Freelancing 101 With Emily Jones
The Auxiliary, Middlesbrough
Thursday 16th July 2026
5:30PM - 9:30PM
&
Friday 17th July 2026
9:30AM – 1:30PM
Sonic Futures in partnership with the The Freelancer Network brings you two days of workshops hosted by Emily Jones, designed to help you build a successful career as a self-employed professional around being a freelancer in the creative sector.
Thursday 16th July 2026
5:30PM - 9:30PM
The first day of workshops looks at defining your brand and developing a visual identity through building a strong and authentic artist identity that connects your music, story and visuals. This workshop will help you define your brand, identify your core values and key messages, and develop a visual identity that reflects your sound and artistic vision. Through practical exercises, you'll explore your unique strengths, create moodboards, refine your story, and learn how to communicate effectively with designers and collaborators. By the end of the session, you'll have a clear foundation for presenting yourself consistently across your music, marketing, live performances and online presence.
Friday 17th July 2026
9:30AM – 1:30PM
Being Self Employed and Fundraising
Develop the essential skills to build and sustain a career in the creative sector as a freelancer. This workshop covers the practical realities of working in creative industries, including how to manage your career like a business, find and apply for funding, and navigate key areas such as pricing your work, contracts, tax, and administration. You’ll also explore where to find funding opportunities, how to develop strong project ideas, and what makes a successful application, alongside guidance on budgets, timelines and funder expectations. By the end of the session, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how to manage your career sustainably and access the support available to help you grow.
About Emily Jones
With 18 years’ experience in the music industry and 7 years as an independent artist and DJ, Emily understands the unique challenges artists face. She has worked in programming and artist development across electronic, classical, jazz, folk, experimental music, and pop. Working in London, regional and national organisations., Emily has designed and delivered numerous artist development programmes. As an accredited coach, Emily will ask the important questions that help get freelancers to the real answer, exploring the situation from all angles. As an experienced workshop leader, Emily presents complex ideas ways that are engaging and inspiring
Free to attend - register to book your place.
