No degree --> no chance? - Freelance UK Forums

Scarlet-Hills · 04-22-2009, 08:14 AM

Hi everyone

Ok here's my situation: (I'll do my best to keep everything concise. I also apologise in advance if anything I say sounds obtuse or boastful. This is by no means my intention. I am aware that I am very much a small fish in a large pond, and I'm merely stressing the fact that I feel I have some ability in this field.)

Basically I graduated from university last year with a BA Hons in Graphic Design. During (and before... and after) this course I have been consistently producing written work of a high standard. My dissertation earned me a high first (82) and my tutors were encouraging me to seriously consider a career as a writer. Since leaving uni I have gone on to produce web copy for the university website as well as several other written endeavours. From a career perspective my life has been placed somewhat on hold as I've been doing a number of soul destroying temping jobs in attempt to raise money for a road trip across the USA. I will be returning from this trip in September and I have a number of career options open to me. On the one hand I have always been interested in the idea of pursuing marketing in a 9-5 tie-wearing sort of way. Conversely I also feel I have what it takes to set up a freelance business. I am currently able to offer a graphic design service but I wondered how viable it would be to offer a copywriting service too? I would naturally use books and articles to educate myself in the subject first, but the fact remains that I wouldn't be formally qualified or experienced.

In a very convoluted way I'm asking if it's possible for someone who is a very capable 'general' writer to teach themselves the disciplines required for a career in copywriting.

If you have reached this far then you really are a saint and I'm very appreciative of any advice!

Rob

johnthecoach · 04-22-2009, 12:41 PM

Hi Rob,

Saint John here.

Rob, to be blunt you don't need to ask permission to do what you want to do. Of course you can be a CopyWriter. You can be the Pope if you want to. (Ok, maybe not a Pope - not many vacancies.)

So go for it Rob...

All the best
John

Scarlet-Hills · 04-23-2009, 07:32 AM

Thank you for a very refreshing attitude! I wish more people felt that way in the present climate. Much appreciated.

GTFC · 05-07-2009, 05:04 PM

Hi Rob,

John is absolutely right - just go for it! I started out in life 20 years ago as a graphic designer, then went into account management, then client side marketing, then freelance marketing - and finally ended up as a full time freelance copywriter about three years ago. I support myself totally by doing this and don't have a writing qualification to my name! Or a marketing one for that matter

So the answer is yes, it's perfectly possible - and there is no reason not to offer graphic design services as well if you're lucky enough to have skills in both areas. I'm sure many clients would love the idea of being able to keep it 'all under one roof'.

I'm also a travel addict as well as a copywriter, so am very jealous of your road trip! Have a good one - and if you need any more advice when you return please give me a shout - gill at freelance copywriting (all one word) dot biz

Cheers,

Gill

04-22-2009, 08:14 AM	#1 (permalink)
Scarlet-Hills Regular Poster Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Hertfordshire/Lincolnshire Posts: 32	No degree --> no chance? Hi everyone Ok here's my situation: (I'll do my best to keep everything concise. I also apologise in advance if anything I say sounds obtuse or boastful. This is by no means my intention. I am aware that I am very much a small fish in a large pond, and I'm merely stressing the fact that I feel I have some ability in this field.) Basically I graduated from university last year with a BA Hons in Graphic Design. During (and before... and after) this course I have been consistently producing written work of a high standard. My dissertation earned me a high first (82) and my tutors were encouraging me to seriously consider a career as a writer. Since leaving uni I have gone on to produce web copy for the university website as well as several other written endeavours. From a career perspective my life has been placed somewhat on hold as I've been doing a number of soul destroying temping jobs in attempt to raise money for a road trip across the USA. I will be returning from this trip in September and I have a number of career options open to me. On the one hand I have always been interested in the idea of pursuing marketing in a 9-5 tie-wearing sort of way. Conversely I also feel I have what it takes to set up a freelance business. I am currently able to offer a graphic design service but I wondered how viable it would be to offer a copywriting service too? I would naturally use books and articles to educate myself in the subject first, but the fact remains that I wouldn't be formally qualified or experienced. In a very convoluted way I'm asking if it's possible for someone who is a very capable 'general' writer to teach themselves the disciplines required for a career in copywriting. If you have reached this far then you really are a saint and I'm very appreciative of any advice! Rob __________________ *"Don't mistake legibility for communication"* - David Carson

04-23-2009, 07:32 AM	#3 (permalink)
Scarlet-Hills Regular Poster Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Hertfordshire/Lincolnshire Posts: 32	Thank you for a very refreshing attitude! I wish more people felt that way in the present climate. Much appreciated. __________________ *"Don't mistake legibility for communication"* - David Carson

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04-22-2009, 12:41 PM	#2 (permalink)
johnthecoach Regular Poster Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: North Wales/Shropshire; Skype: FreelanceCoach Posts: 29	Hi Rob, Saint John here. Rob, to be blunt you don't need to ask permission to do what you want to do. Of course you can be a CopyWriter. You can be the Pope if you want to. (Ok, maybe not a Pope - not many vacancies.) So go for it Rob... All the best John

05-07-2009, 05:04 PM	#4 (permalink)
GTFC Regular Poster Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Milton Keynes Posts: 73	Hi Rob, John is absolutely right - just go for it! I started out in life 20 years ago as a graphic designer, then went into account management, then client side marketing, then freelance marketing - and finally ended up as a full time freelance copywriter about three years ago. I support myself totally by doing this and don't have a writing qualification to my name! Or a marketing one for that matter So the answer is yes, it's perfectly possible - and there is no reason not to offer graphic design services as well if you're lucky enough to have skills in both areas. I'm sure many clients would love the idea of being able to keep it 'all under one roof'. I'm also a travel addict as well as a copywriter, so am very jealous of your road trip! Have a good one - and if you need any more advice when you return please give me a shout - gill at freelance copywriting (all one word) dot biz Cheers, Gill