Graphic designers are thriving, copywriters are hanging on despite AI, and YouTube thumbnail design is now a real job. Want in? Read on for the freelancing tips, tricks and chaos.
If your For You Page has been flooded with side hustle girlies, digital nomads in Portugal, and that one smug bloke on LinkedIn claiming he made six figures from his laptop in six weeks, don’t panic. You’re not alone. In fact, it seems half of New Zealand is quietly googling how to become their own boss right now.
New research from business platform Tide reveals that searches for “freelancing tips” in New Zealand have skyrocketed by an astonishing 2,000% in the last THREE MONTHS. Clearly, something’s in the air – whether it’s burnout, boredom, or a collective craving for more freedom (or just a way to afford the bloody bills), Kiwis are keener to explore more than the traditional 9–5 and take the freelance leap.
But if you’re going to do it, you might as well know where the real demand is, and according to the aforementioned Tide Global Freelancer Report – a deep dive into more than six million global Google searches, revealing which freelance roles are blowing up and which ones are growing fast – there are plenty of paths to pick that can reap rewards.
And no, shockingly, it’s not all tech bros and TikTok managers. Some of the most in-demand jobs are creative, human-centric, and – surprisingly – still thriving despite, AI’s best efforts to take over.
In New Zealand, creatives still reign supreme
Despite global trends pointing to a boom in freelance filmmakers, here in Aotearoa, graphic designers top the charts. That’s right – even with AI image generators pumping out slightly deranged visuals at speed, Kiwi businesses still want a human touch when it comes to their images (perhaps the shit AI has made people realise and appreciate skilled professionals more!?)
Next on the local most-wanted list are copywriters (thank God), followed by web designers, translators, and web developers. The takeaway? If you can build websites, write sharp copy, or make digital stuff look amazing, your freelance stock is rising.
On a global level, freelance filmmakers are leading the demand with more than 280,000 searches a year.
The rise of niche freelance gigs you’ve never heard of
While the big roles are still going strong, some lesser-known freelance jobs are growing fast – and in 2025, they’re not to be overlooked.
YouTube thumbnail designers, for one, have seen a 35% year-on-year increase in demand. It might sound niche, but those tiny preview images are what make or break content in the attention economy! Meanwhile, photo re-touchers are also in the spotlight, with a 57% jump in demand as brands chase picture-perfect content without a full-blown production team.
Other growing roles include web analytics specialists, SEO pros, WordPress developers, branding consultants, and even CAD (Computer Aided Design) designers – proof that both highly visual and highly technical skills are paying off.
“Gratitude, structure, and taking a break”: Freelancing tips from someone who’s lived it
Anna King Shahab, a seasoned NZ-based freelancer, has been flying solo since 2014 – and according to her, the past few years have been among the bumpiest yet. A travel and food writer, strategist and communications specialist, she’s seen firsthand how creative services can be viewed as optional, but still believes deeply in their value.
“I’m not saving lives or unblocking toilets,” she says. “But I know the work I do benefits my clients’ reputations in the long term. When they understand that – and tell me -there’s no better feeling.”
Anna’s three freelancing tips come from real experience:
First, show gratitude, not just for paid gigs, but for referrals and even unpaid opportunities that help keep your name in the mix. It’s not about sucking up; it’s about doing good work and staying humble enough to get asked back.
Second, get yourself a good accountant. “I’d rather skip a few hair appointments than have to deal with tax deadlines and spreadsheets!” she says. “I can rest easy knowing I haven’t missed any important dates in the IRD calendar, and that tax deductibles are claimed correctly.” A good accountant doesn’t just do the admin – they can guide you, keep you legal, and even give you a bit of mentoring along the way.
And finally, learn to take breaks. “When you work for yourself, it’s too easy to be ‘on’ all the time,” she warns. “And let those breaks be when it suits you – it might be a couple of hours in the middle of a weekday, or if you’re adamant you want weekends off then do that. If you can take a whole week at a time and that feels right, do it – but if you don’t like the feeling of being powered-off for that long, trust your instinct and weave work into longer holidays in a way that works for you.” Don’t compare yourself to others, or feel pressured to conform to someone else’s idea of productivity.
Freelancing tips from a creative on the rise
Oreoluwa Peter Famosa, one of said freelance filmmakers and directors, says his freelancing journey started early – helping his dad shoot weddings as a teen. Since then, his work has included music videos and artwork for global artists like Rizzle Kicks, Rema, and Ayra Starr. Not bad for someone who just wanted to be behind a camera.
“Freelancing has truly opened up the doors to seeing more of the world and connecting with great individuals within wonderful communities,” he says. “It’s a wholesome journey I’d encourage everyone to take at some point.”
While Oreoluwa’s three-word advice is simply to “just do it”, he’s also got a few more structured freelancing tips for those considering the plunge:
Structure: Start by asking yourself, What do I do? How do I do it? Why do I do it? How does it work? Answering those will give you clarity – and a business model.
Punctuality: “Always submit things in time. Lateness is not greatness.”
Discipline: According to Oreoluwa, “discipline is the most unstoppable force known to the human mind.” And when you’re your own boss, it’s non-negotiable.
The big picture: Freelancing is growing and changing
Freelancing is more than a trend, it’s a legit career path, and one that’s increasingly diverse.
Whether you’re a designer, writer, SEO nerd, or thumbnail artist extraordinaire, there’s demand for your skills, and plenty of ways to build a freelance life that works for you.
But like anything worth doing, it requires more than just vibes and a laptop. It takes discipline, structure and community – and take it from me, who also freelances, a lot of effort, admin and drive.
So if you’re one of the many Kiwis feverishly searching for freelancing tips, let this be your sign: the demand is there, the roles are real, and the right time to start is probably sooner than you think.
And again, from personal experience and for the love of God, don’t forget to file your GST.