Put yourself out there

Hey hey hey…I’m back!

I spent a big chunk of August on holiday in California, because the Pokémon World Championships were happening, I’m a big Pokémon fan, and I managed to ballot for a spectator pass, so I had no choice but to go. :’)

It was a great time. And I learnt some things that could apply to running a business, too, which I wanted to share.

During the event, I attended a talk where two artists, MINAMINAMI Take and OKUBO, shared how they started illustrating cards for the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG).

*we weren’t allowed to take photos of the panel, so here’s MINAMINAMI Take’s first official illustration for the TCG, which has become an iconic meme​ for unrelated reasons*

MINAMINAMI entered the 2022 TCG Illustration Contest, where she worked really hard to submit card art she thought would fulfil what the judges were looking for. And her efforts paid off!

One of her entries was a semifinalist, and she was subsequently invited to illustrate cards.

OKUBO, on the other hand, posted her art online. The right people noticed it, and she got a job offer.

They didn’t go through a formal job application process (it seems there isn’t one). Instead, they took steps to get their art out there. Then, with some luck, they landed the coveted job.

So, likewise if you want work—or maybe there’s even a specific company you want to work with. Don’t just wait around for the work to come to you.

Put yourself out there. Build your portfolio. Show it off in the places potential clients hang out. Connect with people who have influence over hiring.

And just ask if an opportunity is available. Because you never know: the answer might be yes.

Do this over and over and over. With enough effort, and luck, you might just get what you want.

Also: check your spam folder

The above is a pretty great inspirational ending to today’s sharing, but I had to add this postscript, because it’s just too good.

When MINAMINAMI and OKUBO received their job offers via email, they didn’t see the email right away.

OKUBO took three days to discover the email. And MINAMINAMI, a whole month.

Why?

Because the email landed in their spam folders. 😂😂

Fortunately, they still got the job.

But, this is just a reminder to check your spam folder regularly, people!! The email with your dream job might just be there.

I’ll leave you to check your spam folder now. 👀

More freelancer news

Last chance: My contracts workshops for freelance coaches and creatives

If you’d wanted to but missed out on attending my contracts workshops for freelance coaches and creatives earlier this year, this is your second and last chance, because there will not be any more repeats!

The workshop for coaches is happening on 10 Sep 2025 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. And the one for creatives is happening on 25 Sep 2025 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

Both workshops are free, and their content is similar, where I’ll share:

• Essential contract terms
• Factors that influence contract negotiations
• Where to get a free contract template

But I’ll tailor the discussion for coaches and creatives respectively.

​Contracts workshop for COACHES details + registration form here​

​Contracts workshop for CREATIVES details + registration form here​

The registration form asks for your mylibrary username, which you’ll have if you’re a library member. Go to this NLB account services page to sign up for free library membership or check your mylibrary username if you don’t remember it.

The form also asks if you’re an NTUC member. Feel free to answer “No” if you aren’t one.

Let me know if you’re coming!

Foreigners illegally doing platform work in Singapore

Foreigners aren’t allowed to take up platform delivery jobs in Singapore, and local platform workers have recently raised their concerns about seeing foreigners do just that.

So, here are some quick-fire updates on this situation:

• ​A few foreigner-delivery riders have been arrested​
• ​The Ministry of Manpower will add a feature on its site to help people report suspected illegal delivery riders​
• ​Some platform workers have reported earning more after the carrying out of enforcement action​