FF: Hi Phil, welcome to Freelance Faces. How did you start out as a freelancer?

After 15 years, I’d worked at big agencies like Mojo. I’d worked at small agencies too like M15 New York. I finally decided I wanted to work in a way that suited me.

FF: How long have you been freelancing and why do you freelance?

Six years. I freelance for freedom, flexibility and no politics. I can concentrate 100% on the job at hand.

I would say I work smarter if not harder now than I did when I worked for agencies.

It’s also allowed me to do more branding/planning/strategic work than is typical for a creative in a traditional agency. (Even though we all know good creatives are often good strategists too!)

FF: I hear that you have both Melbourne and Sydney clients - how does that work for you?

One of the great things about freelance is that you can work nationally. Via phone and email. I can just as easily handle a Sydney brief as a Melbourne one. The whole of Australia becomes your agency.

FF: How does freelancing affect your lifestyle?

It frees it up. I can usually pick up my sons from school on a Friday afternoon but then am more than happy to make up the time on a Sunday morning. But I have no concept of public holidays any more - much to my wife’s chagrin.

FF: What are your specialities?

Like Peter Barry - featured last month - 

I am a writer who can write. I have a BA Hons in English, have had short stories published and have finished a novel. 

So I am as at home with a tender document as I am with a 10 x 2.

FF: What have been your career highlights?

• Working in Manhattan in the early noughties
• Helping to launch the Honda Odyssey and CR-V into Australia
• Beating Sean Cummins for Best Community Service TV ad at the MADC awards one year
• Creating ‘Leave your hat on’ for SunSmart (with a little help from Randy Newman)
• Oh, and the TV ad with two little boys talking about their ‘ducks’ for Brivis. Click here to see the Brivis TV ad.

FF: What other interests do you have?

• Reading and writing fiction
• Movies - especially thrillers
• The Kennedy Assassination and the Manson Murders (read my novel!)
• Abusing my guitar
• Supporting the Blue Boys

FF: Do you teach you skills to others?

I have been both an AWARD School and RMIT tutor. And I will try to help any young person who approaches me with their folio.

FF: How do you usually source freelance work? 

Doing good work consistently over a period of time is the best word-of-mouth.

FF: What do you think of the Freelance Factory concept?

I think it’s a great concept. I saw the first ad you ran in AdNews two years ago and have been a fan ever since.

FF: Thanks for your time Phil.

Phil is based in Hawthorn Melbourne Victoria - but is available Australia-wide.

Contact Phil by email
Contact Phil by email - click here.