The Soapbox Newsletter
June 2024 Edition: Upcoming events, the Soapbox evolution, & some helpful tips 🫧
Good Morning pals,
Welcome to The Soapbox Newsletter! Our next gather and blether is taking place on Wednesday June 26th (that’s one week today!) at Sierra Metro between 8am and 10am.
We’d love to see you there!
Updates:
I’ve been watching Bridgerton recently and it took a lot for me to not start this newsletter with “Dearest Gentle Reader…”
Aside from Bridgerton, although maybe somewhat tied, I’ve been thinking a lot about gathering. How we gather, why we gather, and everything in between. I’m curious as to what entices people to attend an event, that being anything from networking to gigs to talks to workshops to Soapbox. And I’d love to know, what is it that makes you want to attend Soapbox? Answers on a postcard (reply to this email) would be very gratefully received, as would filling out the polls below. It’s no secret that I’ve been thinking/planning/dreaming of different events to do with Soapbox, but I thought I’d reach out to you, our wonderful community first. Because I want to know: what is it you’re looking for?
A Few Things From Our Community:
Version 10.312 is an exhibition marking ten years of Martin Baillie Studio. Martin is a graphic designer based in Edinburgh, collaborating with cultural organisations, businesses and third sector projects across Scotland and beyond – his work spans branding, print, online and everything in-between – with a focus on engaging and effective communication, problem solving, and making things look good. The exhibition is taking place at Sierra Metro between June 22nd and July 21st, with the preview evening taking place on Friday June 21st (grab your free tickets here)!
Check out DbyD Fest at Custom Lane on until June 23rd, a dynamic exploration of what it means to live and thrive with a chronic condition. Featuring an immersive exhibition and diabetes-themed panels & events, all curated to elevate awareness of type 1 diabetes and spark innovation in how we support those affected by it.
You are invited to the Tribe Porty Summer Party! Taking place this Sunday June 23rd from 11am-4pm at Tribe Porty! There will be a makers market, food, workshops and live music.
The Story Sessions is a storytelling event taking place at Tribe Porty on Friday June 28th between 5:30pm and 7:30pm. A collaboration between Soapbox, Tribe Porty & Porty Pride, Storytellers will be sharing their own stories of Love to an intimate audience, and you are invited to gather, to be inspired, to listen, and to connect. Free tickets available here!
Sponsor Section:
The Edinburgh Minute
The Edinburgh Minute is a great (free) place to get the word out about your own news or events.
Every edition of the free daily newsletter includes the Community Noticeboard, which is where more than 500 people have shared details of their local events this year.
If you want to reach more than 11,000 locals, check out the ‘Get in touch’ tab on edinburghminute.com and use the form to share your event!
FreeAgent
FreeAgent is award-winning online accounting software designed specifically for UK small businesses - and based here in Edinburgh. The folks at FreeAgent are all about making business owners and freelancers happier and more successful by putting them in control of their finances.
Hello from FreeAgent, providers of accounting software and tips for small businesses looking to understand their finances better. Here are a few resources from them, to you:
Don’t stress about quoting for work - here’s a beginner’s guide to pricing projects
When you have to chase a late-paying customer, try one of these overdue invoice email templates to get your money (hopefully without burning bridges)
Join a free webinar at 11am on 18th June to learn efficient invoicing and payment tips to keep you and your piggy bank smilin’
Everyone in our Soapbox community can give FreeAgent a go with a 30-day free trial and get 50% off their first six months. Click here!
With Jack
Did you know that the biggest cause of claims against freelance graphic designers is due to mistakes in their work? Think typos that have been spotted once a design has went to print, or designing to incorrect product dimensions. Then there are copyright infringement claims that graphic designers are particularly vulnerable to. And there’s the responsibility of delivering work on time and meeting client expectations.
We know you’re great at what you do, but not all client relationships or projects run smoothly. This is why it’s important to get insured, and why many client contracts ask you to be insured.
Check out this page from With Jack for all the information you need, and more, about being insured as a graphic designer.
A Love Story To End our June Newsletter:
If you would like to stay up to date with more events, jobs and opportunities, do consider following us on Instagram!
If you have something you would like to share with the community please feel free to message us!
We hope to see you at our next event if you’re local, and in the meantime please feel free to share The Soapbox Newsletter if you enjoyed it.
Thanks for reading,
Ellie & Janine