The Thriving Creative - Successful Freelancing in the Creative Economy

A global creative freelance movement is happening - do you want to be part of it? Here is the playbook of freelance work practices to embrace the promise of self-employment and succeed within the growing creative sector.
The global creative economy is booming, generating over $2 trillion in annual revenue according to the UN. Post-pandemic, freelancing is on the rise, as principal income or a side hustle. This book will show you how you can take your talents, join the freelance movement, and thrive within the creative economy. From choosing a niche and launching a freelance practice, to working with clients, managing the money, and looking after yourself as a freelancer, this book focuses on developing resilient freelancers and sustainable freelance practices. This holistic approach lifts creatives to succeed in the creative industries on their own terms.
Surviving and thriving as a creative freelancer isn't easy, but mastering the skills in this book will improve the odds for recent graduates, career changers, students, and anyone aspiring to use their creative skills but unsure where to start.

List of contents

Acknowledgements. About the Author. Chapter 1 - Becoming a Thriving Creative. Chapter 2 - Designing Your Freelance Career. Chapter 3 - Defining Your Offer. Chapter 4 - Ideal Clients. Chapter 5 - Finding Clients. Chapter 6 - Winning Work. Chapter 7 - Doing the Work. Chapter 8 - Operating a Business of One. Chapter 9 - The Resilient Freelancer. Chapter 10 - Growing Your Freelance Business. Chapter 11 - Building Your Future. Appendix 1 - Business Plan Template.

About the author

Steven Sparling has over 30 years' experience in the creative sector as a practitioner and researcher. He holds a PhD in Creative and Cultural Entrepreneurship from Goldsmiths, University of London.

Product details

• Authors: Steven Sparling
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Release: 11.03.2026
• EAN: 9781032844008
• ISBN: 978-1-032-84400-8
• No. of pages: 176
• Weight: 453 g
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Art > Theatre, ballet; Social sciences, law, business > Business > General, dictionaries; Economics, BUSINESS & ECONOMICS / Entrepreneurship, BUSINESS & ECONOMICS / Business Ethics, BUSINESS & ECONOMICS / Personal Success, MUSIC / Business Aspects, PERFORMING ARTS / Business Aspects, ART / Business Aspects, Theatre Studies, Sales & marketing, Business mathematics & systems, Sales and marketing, Sporting events and management, Sporting events & management, LANGUAGE ARTS & DISCIPLINES / Writing / Business Aspects, Business mathematics and systems