Q1 Let’s start with your name…

Hayley McMurray

Q2 What do you do as a freelancer?

So much! Manage and grow my business, creative and art direction, brand strategy, brand identity, packaging design, website design and development, spatial design, name + tagline development, marketing collateral, and campaign development. Then there are all the other areas I have dabbled in but the list is getting too long.

Q3 How long have you been doing it for?

I have been full-time freelancing for approx half of my 11 year career.

Q4 What inspired you to become a freelancer?

To be more in control of my work-life balance, who I work with and what I work on. Freedom, and flexibility both creatively and personally.

Q5 What do you think the benefits of being a freelancer are?

The above, but that tends to come with time and experience. Being a freelancer has made me grow and learn so much about myself, it has challenged me and inspired me. I have also met and worked with some incredible people along the way.

Q6 What are the biggest challenges you think freelancers face at the moment?

Self-worth and overcoming imposter syndrome. Valuing your skills, pricing accordingly and generating new leads and income for yourself. Particularly at a time when people and businesses are tight with their wallets. Along with that comes the challenges of running a business. The sooner you can outsource the better.

Q7 What do you think is the best resource you have found to use as a freelancer?

Too many I could share but here are a few of my must-haves:
Contracts. Always have a contract for any work that you do to protect you and your client. The Contract Shop was my go-to.

Project Management. I swear by Asana but there are many such as Monday and Trello that also work well. 

Online folios. The best way to get work is if people see what it is you can do. Put your work out there on every platform possible. Artisan, The Loop, Behance, &Friends, your website.

Q8 How have you adapted to freelancing in 2024?

Always learning how I can do better business, better serve my clients and look after myself. Taking advantage of the fact I can work what hours and days suit me. Just taking things slowly. Not trying to do it all and do it all straight away.

Q9 What one piece of advice would you give to other/aspiring freelancers?

The more a client is willing to pay you, the easier they are to work with. Know your worth and don’t work for free. Underpromise, overdeliver. Good design will only get you so far. Good communication, building strong relationships, project management, and questions will help you long-term. Word of mouth has been my most common tool for ongoing, repeat and new client work.

Q10 What is your favourite project you have ever worked on?

This is a hard one! Far too many to choose from.

However, there is one that comes to mind and it would have to be one of my larger-scale projects for the wonderful founders of Motsi Living. The scope of work included brand strategy, brand identity, copywriting and website design and development amongst other brand and marketing collateral. 

Motsi Living, meaning one-of-a-kind, connects its customers and designers alike to unique artisan pieces for the modern space. Telling the stories of Africa. One conscious collaboration at a time.

It was such a beautiful and immersive experience, learning of a culture so different to my own. The founders were so in awe of what we produced for them that it was a strong reminder as to why I love doing what I do and helping others’ dreams and businesses grow into a tangible and successful reality.

Instagram: @bobbymacdesign

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayleymcmurray/

Folio: https://www.bobbymacdesign.com/