Divya Singh

Overview

FF. How did you find out about the Freelance Factory and what do you think of the concept?
It’s hard to ignore a successful site such as Freelance Factory when you’re a freelancer. I first came to know it through Google. I think this concept is so much better than going to recruitment agencies. Hope to see good results soon.

How did you start out as a freelancer?
I have 5 years of experience in advertising, out of which I have been freelancing for 2 years. That was when I arrived in Australia (Melbourne) for the first time from New Delhi. I wanted to better understand the working relationship between each department of the advertising industry here, like the studio and the creative, and I realised freelancing would be the best way to have that knowledge as I interact with more than one agency. Not only that, I also needed to know people of the industry too.

As I continued freelancing I started enjoying the freedom and the variety. I was working on different brands and that helped my skill become more versatile. Now I have experience ranging from healthcare to retail to government advertising

What do you specialise in?
My strongest ability is conceptualisation. I believe everything falls into place if an idea is there. Most of the times the ‘art’ part of the ad is solved when you have a concept. My inspiration for ideas comes from the target audience. Once I understand who I am talking to then it’s easy to know the language of the ad. Just like, if you’re selling a car, your ad will talk differently to a 25 year old or to a 60 year old. And I believe the concept comes from there.

Also, (I think I may be revealing my trade secrets) another interesting place I look for ideas are the forward emails. I never delete any forward emails coming from anyone, no matter how cheesy they are. These emails are very focussed on a subject, for example friendship, marriage, wives, husbands, and even God. Sometimes I can even see a script there

How does freelancing affect your lifestyle?
It’s fantastic. I enjoy the freedom I get by ‘not feeling like working’ on Fridays or when necessity strikes. I thoroughly understand advertising is not a 9-5 job. Sometimes I have worked weekends and after hours when the job demanded. However, considering that I love to travel, I can plan my holidays anytime I want. Not only that, it’s good to just catch up with people I have worked with in cafes and pubs, and either generate more business with them or sometimes they refer me to an agency who may be looking for an Art Director. Getting more work over a cup of coffee … life’s good!

#melbourne#artdirector