Modification History
Not applicable.
Unit Descriptor
Unit descriptor |
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to operate as a freelancer within the creative arts industry. Success as a freelancer requires a high level of self-motivation and discipline, an ability to develop industry networks and an entrepreneurial attitude when pursuing work opportunities. Freelancers are usually responsible for negotiating their own contracts. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement. |
Application of the Unit
Application of the unit |
Any person who offers their services on a freelance basis applies the skills and knowledge described in this unit. Generally speaking, people move into freelance work after consolidating their skills as employees. |
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Not applicable.
Pre-Requisites
Prerequisite units |
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Employability Skills Information
Employability skills |
This unit contains employability skills. |
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency. |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Promote yourself to potential employers |
1. Establish, follow up and regularly maintain business contacts within industry 2. Participate in relevant networks to support your freelance activity 3. Identify and follow appropriate strategies to enhance your professional reputation 4. Maximise your reputation by circulating current and succinct information about your experience 5. Join and maintain regular contact with relevant employment networks 6. Advertise your services in relevant media outlets as required 7. Produce and distribute promotional material as required |
Negotiate work arrangements |
8. Establish clear performance outcomes for jobs and agree on fees, schedules and expenses 9. Ensure that contracts contain payment terms and conditions that provide a viable cash flow 10. Ensure that contracts contain a clear statement of the obligations of all parties and a process for varying terms and conditions 11. Ensure that the terms of contracts match agreements and securely store written copies of final signed contracts for reference during the course of jobs 12. Negotiate variations to contracts as required 13. Seek specialist advice in the development of contracts where appropriate 14. Be willing to adapt to the demands of others, but without compromising your personal work ethic and reputation 15. Be prepared to reject work offers that do not provide sufficient financial remuneration or job satisfaction |
Manage financial and business aspects of freelance work |
16. Seek advice on and determine the most appropriate way of operating as a freelancer 17. Set up and use effective systems for managing budgets, finance and paperwork 18. Establish and maintain effective support services 19. Establish a realistic fee structure that takes into account all factors associated with your freelance activity 20. Plan ahead to organise and maintain a viable work and cash flow 21. Send invoices in line with payment terms and conditions and follow up any non-payment of invoices promptly and in a businesslike manner 22. Keep simple but accurate and up-to-date accounts and records 23. Submit annual tax returns, using the services of an accountant as required 24. Comply with regulatory , taxation and insurance requirements relevant to freelance activities |
Undertake strategic planning |
25. Identify and implement strategies that help identify work opportunities at an early stage 26. Seek constructive feedback from relevant people about your performance and evaluate feedback to identify personal development needs 27. Identify opportunities for ongoing professional development and take appropriate action to ensure that your skills and knowledge keep pace with industry developments 28. Identify and act on opportunities to expand your client base, either alone or in partnership with other freelancers 29. Regularly revisit, review and set realistic objectives 30. Continually monitor and analyse work options against quality of life, and artistic and commercial outcomes 31. Identify risk factors and take action to minimise risk when planning work activities |
Required Skills and Knowledge
REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE |
This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit. |
Required skills |
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Required knowledge |
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Evidence Guide
EVIDENCE GUIDE |
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The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package. |
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Overview of assessment |
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Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit |
Evidence of the following is essential:
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Context of and specific resources for assessment |
Assessment must ensure:
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Method of assessment |
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
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Guidance information for assessment |
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
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Range Statement
RANGE STATEMENT |
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The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included. |
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Networks may include |
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Strategies may include: |
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Information may include: |
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Employment networks may include: |
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Support services may include: |
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Factors may include: |
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Records may include: |
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Regulatory , taxation and insurance requirements may include: |
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Relevant people may include: |
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Objectives may relate to: |
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Unit Sector(s)
Unit sector |
Competency field
Competency field |
Industry capability - industry context |
Co-requisite units
Co-requisite units |
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