Published: 21 Jul 2023
Creative Scotland has published the 3rd edition of The Illustrated Freelancer’s Guide. Updated for 2023/24, the resource offers a practical guide on the business and working rights of self-employed and freelance workers who make up almost one third of the creative industries workforce*.
Written by author and editor, Heather Parry and illustrated by illustrator, comics books artist and author, Maria Stoian, the guide is presented as an easy to follow read with supporting visuals.
Heather Parry said: "Freelancers know how difficult it is, increasingly - to protect their rights within the creative industries. Issues with low or late payment, disproportionate administrative burdens, increasing NI and rights grabs are endemic across our sector.
“Change is needed at Government levels to protect freelancers - not least on the matters of parental leave/pay and pensions as well as - but in the meantime we hope the latest iteration of this guide will help freelance workers to understand that they do have rights, and crucially, that they are not alone."
Alastair Evans, Interim Director of Strategy and Planning at Creative Scotland, added: “Freelancers are a large and hugely important part of the creative and cultural sectors in Scotland. It’s more important than ever that their work is recognised and supported. This guide provides updated information on the practicalities and challenges of freelancing, presented in an engaging way.”
“Creative Scotland is committed to promoting fair pay, conditions, and employment opportunities across the creative sector, as part of the Scottish Government’s Fair Work First agenda.”
The Illustrated Fair Work Guide was commissioned by Creative Scotland and published by Culture Radar and is also designed to help employers better understand how to build and grow workplaces that prioritise good, fair and decent working practices for everyone – including freelance creatives.
Explore The Illustrated Freelancer’s Guide
Heather Parry is a Glasgow-based writer and editor. Her short fiction has appeared internationally in numerous magazines and books. She is the editorial director of Extra Teeth, a Scottish literary magazine and co- presents the podcast Teenage Scream with Kirsty Logan. She also organises for creative freelancers with the Industrial Workers of the World.
Maria Stoian is an illustrator and comics artist based in Edinburgh, where she also teaches at the Edinburgh College of Art. She is the author of the award-winning graphic novel Take it as a Compliment. Her work has appeared in The New Yorker, The Nib and anthologies such as Drawing Power.
Creative Scotland is the public body that supports the arts, screen and creative industries across all parts of Scotland distributing funding provided by the Scottish Government and The National Lottery. Further information at creativescotland.com. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Learn more about the value of art and creativity in Scotland and join in at www.ourcreativevoice.scot.
Jacqueline Munro, Media Relations & PR Coordinator
E: Jacqueline.Munro@creativescotland.com
M: +44 (0) 7967 822 266
