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Juls from The Honest Designer Diaries and I have a habit of sitting in the car talking for ages whenever we meet up, usually after one of us has offered the other a lift home. We always end up saying we should have recorded the conversation, so this time we actually did. So we've set ourselves some big audacious goals we want to reach in the next few months and sharing our progress in this bonus series the Chatty Diaries. Follow along with us as we keep each other accountable where we'll be meeting up again to find out whether either of us has actually done what we said we would, which may be exactly why making this public was a terrible idea. We'd love to hear what you think of this episode and if you also have any big audacious goals 👀  You can listen The Honest Designer Diaries here and follow to Juls here

What if we started to design WITH people and not just FOR them? My last guest of this series, Finni Porter, does exactly that and has one of the most interesting design journeys I've come across! A participatory spatial designer and founder of Josafinni Studios, Finni joins me for a chat about creative play and why designing for underrepresented groups matters so much. We go right back to the moment it all clicked for Finni, when she designed a wallpaper for a primary school, with the school kids themselves. To her most recent project, The Nook, the space Finni helped design for mental health charity SAMH. In this episode you'll learn what participatory design actually looks like, how Finni found her niche as a spatial designer, and the honest reality of running your own freelance studio. If you want to hear about a unique design career and come away with real advice on perseverance and designing with communities, this is the episode for you! Follow and connect with Finni: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josafinni/ Website: https://www.josafinnistudio.uk/ Want to see some exclusive content from this episode? Join my Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/TheChattyFreelancer?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Thank you to our podcast sponsors Scottish Creative Network! If you want to join one of their events you can follow them on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottishcreativenetwork/ Use CODE:CHATTY to get your ticket discount on 2026 events!

Jade Paynter is an amazing example of how creative work is a worldwide business, and you can literally make it anywhere! A motion designer and one of the most inspiring ladies out there, Jade joins me for a chat about the realities of moving across the globe as a freelancer. It takes real courage to uproot your whole life and your freelance business at the same time, and Jade doesn't shy away from talking about what that actually looked like. We chat about life in New Zealand compared to Scotland and how she has adapted to the challenges of rebuilding her freelance business in a brand new creative industry on the other side of the world, and how she went about finding her people from scratch — plus the power of networking and reaching out (even to this podcast host!). Jade actually started out as a listener of the show — she got in touch a couple of years ago to say the podcast had helped her find her feet in the Scottish creative industry. Fast forward to now, we're great pals, and she's the one sitting across from me sharing her story. Full circle doesn't even cover it. Jade, thank you for choosing Scotland as your second home! Our creative community is all the better for having you in it. If you've just landed somewhere new and it's feeling a bit overwhelming or If you've ever wondered about exploring the world and maintaining your freelance business, this episode is the perfect listen! Follow and connect with Jade: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jadepaynter/ Website: https://www.jadepaynter.com/ Want to see some exclusive content from this episode? Join my Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/TheChattyFreelancer?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Thank you to our podcast sponsors Scottish Creative Network! If you want to join one of their events you can follow them on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottishcreativenetwork/ Use CODE:CHATTY to get your ticket discount on 2026 events!

Scott Gordon is a pure great example of how no matter where you are in your career, you can always decide to change where you are headed. From being a full-time secondary school teacher for 15 years to now a brand designer and founder of Pure Good Graphics, Scott joins me for a chat about career pivots, creative courage, and why sometimes you just need to do it before you are ready. We chat about his unconventional journey into freelancing, how learning on the job can be the best, and the importance of having a good support system around you. This is such a refreshing, laughter filled conversation about transferable skills, confidence, self-motivation, and how it is never too late to change your story. If you've ever thought about a career change and wondered how to carve out that path for yourself, I think you'll get a lot from this one. Follow and connect with Scott: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puregoodgraphics Website: https://www.puregoodgraphics.co.uk/ Also, big thanks to Brawee Craft Club for hosting us for this episode, check out their craft workshops here: https://brawweecraftclub.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqBSEGf-dIdqRa-pltorCtvBp62clrdAiTcmAtvoP2Vwta0NICq Want to see some exclusive content from this episode? Join my Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/TheChattyFreelancer?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator  Thank you to our podcast sponsors Scottish Creative Network! If you want to join one of their events you can follow them on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottishcreativenetwork/ Use CODE:CHATTY to get your ticket discount on 2026 events!

Morgan Hastie, aka the Logo Lassie, is proof that it's never too early to start making your mark in the creative industry. An award-winning, packaging designer and illustrator, Morgan joins me for a chat about the power of social media, consistency, and balancing building your brand, all while being a student. We look back with fresh eyes at her journey as a design student, chat about taking on big brand projects with the likes of Uniqlo, and gain insight into her new venture of founding Doorways, a networking event space specific to students and emerging creatives. This is a really in-depth conversation about making the most out of opportunities, confidence, work ethic, and the values of a visible online presence. Morgan is also just a very cool gal who isn't afraid to say it how it is which makes for one heck of an honest chat! If you are a student or emerging creative, get ready to be inspired by what is possible even at the beginning of your journey! Follow and connect with Morgan: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelogolassie/?hl=en Website: https://thelogolassie.com/ For more details about Doorways: https://www.instagram.com/wearedoorways/ Big thanks to Social Hub for hosting us for this episode, check out their socials here for upcoming events: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialhub.glasgow/?hl=en Want to see some exclusive content from this episode? Join my Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/TheChattyFreelancer?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Thank you to our podcast sponsors Scottish Creative Network! If you want to join one of their events you can follow them on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottishcreativenetwork/ Use CODE:CHATTY to get your ticket discount on 2026 events!

Nancy Heley is the perfect example of being your authentic self and what can happen if you just follow your interests. A freelance editorial and print designer who founded her own magazine, Nancy joins me for a chat about taking creative risks, her love of print, and what can happen when you embrace what you love and turn an idea into a reality. We chat about her beginnings and the importance of figuring out what you don’t want to do, the full process behind creating Sandweegies, and why passion projects are so vital for creatives. This is a really inspiring conversation about passion, taking risks, authenticity, and doing things for yourself. If you've ever had an idea to create something, this might be the perfect inspiration for you to take that leap. Follow Sandweegies and connect with Nancy: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandweegies/?hl=en Website: https://sandweegiesmagazine.com/ Also big thanks to Boca for hosting us for this episode, check out their socials here: https://www.instagram.com/bocaglasgow/?hl=en-gb Want to see some exclusive content from this episode? Join my Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/TheChattyFreelancer?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator

Fraser Robertson is one of those people who makes you want to go and create something immediately after speaking to him! An illustrator, designer and all-round ray of sunshine, Fraser joins me for a chat about queer design, creative identity, and why personality might just be your biggest advantage as a freelancer. We chat about his slightly unconventional journey into the creative industry (including a brief stint wanting to become a mad scientist), how illustration led him into branding, and why being visible and unapologetically yourself can open doors you never expected. This is a really honest conversation about creativity, visibility, finding your style, and making work that actually feels like you. If you've ever worried about standing out or whether there's room for your voice in the industry, I think you'll get a lot from this one. Follow and connect with Fraser: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_lostastronaut/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fraser-j-robertson/ Website: https://www.lostastronaut.design Want to see some exclusive content from this episode? Join my Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/TheChattyFreelancer?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Thank you to our podcast sponsors Scottish Creative Network! If you want to join one of their events you can follow them on instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/scottishcreativenetwork/ Use CODE:CHATTY to get your ticket discount on 2026 events!

Hiya Pal! Welcome BACK to The Chatty Freelancer podcast! We took a bit of a hiatus from a full series to reimagine and rethink what this podcast is and that is exactly what we've done.  So for this series, I have brought together some of Scotland's amazing creative minds to produce something that is really, truly, incredibly special. In this series, we are traveling to different locations to speak to six amazing creative guests, one of them who moved across the globe as a freelancer, and one of them who is an award winning design student. All of them with incredibly inspiring stories to tell. From the 1st of July expect one episode every Wednesday. You can watch episodes on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. As a team we have put so much love and effort into creating this for you and we just cannot wait for you to see it! See you on July 1st! Host & Director: Chloe Doyle Producer: Heather Scott Videographer & Editor: Greig Middlemiss Video Editor: Kaj Alexander Motion Graphics: Nathan Hughes Camera Support: Megan McKenzie & Alina Mehmood

After my 10 things I hate about freelancing talk, I sat down with Scottish Creative Network's Greig and Ross to tackle the questions that didn't make it onto the night. In amongst our comical nonsense we get into biggest freelance failures, how to actually figure out your rates, the importance of personal branding as a freelancer, and why showing up as yourself online is one of the most powerful decisions you can make. This is Part 2 of the SCN two-part special. If you haven't listened to Part 1 yet go on, give it a listen! 🎟️ Fancy coming to a Scottish Creative Network night? Links to their socials and tickets are below. The next event is on May 20th at the Social Hub, Glasgow — I will most likely be there, so come say hello! https://www.instagram.com/scottishcreativenetwork/

Back in August 2025, I took the stage at Scottish Creative Network to deliver a talk that was slightly chaotic, mildly poetic, and brutally honest. From scarcity mindset and saying yes to the wrong clients, to the constant battle of defending your rates and feeling undervalued as a creative, I spill all in the 10 things I hate about freelancing. Spoiler: I doesn't actually hate freelancing. Not even a little bit. Not even at all. This is Part 1 of a two-part Scottish Creative Network special — catch the Q&A chat with Greig and Ross in Part 2. 🎟️ Fancy coming to a Scottish Creative Network night? Links to their socials and tickets are below. The next event is on May 20th at the Social Hub, Glasgow — I will most likely be there, so come say hello! https://www.instagram.com/scottishcreativenetwork/

In part 2 of the graduate special I’m joined by three brilliant digital design grads — Mark, Megan and Craig — for a convo that's definitely the grad-to-industry pep talk you didn’t know you needed. We chat about the projects that lit them up, the ones that tested their sanity, and the magic of being given the freedom to “make whatever the f*ck you want.” From prop-making and posters to 1950's pizza boxes. But we also get real about the tough stuff. Job hunting. Rejection. The existential crisis of seeing “junior role — 2 years experience.” The looming presence of AI and what it means for new designers.  Through humour and honesty they talk about resilience, finding your niche, saying yes more often, networking without making it weird, and figuring out where you want to show up in the creative world — online, IRL, or somewhere in between. We even squeeze in the very important questions: favourite movies, the great brown-sauce-versus-gravy debate, and which pie reigns supreme. (It gets heated. 🥧) Whether you’re a design student, a recent grad trying to find your feet — this episode is here to leave you feeling inspired, encouraged, and maybe even a tiny bit more optimistic about whatever comes next.  And if you're an industry professional, consider this your insider look at what new designers are facing right now. 😉 Follow Megan Follow Craig Follow Mark

In part 1 of the graduate special I’m joined by three awesome digital design grads — Josh, Yasmin, and Vince — for a conversation that’s equal parts honest, hilarious, and a proper inside look at life after graduating. All three made the leap back into education in their late twenties, only to discover a community that felt instantly like home.  Vince spills on his surprising pivot from UX/UI to filmmaking — all thanks to a super supportive supervisor — while Yasmin chats through the reality of freelancing alongside part-time work and what it actually takes to make that balance work. 👏 We dive into the not-so-glam side of life after graduation too: the job hunt grind, the resilience it demands, and why networking is basically your new best mate. Through plenty of laughs and totally relatable moments, this episode pulls back the curtain on what stepping into the creative world really looks like. 🙌 Whether you’re knee-deep in design studies or already working in the field, expect to walk away feeling seen, inspired, and a little more confident in your own unique creative journey! Follow Yasmin Follow Josh Follow Vince

Welcome to the graduate series of the chatty freelancer podcast, a special series where I give recent  graduates from Glasgow Caledonian university a chance to let their personalities shine as they embark into the creative industries! In this episode I am joined by Michael Mcguigan, a designer who through his university in experience has transformed his approach to design, built incredible friendships and and found his love for UI&UX! Listen in and be sure to connect with Michael on Linkedin to  check out his amazing work!

Welcome to the graduate series of the chatty freelancer podcast, a special series where I give recent  graduates from Glasgow Caledonian university a chance to let their personalities shine as they embark into the creative industries! In this episode I am joined by Luke Ashton, a creative whose passion for design and problem solving really radiates from his reflections on University. Not to mention his movie choice is pretty stellar! Listen in and be sure to connect with Luke on Linkedin to  check out his amazing work!

Welcome to the graduate series of the chatty freelancer podcast, a special series where I give recent  graduates from Glasgow Caledonian university a chance to let their personalities shine as they embark into the creative industries! In this episode I am joined by Mirin Thomson, a confident young designer who absolutely loves everything typography and enjoys a wee boogie to get the creative juices flowing. Listen in and be sure  check out Mirin's amazing work!