Creative Contracting with The Candidate: "Good ideas, hard work and lots of laughter" - Mike Watson, Art Director

Mike is an experienced Senior Creative / Art Director with a long history of working in the advertising & marketing industry. Skilled in art direction, logo design, branding & identity, and graphic design, he has kindly run us through his experience and time working with The Candidate.

Mike Watson, Art Director

Hi Mike! Tell us a bit about yourself!

I started off as a runner in the film and TV industry over 30 years ago. After that I studied at the Royal College of Art, setting up a design company called bump upon leaving. Then into advertising & social media. I now work in all areas drawing from my years of experience.

I’m an obsessive art director who loves his job and loves being given a brief by a client who wants to see great work. I enjoy making work. 

What I love about my job is the variety. I’ve designed a premiership football club logo. I’m lucky enough to have won a number of awards throughout the years for work that was  both beautiful and effective. And recently working on a fantastic fast food account with a social media agency that I was connected too by the Candidate.

I’ve only ever turned down one job... I wish I could say why.

How did you find out about The Candidate? What was your experience like working with Katy?

I was recommended the Candidate by a good friend who I cycled from John O’Groats to Lands End with.

I don’t know if it’s always like this but I contacted Katy and within a few days I had work.

Katy calls each week regardless of bookings or not. I find this very rare in the industry. Most other agencies don’t even get back once you have registered.

How did your booking go?

My latest clients were a dream to work with and led to loads more work.

Good ideas, hard work and lots of laughter. Loved it.

What advice would you give to people starting out in contracting / freelancing?

The advice I would give people starting out in freelancing is...Don’t expect the work to come to you. You will find work, don’t panic.

Would you use us again?

Would I use the Candidate again?  Hell yes!

Katy, our Creative and Contract Recruitment Manager, says:

Mike is just one example of a freelancer that has taken the contract world by the horns and now is in control of who he works with, what he works on, and when he works.

If you are keen to find out more about how to emulate Mike and get into the freelance world, here is my advice:

Here you will see all the latest jobs hot off the press and won’t miss any upcoming freelance or contract opportunities

It’s often hard to carve out time between work and life to do this, but it’s important that clients see the very best version of you straight away

Only put your best work in your portfolio – don’t shove things in there just to bulk it out

Work out what you want to say – are you specialising in a certain area, or do you want to showcase a broad skillset? This will determine what projects you include in your portfolio

That way, we have all your details on file in case a new position that matches your skillset becomes available!

I can guide you through freelancing and offer advice on what the market looks like, the paperwork you might need, rates, and IR35 legislation, plus a whole lot more! Call 0161 833 1044 or email [email protected] for some free and friendly advice!

Looking forward to hearing from you!

(Katy also recorded a great video running through the things to consider before you go freelance - you can watch that here!)

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