Freelance, and Business, and Stuff: A Guide for Creatives

by Amy Hood, Jennifer Hood

A start to finish freelance guide made for creatives by creatives. In this down-to-earth, easy-to-read book, you’ll learn exactly what steps to take to start and run your own creative studio without selling out or starving. Each chapter includes actionable to-do checklists and worksheets that put theory into personal practice. Whether you’re already taking on clients and wondering “Am I doing this right?” or completely new to freelancing, Freelance and Business and Stuff demystifies tried and true business systems that will set you up for success. Geared towards creatives of all types graphic designers, motion designers, illustrators, type designers, web designers, photographers, videographers and more. Written by Amy Hood and Jen Hood who started their own brand and type design studio Hoodzpah in 2011. “This is THE manual for creative business. Grab hold of this trusty guide to help you move through the cold, dark world that is business. Very down to earth, thorough, and easy to read with a refreshing amount of humor.” - Mitchell V.

Genres: Business, Design, Nonfiction, Self Help, Art, Reference, Creative

167 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2018

Reviews

[Cindy Pham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This exemplifies the best type of self-help books with actionable advice, clear organization, and succinct writing all in a step-by-step guide. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to freelance or start their own business because it outlines all the logistical realities that come with pursuing this type of endeavor, all the while providing homework to make sure you’re completely prepared. Extremely practical.

[sophia ✴ · Rating 5 out of 5]

i'm still using this as a reference point/resource for some things i'm working on, but i've technically "finished" reading it and it was such an amazing practical resource. i bought it a couple months ago during my work-resource-purchasing phase of quarantine and i'm so glad i picked this one up. it's dense but direct and succinct, and really actionable which is my favorite type of businessy book. super highly recommend. also the art and design is beautiful.

[Megan Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an extremely helpful starting guide to anyone going into the freelance world - this opened my eyes to a lot of business practices and tricks that I’ll be using in my own work! Highly reccommend for anyone in the creative world looking to kickstart their freelance gig or small business (and I wish this was a class EVERY designer had to take)

[Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say that this might be one of the most useful books on starting a freelance business is an understatement. I recently jumped into the freelance ocean with a little bit of knowledge and no life preserver. The chapters in this book are layed out very well and have a checklist at the end of each with the homework you should complete after each chapter. Through using this book and completing the "homework" I now feel much more equipped to tackle the freelance market. This book is the life preserver you want to navigate the deep end of the freelancing pool. I highly recommend this book.

[Rosie Haase · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is exactly what I was looking for in terms of a freelance how to book. So applicable and actionable, it really gives all the roadblocks for creatives to start freelancing. It’s engaging and thorough, I would recommend to anyone who’s interested in freelancing in the design/creative fields.

Since it comes from a creative branding/design studio, it might not be perfect for someone looking outside of that to freelance, but since that’s what I’m interested in it was PERFECT.

[Marcos Schneider · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent, readily applicable, cut to the chase, and super readable. This books packs a lot of material into a concise format, communicated with clarity and humor. Love it!

[Amanda Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was GREAT! It was really helpful to get tips on starting your own business and starting it correctly. Everything from branding to finances to creating your own content. It was a great push to get my own thing going. I felt more confident about where I was going and the previous research I had done.

[Chris Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read a lot of books on business, but this is the first one I’ve seen or read from a creatives perspective. Whether you run a business or are just getting started, this book will not only help you cross your T’s and dot your I’s, but give you ideas for generating new revenue, growing your social street cred, and inspiring you to be the best creative self you can be. Not to mention, their wit and pop culture references give it a nice color over the typical staunch business book.

[Olivia Martin Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely 10 out of 5 stars. This book has been my favorite read of the year and has served as a phenomenal motivator to get my cr*p together and get my business MOVING. The Hood sisters lay out all the scary things of business starting in a simple, engaging, and memorable way. I would gladly recommend this book to my fellow creative friends in.a heartbeat. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go take another look at my client contracts and make sure they cover all the necessities.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the better business books I’ve read! Super practical, filled with step-by-step advice. It was super well organized and easy to understand. I wish it had more info for freelancers, but if you’re a business owner, this book is great!

[Hardik Goodreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Information is Versatile for all types of reader or business professionals. But overall leaned toward freelance graphic design. Great effort in creating. Thanks to the twin authors for sharing so valuable information.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though I’ve been freelancing fairly successfully for 6 years now, I still found this book to be incredibly helpful. I’ve been wanting to pivot, but at a loss for how and what I want to pivot to. This book essentially has reminded me to go back to the basics and re-outline my goals for myself and my business. Full of practical advice and actionable tips I feel like I have direction now and confidence to start making changes and build my business in a new way. I don’t know why it takes a book to get me to move, but it’s so nice to have a business book gear specifically for creatives.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Required reading for any creative entrepreneur. The information is well organized with actionable advice, the tone is conversational and fun, the art is incredible. I only with this book had existed when I started my business seven years ago.

[Alex Beige · Rating 5 out of 5]

So insightful. Delightfully written. It was a dedicated manual of how to think about you own branding, but equally, it was biographical musings and banter with SO much Hoodzpah personality. The book itself is a monument to how to brand an agency. FAN FOR LYFE.

[Mitchell Volk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This seems like THE manual for freelance, business, and stuff as a creative. I say “it seems” because I haven’t made this voyage myself, but if I were to embark, this would be my trusty guide. Very down to earth, thorough, and easy to read with a refreshing amount of humor.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the first super practical business books I have read in a long time. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it!

[JAMIE Staggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

very helpful, informational, and easy to parse. covers lots of big topics in a non intimidating or overwhelming way.

[Rach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing resource. Will be referring back to in the near future.

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[Jason Frostholm · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great reference and guidebook for any designer who is starting their path into freelancing and beyond. A smart, funny, and insightful look into running your own business.

[Zoë Soriano · Rating 5 out of 5]

good info -- i've been freelancing for two years now off and on and i learned new stuff!!

[Mona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of very helpful advice in an easy to read format! Definitely would recommend.

[Sula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how this reads like your big sisters giving you business advice.