Podcast · Arts & Books

The Chatty Freelancer

by The Chatty Freelancer · English · Arts & Books

Hiya pal, welcome to The Chatty Freelancer Show, the home of creative honesty. I'm Chloe, your resident creative cheerleader, and in every episode we sit down with real creative people for honest, joyful, properly overshared chats about what building a creative life takes. Here we make being vis

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 46 min
Latest: 4 Sep 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

4 Sep 2026 · 47 min

Bonus: Chatty Diaries | The accountability pact we might regret making public

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…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

5 Aug 2026 · 47 min
Designing With People, Not Just For Them: Finni Porter & Josafinni Studios | The Chatty Freelancer
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…
29 Jul 2026 · 49 min
New Zealand to Scotland: Moving countries as a freelancer with Jade Paynter | The Chatty Freelancer
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…
22 Jul 2026 · 37 min
Teacher to Freelancer: Career Pivots & Creative Courage with Scott Gordon | The Chatty Freelancer
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…
15 Jul 2026 · 44 min
Building a Design Career While You Study with Morgan Hastie | The Chatty Freelancer
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…
8 Jul 2026 · 31 min
The Story Behind Sandweegies with Nancy Heley | The Chatty Freelancer
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,…
1 Jul 2026 · 35 min
Queer Design, Creative Identity & Personality with Fraser Robertson | The Chatty Freelancer
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…
29 Jun 2026 · 1 min
Series 4 Trailer | The Chatty Freelancer
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.…
19 Apr 2026 · 35 min
Contracts, Rates & Personal Branding | The Chatty Freelancer x Scottish Creative Network
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…
19 Apr 2026 · 35 min
10 Things I Hate About Freelancing (Live at Scottish Creative Network) | The Chatty Freelancer
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…
28 Nov 2025 · 49 min
Graduate Special: Part 2 | Job Hunting & AI
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…
28 Nov 2025 · 59 min
Graduate Special: Part 1 | Life After Uni & Honest Industry Chat
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…
7 Jun 2024 · 28 min
Graduate Series | Luke Ashton
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!
7 Jun 2024 · 40 min
Graduate Series | Naomi Hannah & Stella Riddell
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 Naomi and Stella! From alphabetic motion graphics to typography zines, these two are amazing designers in their own right! A love for comic sans, a fear of cats and an unearthed obsession for rock collecting are also among the topics of conversation... don't ask, just listen. Listen in and be sure to connect with Naomi and Stella…
7 Jun 2024 · 25 min
Graduate Series | Michael Mcguigan
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!
7 Jun 2024 · 25 min
Graduate Series | Mirin Thomson
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!
3 Jun 2024 · 22 min
Graduate Series | Gregour Short
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 Gregour Short, a designer who isn't afraid of direct feedback and whose university highlight was going to barcelona for the OFF festival Listen in and be sure to connect with Gregour on Linkedin to check out his amazing work!
3 Jun 2024 · 26 min
Graduate Series | Luke Allen
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 Allen, a talented and empathetic designer whose hidden talent is being able to play base guitar. Listen in and be sure to connect with Luke on Linkedin to check out his amazing work!
3 Jun 2024 · 25 min
Graduate Series | David Dymock
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 David Dymock, a keen UX & UI designer who is incredibly passionate about working in the BSL space and is partial to the odd romcom or animated movie. Listen in and be sure to connect with David on Linkedin to check out his amazing work!
3 Jun 2024 · 30 min
Graduate Series | Cameron Hunter
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 Cameron Hunter, a big team player who loves collaborating with his fellow designers, bad jokes and the lord of the rings trilogy. Listen in and be sure to connect with Cameron on Linkedin to check out his amazing work!
26 Apr 2024 · 1 hr 15 min
Freelance Hot Seat With Adam Faulkner
In today's LAST guest episode of series 3 I am joined by Freelance business owner and Linkedin Wizard, Adam Faulkner! 😎 Adam is a freelance is the founder of CreativeAF, a video production business that creates content in house teams can’t! However it doesn’t stop there for Adam, he is also on a mission to help the new wave of freelancers turn their expertise into success. He is doing exactly that with his online courses and a stellar Linkedin presence that continues to support the freelance community! In this episode Adam enlightens us about the simple secret for finding and keeping…
19 Apr 2024 · 1 hr 12 min
Freelance parenting and building a community with Frankie Totora
Today I am joined by the fabulous Frankie Tortora, a freelance graphic designer and the brains behind Doing it For the Kids! ❤️ In this episode I get to hear first hand what it's like to be a freelance parent as Frankie shares her journey and how it led to the creation of a thriving online community and award winning podcast! 🎙 We explore that realities of freelance parenting, from hectic schedules that somehow make sense to the mind boggling misconceptions of running a business whilst raising kids. Frankie shares her experience of building an active parent community, including the tough…
12 Apr 2024 · 1 hr 18 min
Self Promotion and Marketing with Freelance Social Media Manager Daisey Cooke
Today on the podcast I am joined by Daisey Cooke for a conversation that may just be the pep talk you need! Daisey is a freelance marketing and social media manager who has years of experience working in-house and in agency with some of the UK’s biggest brands. But in 2021, Daisey decided to take the leap and set up her own freelance business DC digital where she helps businesses clear the social media fog and achieve amazing results. In this episode we wrap our heads around the complexities of promoting oneself as a freelancer and how to cultivate the confidence to be your own cheerleader.…
29 Mar 2024 · 1 hr 35 min
Starting a creative event with Unknown Errors
Join me today as I sit down with the creative minds behind Unknown Errors, Ophelia and Yexa, for a candid conversation on the twists and turns of organising creative events. Unknown errors is a creative event that embraces failing and what comes next. From panel talks to art exhibitions, it is a platform that is providing the Glasgow creative community with an opportunity to open up about the anxieties and issues that exist in the industry with the hopes of bringing positive change. In this episode Ophelia and Yexa peel back the curtain on the reality of starting your own creative event,…
22 Mar 2024 · 1 hr 39 min
Hot Seat with Chris Wilson Founder of STCKMN
Join me in as I welcome the extremely talented Chris Wilson, the self proclaimed polyamorous designer and founder of one man studio STCKMN! In this episode Chris sits in the hot seat to share with us shocking tales and invaulable insights from his 18 years of experience in the industry. From securing your first design client to the sobering reality of unpaid invoices and legal battles, this conversation is a front row seat for any creative looking to start their own entrepreneurial path! Chris gets honest about the nitty gritty of being your own boss, answers some interesting questions from…
15 Mar 2024 · 1 hr 26 min
The Power of No With Freelance Designer and Loom Graphics Founder Pearse O'Halloran
In today's episode I am joined by the wonderful Pearse O'Halloran, a freelance designer and creative powerhouse behind Loom Graphics! Join us for a very witty, very entertaining and very honest conversation about the power of no!! To begin we laugh and learn about Pearse's origin story, from creative awakenings ignited by a 90's army canvas bag to the evolution of his craft from a bustling Glasgow city to the serene Scottish isles. Then for our hot topic segment Pearse and I get personal about the struggles and triumphs of freelance life and uncover the importance of self-worth. Pearse…
8 Mar 2024 · 46 min
Best of Movie and Pie of the Week V1
In honour of British Pie week I thought it was about time that we took a look back at some of the Best Movie and Pie choices of the podcast...so far 😉 So in today's episode of The Chatty Freelancer Podcast we are doing exactly that! From delicious soggy-bottomed steak pies and sturdy pizza pies to nostalgic animated classics and VERY unique film picks. I select some of my personal favourite Movie and Pie choices from series 1 and 2 of the podcast. But you'll have to give it a listen to find out who made it to the best of list! However I will say, in true International Women's Day fashion,…
1 Mar 2024 · 1 hr 32 min
Designing For Good With Creative Director Richard Longmuir
Today I am joined by awesome Richard Longmuir! Asides from being the Creative Director at Launch Digital, Richard is an incredible human being who does a tremendous amount to support the design community and local businesses in Scotland. From lecturing and mentoring design students at Glasgow Caledonian University to being appointed a board Director at the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce, it’s safe to say that Richard truly is a bloody legend. In this episode myself and Richard discuss the massive topic that is designing for good. From tackling child hunger with Launch Foods to finding…
9 Feb 2024 · 1 hr 22 min
Embracing Play & Cultivating a Happy Freelance Lifestyle with Vicky Critoph
Join me as we unlock the secrets to a fulfilling freelance life with Vicky Critoph, the visionary behind Happy Freelancers, a community of creatives who are committed to healthy work habits, sustainable work practices and are passionate about leading fun lives!! 🌈 😆 Recorded in the cosy corners of Brightons co-working space, Projects the lanes, this episode is a heartfelt look at how the vibrancy of our adult lives can be reignited through play. Vicky and I share laughter and candid tales of how hobbies like dancing and surfing do more than just fill our time—they replenish our creative…
2 Feb 2024 · 1 hr 38 min
The Chatty Freelancer x Don't Panic Podcast - Navigating Criticism and Podcasting Life
Join me, Chloe Marie, alongside the fabulous Lucy Pressland from the amazing "Don't Panic Podcast", for a very special collaboration episode!! For this episode we thought it would be fun to combine both of our podcasts into one epic discussion centring around creative criticism and podcasting life as a female. To kick things off - Lucy and I peel back the curtain on the highs and lows of creative criticism in the hot topic segment of the episode. We share funny tales, honest opinions and debate the quirks of critiquing creative work, sharing stories that will have you nodding in agreement or…

About The Chatty Freelancer

The Chatty Freelancer is a English arts & books podcast from The Chatty Freelancer. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: The Chatty Freelancer
Language: English
Category: Arts & Books
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 46 min
Latest episode: 4 Sep 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1705446783

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