Money, Taxes & Finance

From Canvas to Cash Flow: How One Freelance Illustrator Took Control of Her Finances

Working remotely as a creative can be empowering—but when tax season rolls around, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Meet Freya, a freelance illustrator based in Brighton, navigating her financial journey in the Gig Economy. With gigs coming from multiple platforms and international clients, she needed clarity—and fast.

Identifying the Problem

Freya’s biggest challenge? Tracking inconsistent income and managing tax obligations across gigs. Like many in the Creative Arts, she was more comfortable with color palettes than spreadsheets. Late invoices, confusing tax codes, and anxiety over unexpected bills were slowing her down.

Taking Action

She began using a simple budgeting tool and set aside monthly savings for tax. Freya also consulted a freelance finance coach and joined an online support forum for creatives. By categorizing income sources and tracking expenses using cloud-based tools, she gained visibility and control.

The Payoff

Now, Freya files her taxes stress-free and even saves toward a studio upgrade. Her mindset shifted—managing finances became part of her creative freedom, not a barrier to it.

The result? More time for passion projects, less time worrying about finances.

Takeaway for Remote Creatives

Whatever your craft—graphic design, music production, or digital art—understanding your finances can boost your confidence and sustainability in the Gig Economy. Small steps create big momentum.

Ready to streamline your communication and client follow-ups? Check out the latest communication tools & features at www.conxhub.com

Mark Trowbridge

Founder & CEO: conXhub - Tech Innovator - Mentor - Speaker - Proud Father!