledge with fellow members.

The webinars are a 15/20 minute presentation followed by a 10/15 minute Q&A. The sessions are a mix of expert tips and case studies – the perfect opportunity to learn something new before the week is out.

The webinars are exclusively for BCI members. They are one of many benefits you get by joining the community. Not a BCI member? Read more about the benefits and join here.

Please get in touch with Dan if you’re a BCI member and you’re interested in presenting on a future webinar.

Book your space

About Bristol Creative Industries

Bristol Creative Industries is the membership network that supports the region's creative sector to learn, grow and connect, driven by the common belief that we can achieve more collectively than alone.