Where to find work as a freelance performer in the UK
Are you keen to become a travelling freelance performer, someone who could be looking at using one of our exciting Performing Arts Travel Insurance packages? While Hencilla Canworth doesn’t deal directly in the entertainment industry, we do insure a lot of freelance performers, and we’ve assembled this handy guide to where to look for work based on their recommendations.
It doesn't matter if you’re intending a full freelance career, or if you simply need a little work on the side to find new clients, you’re sure to find a good match on one of these platforms. A good freelance platform offers you the chance to promote your talents and creative skills to your clients directly, as well as seek out jobs from potential clients’ listings. Most of the best platforms will offer you tools to manage the contract start-to-finish, including receiving payment safely at the end.
"If you build it they will come" still applies, however. You’ll want to put effort into making your profile look attractive to your potential customers, including details on your experience, services you offer, and even reviews and testimonials from happy past clients. With the amount of work it takes to put up a good-looking, customer-attracting profile, you’ll want to focus your efforts in the best possible places. That’s where we come in today.
Online freelance platforms
The ‘gig economy’ that’s now saturating all industries is no stranger for anyone in an artistic or performing field. You’ve possibly worked as a freelance contractor all your life. One benefit of so much work now going online, however, is the plethora of responsible and trustworthy freelance platforms you can draw on to help you find work across all creative industries.
Upwork is a very popular online freelance platform. It’s even been used by large companies like AirBNB and Microsoft. While much of the focus is on aspects like graphic design, marketing, and web development, you’ll also find a lot of work in audio industries, including voiceovers.
You have the flexibility to look for contract lengths and even one-off work. There’s a built-in video call and instant chat system, and it makes a good hub for collaborative teamwork.
This is a freelance platform that has boomed in recent years, now regularly providing work for over 2 million freelancers. It’s pretty unique in that you can rate and review the freelancers, allowing businesses to easily match to the right person. The work offered is very varied, covering everything from photography and video editing to translation. Freelancers can promote their services through a list of offered ‘packages’, allowing browsing businesses to buy on the spot.
This reputable freelance platform is pretty similar to Upwork, allowing you to look for work on larger projects, sometimes with fellow freelancers. It has over 3 million active users at the moment, and freelancers are verified, with reviews and feedback scores to help clients decide who is the best match for their project. You’ll find categories for dance, musicians, and voice work, as well as many other artistic professions.
Of all the platforms mentioned today, this one has the most flexible payment options. You can offer services for a fixed price, opt-in for an hourly rate, offer a task-based fee, and even set up recurring payments.
This freelancing platform works as a bidding option, where clients post work and freelancers bid on the project. That said, clients can still browse freelancer profiles and chat to desired service providers directly. You have the ability to add a portfolio to your profile, and the inbuilt system allows for easy communication and a direct live chat to help you stay on top of the project with your client.
This is a freelance platform that does lend itself more towards freelance software development, finance, product and project managers and so on, although you will find some design work here. Toptal screens freelancers, including a live test project to show off your skills. This means it has a far smaller body of registered users than many similar sites- but the potential to make money from focused projects is a lot higher because of this, of course.
Specialist entertainment platforms
While these solid platforms cater to almost any work demographic, what is out there that is specific to creative freelancers? Let’s take a look.
Specifically geared to freelance writers, this site also happens to be a great resource for writers and editors alike. But it also offers a job platform to connect you to work. There’s a pretty consistent stream of gigs posted, and you can apply to work on the ones that suit you best.
This freelancer platform is specifically aimed at the creative side of the market, helping to pair you up with the jobs that need you. It has a special focus on creative marketing and digital service professionals like graphic designers and UX experts.
This is a great ‘boutique’ platform option for designers, covering everything from logo design to book covers. It also encourages online collaboration between freelancers to a greater extent than many others, including the creation of teams to handle projects.
This niche platform offers voice actors the perfect opportunity to upload portfolio samples and connect with clients needing to work with them.
This freelance platform aims specifically at the music industry, allowing you to showcase anything from a singing voice to your audio tech specialities and session work.
As you can see, there’s a huge range of freelance platforms for artists and creatives out there, allowing you to find the work you need to sustain your dreams of travelling in the entertainment industry. Remember, no matter where you roam in the world, Hencilla Canworth and Performing Arts Travel Insurance will always be there to make sure you have the tailored travel insurance you need for peace of mind.