Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gaye Swan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Gaye, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about how you got your first non-friend, non-family client. Paint the picture for us so we can feel the same excitement you felt on that day.

My first client was my previous employer, a small boutique financial services agency. I’d worked very hard for my employer, and I was so pleased to find that my work paid off in more ways than I’d imagined! When I decided to give freelancing a try, I asked if I could work on a big marketing project for them. They were happy to have me do the writing, and I continued to do special writing assignments for them after that project was successful.

My second, third, and fourth clients were fellow employees who had taken new jobs at other places — a bank, a private school, and a marketing agency. I was thrilled to grow my business by working with people I already knew had a strong, fair work ethic. My advice to anyone who is starting out on their own is to look for work where they are, with colleagues, fellow students, friends, and friends of friends. Build on past successes to ask for more work!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

As a freelance creative copywriter, I specialize in magazine articles, marketing materials, newsletters and email blasts, website content, blogs, and proofreading.

When I first started working after college, freelancing wasn’t as much of an option as it is now. I feel fortunate that the “gig economy” came along right when I needed it. After I graduated, I worked mainly in the financial field, in marketing. When my twins were born, I was a torn — I wanted to stay home but I also wanted a creative outlet (and to finance my shoe habit!). Freelancing seemed like the perfect fit, and I have loved it.

What I’m most proud of is the thing I’ve been told sets me apart: People have told me that they enjoy working with me. I take pride in being a good listener, digging deep for a story, and showcasing people, places, and events in the best light. I always tell potential clients that my brand is joyful — if they are looking for a hard-hitting expose, I’m not the right fit. There is plenty of negativity in the world; I’m happy to be positive instead.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

One of the hardest things to understand is that creative work is still just that — work. I know I’m guilty of thinking other creative careers must be easy. When I tell people I write, they almost always say, “oh that must be fun!” My response is: yes, sometimes it is. Other times, it is a slog like any other job. Thought and effort go into every project I accept, and there are days when I’d rather do anything else. I expect accountants, teachers, and scientists feel the same on occasion.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Getting a positive response to an article I’ve written is so rewarding! I love to showcase a new restaurant, a new community project, or a person who is making a difference — I feel that I am bringing a little light into the world. When someone thanks me for highlighting their endeavors, it is the icing on the cake. And when readers respond by attending a gallery opening, following an artist, enjoying a new restaurant, or supporting a community cause, I’m so happy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gayeswan.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gayeswan/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gaye.g.swan
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaye-swan-07732768/
• Other: https://styleblueprint.com/author/gaye-swan/

Image Credits

For the Love Birds Photography (https://forthelovebirds.com/)

NLA Photography (https://www.nlaprojects.com/)