One of the best things about working as a freelance writer is the ability to stretch my skills professionally. When I started freelancing full time back in October, my main service offering was writing. Writing in and of itself is a broad offering including copywriting, ghostwriting, public relations writing and even web copywriting. I've always been a strong writer and with my background in public relations and editorial writing, it was a natural fit. Lately, however, I've been presented with the opportunity to do a few projects that are out of my comfort zone in writing. Some have been more difficult than others, but for the most part I've had a lot of fun.
This month alone I've had the opportunity to design more than a dozen posters, a host of projects for my design course and even a website for a nonprofit I work with. I've also forayed into photography, shooting some successful head shots for one friend and documenting the recital of another. After taking the photos at her recital, I had the opportunity to design a custom book for her using Aperture and see my photos in print. If I worked a full time 9-5, I would never have these kinds of opportunities.
In addition to my art opportunities, I've had the chance to interview and write about a very brave woman who walked 519 miles from Ripley, Ohio to St. Catherine's Canada to experience and commemorate the freedom seekers' journey through the Underground Railroad - at age 75. She's walking 250 more miles this year (her 80th) to save a Cleveland home that was part of the Underground Railroad. What a wonderful opportunity this was for me to write about something truly meaningful and to write in a more human interest, reflective style.
And these are just highlights. From writing marketing copy for my clients' clients to creating some memorable posters, being a freelancer helps me grow as a professional and a human being in a way that no other job really could. So, when I'm complaining about doing my own bookkeeping or paying self-employment tax, I must remember to step back and look at what I'm accomplishing every day.
And THIS is exactly why I'm hoping to be a freelancer!
Posted by: ashley.star | March 27, 2009 at 03:04 PM