Maria: Hi Spence, life treating you well?
Spencer: Can't complain love, lots of commissions coming in and all that!
Maria: Getting your name out there! Saw some of your new stuff on Instagram, liked it!
Spencer: Yeah, thanks love! How's the call centre?
Maria: Same old, same old. Can't wait to go part time next year, really want to get on with some freelancing.
Spencer: Yeah, pity they won't allow it for a year. I'm on 16 fixed hours at the cafe which suits me great. I've then got the rest of the week to work on my illustrations.
Maria: How do you get new clients, Spence? I really need to pick your brains sometimes!
Spencer: Well, some of them saw my printing in the shops I sell to and contacted me directly, then there's the agency and my social media stuff. I probably get around £1000  of work a month now, before commission and tax.
Maria: Well that's just about liveable with the cafe wage, I imagine.
Spencer: Yes, it's tight, but I am very frugal. Still have a hefty chunk going out on rent and bills.
Maria: Hmm, I'll have to budget carefully when I do it.
Spencer: Yes, but it's well worth it. I LOVE the work so much!
Maria: Well, your passion is obvious! Your stuff is amazing!
Spencer: Well, so was yours in Uni. Don't let your talent go to waste!
Maria: You've inspired me, Spence. See you soon, hopefully!
Spencer: See ya!
Maria will be working part-time at the call centre next year. Spencer works 16 hours a week at a cafe and the rest of the week on his pictures. He earns about GBP 1000 plus the cafe wage.