Lisa Maltby On Balancing Passion And Profit In Creative Freelancing The Creative Switch podcast

Lisa Maltby on Balancing Passion and Profit in Creative Freelancing

6d ago 56:27

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Lisa Maltby on Balancing Passion and Profit in Creative Freelancing

Episode Summary:

Today, we dive deep into the world of creativity and freelancing with the talented digital illustrator and designer, Lisa Maltby. After a decade in creative agencies, Lisa made the leap to freelance, and she shares the realities of balancing a stable income with the need for creative expression. We explore practical tips for anyone considering a similar transition, as well as the importance of understanding your audience and the unique challenges faced by freelancers in today’s market. Lisa's journey is not just about the work she produces but also her commitment to mentoring others and advocating for underrepresented voices in the creative industry. Join us for a conversation rich with wisdom, humor, and inspiration that will help you navigate your own creative path!

Lisa Maltby Bio:

Lisa Maltby is an illustrator and designer based in Sheffield, specialising in food and heritage brands. Her work blends beauty with functionality, creating thoughtful visuals that connect with audiences and bring stories to life. Grounded in craftsmanship and rich in detail, her designs are both purposeful and eye-catching.

With a diverse portfolio spanning publishing, editorial, branding, and heritage, Lisa has worked with clients including Penguin Random House, The Guardian, National Trust, Politico, and Waitrose Food. Whether through intricate digital illustrations, book covers, or large-scale murals, her approach is always led by storytelling, preserving tradition while engaging contemporary audiences.

Beyond her client work, Lisa is a lecturer and writer, contributing insights to creative industry publications and blogs. She is also an advocate for equal access to the arts, supporting initiatives that champion opportunities for young creatives from all backgrounds.

Episode Chapters with time stamps:

Chapters:

00:19 - Starting a Freelance Creative Career
05:41 - Introducing Lisa Maltby: A Journey in Creativity
12:32 - Exploring Creative Freedom in Professional Work
20:23 - Finding Your Audience as a Creative
24:03 - Exploring Creative Identity and Financial Realities
36:22 - Navigating the Creative Industry: Insights and Reflections
42:13 - Navigating Creative Careers: Challenges and Strategies
48:28 - Exploring Creative Freedom and Constraints
56:13 - Creative Paths and New Beginnings

Four Creative Nuggets:

“Creativity is just the freedom to explore ideas and using those ideas to engage with others.” — Lisa Maltby

“I often will implement boundaries on myself on purpose because I know that if I'm just left to my own, I would use every single color and every single material, and it would just be a mess.” — Lisa Maltby

“You're essentially identifying problems and coming up with solutions for people… you're thinking a little bit more commercially about how your work solves problems.” — Lisa Maltby

“Creative careers are always changing and pivoting… I have a vision and I'm creative, so I can't not be that.” — Lisa Maltby

Links:

Lisa Maltby

https://www.lisamaltby.com/

https://www.facebook.com/lisamaltbystudio/

https://www.instagram.com/lisamaltbystudio/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-maltby-28aa675b/

The Edge

1. Caroline Norbury to step down as Chief Executive of Creative UK https://www.screendaily.com/news/caroline-norbury-to-step-down-as-creative-uk-chief-executive/5208669.article

2. Ian Murray MP reappointed as Minister of State for Creative Industries

https://www.conference-news.co.uk/news/the-business-of-events-welcomes-appointment-of-ian-murray-mp-as-minister-of-state-for-creative-industries

3. UKRI confirms next wave of Creative Industries Clusters launching January 2026

https://www.ukri.org/blog/creative-industries-clusters-the-next-chapter-in-a-uk-success-story

4. Creative Boom – Illustration trends for 2025 https://www.creativeboom.com/insight/illustration-trends-what-creative-directors-are-commissioning-in-2025/

5. Scream Digital – Illustration trends set to shape 2025 https://screamdigital.co.uk/blog/web-design/illustration-trends-set-to-take-shape-in-2025

Creative Adventures

Mike Hall Episode

Nikki Vallance

https://nikkivallance.com/the-creative-switch-podcast/

https://www.nikkivallance.com/

https://nikkivallance.substack.com/

https://www.instagram.com/nikki_vallance/

https://podchaser.com/TheCreativeSwitch/

Afflliate Links

Alitu: https://alitu.com?fp_ref=nikki-53

Captivate: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=njg4ytq

30 episodes