Tell us a bit about you!
Tell us a bit about you!Hello, my name is Karen Cann. I’m a freelance video editor and DVD author. I work from home in Cambridgeshire.
How long have you been freelancing, and why did you start?
Since August 2010. I was made redundant as the company I was working for folded in the recession. Part time video editing jobs are hard to come by in Cambridgeshire plus there were a couple of jobs I was in the middle of, and I also needed to be flexible around my little toddler. There were a crazy few days of buying kit, speaking to clients and setting up with little sleep!
Let’s talk about the start of your day – Are you an early riser, or a night owl?
I do my best work in the morning, I’m more fresh, focused and motivated then. This is great for when my children are at school or with their grandparents, but when I have to work evenings and weekends it isn’t so great as my brain starts slowing down at 5pm – ha ha!
What time do you start work?
9am.
Do you work from home?
Yes, in the corner of my bedroom I have a little office.
What’s your working routine before you start work?
Sorting the kids out for school, school run then back to make a huge mug of sugary tea while my Mac warms up.
Do you take a lunch break?
Not really, I usually eat lunch at my Mac. If I’m not busy, sometimes I’ll do a few chores at lunchtime and listen to Jeremy Vine whilst simultaneously stuffing a sandwich in my mouth.
How do you tend to spend your afternoons?
More work until 2.45pm then school run and general Mummy duties!
How do you stay motivated? Do you have any particular techniques?
Write a long list at the beginning of the day of what I’d like to achieve with allocated times. I probably only stick to my list about 50% of the time!
What time do you tend to sign off for the day?
At the school run, unless I’m busy and then I’ll work during the evening. Sometimes I’ll go to networking events in the evening or #Cambshour on Twitter. I generally never switch off though, I’m always checking my email, thinking about what I have to do, worrying etc..
Tell us – what’s your favourite thing about freelancing?
Being flexible.
And your least favourite thing about freelancing?
Not having a guaranteed pay cheque each month.
What tools/apps/gadgets/things could you not live without as a freelancer?
My iPhone, social media, Vimeo, youtube and Final Cut
Where can we find you online?
Website:http://www.karencann.co.uk
Twitter:https://twitter.com/karenjac
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/karencanndvd
Linkedin:http://www.linkedin.com/pub/karen-cann/8/1a0/351
The Big Question – What’s the secret to your success?
Hard work, dedication and discipline. Although I wouldn’t class myself as that successful…….yet…
Anything else you want to share?
You can check my showreel on YouTube.
It’s been VERY tough over the last few years, not easy at all, and I have been on the verge of giving up several times. However, one thing I have loved is meeting new people and businesses, and finding out about a lot of exciting creative things that are happening both in my local area and worldwide. It’s also been a steep learning curve when you’re out on your own, you learn a lot very quickly about all aspects of business. I don’t think you gain the same sort of experience when you are an employee of a company and have a set job to do.
Thanks Karen! Want to take part in the A Day In The Life Of A Freelancer series? You can find the form to fill in here!