Between the Briefs - Where the real freelance stories live
An introduction to our new journal series on the real stories behind freelance life.
There’s a version of freelance life we see online. It's curated. Tidy. Shot through golden-hour filters and captioned with client wins, booked-out months, and neatly stacked to-do lists.
And then there’s the version we live. It’s brilliant, yes - but it’s also blurry. Sometimes isolating. Sometimes exhilarating. Often confusing. Almost always human.
At Plan Make Do, we work with freelancers at every stage of their journey - from just-started to long-haul. And if there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s this:
The real growth happens in between the big moments.
Between projects. Between pitches. Between figuring it out and faking it till you do.
That’s what this series is about.
Why Between the Briefs?
The title is a wink, but the intention is serious. This is where we explore what freelancing is really like. Beyond the deliverables and well-lit desk setups.
We’re sharing stories from creatives, writers, designers, strategists, and self-employed do-it-all-ers about:
What it’s like to lose a dream client (and bounce back)
The guilt of taking a break, or the power of finally doing it
Making scary decisions when the inbox is quiet
That one project that changed everything, or nearly broke you
The stuff you wish someone had told you before you started
You won’t find step-by-step how-tos or glossy case studies here. You’ll find honesty. Nuance. The kind of stories that remind you you’re not the only one figuring it out as you go.
Why We’re Telling These Stories
Because in a world where “success” often gets boiled down to productivity hacks and perfectly branded bios, we think there’s power in showing the process.
The messy bits. The real bits. The parts where you wondered if you were getting anywhere, and the quiet moments where you realised you already had.
And because we believe in community. In solidarity. In knowing someone else has been where you are.
Who’s It For?
You, probably.
Whether you’re just starting out, riding a wave, or recovering from a creative dry spell, this series is for anyone who’s ever tried to build a freelance life that feels like their own.
What’s Next?
Over the coming weeks, we’ll share stories from freelancers across disciplines, locations, and stages. No two paths look the same, and that’s exactly the point.
We’ve got some great stories lined up, so stay tuned on LinkedIn and keep an eye on the newsletter.
And if you’ve got a story to share? We’d love to hear it. Get in touch.