So, I have been putting it off long enough but it was coming: I am now finally registered as sole-trader i.e. self-employed. Luckily there are sources of information and help out there. The first time I really thought that this was the way to go was after hearing a talk by the national director of the AA2A program, Wendy Mason, a couple of years ago. I was fortunate to listen to her second time yesterday when she did another talk at the University of Central Lancasire on self-employment. Listening to her and to talking to other self-employed artistis really helps to alleviate the initial tredipation of going it "by yourself".
In addition, UCLan offer help through their Propeller program, which offers short courses, advice and mentoring for those first tentative steps. They are not specifically set up to help artist/designer/maker/crafters but will be able to give some very good general advice. My own advice is to go out and ask for help where you can get it. And, what is brilliant, so far all the advice has been for free!
