Most people who work in the creative sector tend to work either for themselves as sole traders or for other companies as freelance workers.  It can be an isolated existence, and creatives often face particular problems.

As a sole trader, how do you find the balance between making and selling? 

As a freelance, how do you maintain your skills, since (on the whole) employers are unlikely to pay for your training? 

How do you break into new markets?  How do you find the gallery that is right for you? How do you get into running community workshops?  How do you get Criminal Records clearance to work in schools?  What do other people do if they can't afford a studio?  How do they deal with nerves before presenting their work?  How do they manage to increase their earnings from their work and do less teaching/working in McDonalds/doing craft fairs?  And what on earth is cash management? 

Does anyone else feel like this? 

Of course they do - most creatives go through some such worries at some stage of their career - so how can we at CIDA help?

All CIDA's advisors are creative professionals in their own right, with a keen sense of the demands of working in this sector - even our marketing and finance advisors work in the sector!  

Most of the advisors specialise, be it in design, music, writing, performing arts, visual arts, or new media - and if we don't have someone just right for you, we will know where to find them -

If you happen to fit the criteria for any our major programmes, then we will invite you to join and you can continue to receive our support for the duration of the programme.  If you don't meet a programme's criteria, then you can book to see either Anamaria or Keith for an hour - this will cost £60 + VAT per hour.  They will listen to your concern, go through your business practice with you, and will advise you where your next best step or port of call may be.  This may range from being signposted to another relevant organisation to a recommendation for further mentoring, usually by one of CIDA's mentors. 

If you decide you would prefer to continue seeing a CIDA specialist advisor or mentor, then there will be a charge, although there are variable rates depending on whom you wish to see.  For further information, please ring Ruth on 01484 483140 or email ruth@cida.org