How organised are you with your invoices and expenses? Yes I know this is called ‘love your creativity’ & a ‘one hundred day blog on being a full time creative’ but that’s exactly why the whole invoices stuff is so vital.
We all know work or commissions come on an irregular basis and most have a little side job or indeed an entire day job to keep oneself fed and happy. Starving, whilst romantically Moulin Rouge or Annie, is not good for the creative soul.
I don’t track every last latte a la Dave Ramsey (the American financial guru – his radio show here) but he makes a lot of sense when it comes to having no debt and slashing your lifestyle so you can be free. As a creative not having heavy monthly payments gives you huge freedom so I am with Dave on no car payments & buy yourself a junk car if it allows you the freedom to create. So whatever your situation the more you are on top of ensuring you invoice for the work you do on a timely fashion even if it is just expenses, the more your bank balance will not look so grim. It also makes you more aware of what you are spending and what income is due in. Some people do all invoices and chasing on a Sunday, whatever your system get one! 😉
I did an unexpected last minute little job on Monday, yet again these pro makeup artists prove their brilliance. the main pic is just a selfie after the shoot and Katy Nixon the makeup artists made me look refreshed and god despite my 5.45am start! I did make sure I sent my invoice in immediately so I can pop to Cannes knowing I have done all my invoicing, I also chased all outstanding invoices and expenses that are due. If you don’t chase sometimes you don’t get!
Day 8: bargain hunter & packer
On this note I have spent the last two days bargain hunting 🙂 I am off to Cannes for the film festival tomorrow, all very last minute so I spend ages on what looked like the cheapest air fairs until I got to the very end where the online shop then slapped an extra £15 for booking fees. I just went to the other site and booked the same flights and saved £15. I then found online a discount for the Gatwick express, 30% off that. Well between the two little savings I then marched off to buy a new pair of flip flops 😉
I am now sorting through 40 odd dresses on my bed as I try and work out what I need for Cannes plus shoes and handbags. I have not been for years but figured some sun, great films, parties and the crazy as everyone tries to get into the party(ies) of each night …
I started this 100 day series thinking I could talk about the hard work, organisation and lack of glamour there is involved in being a creative and an actress.. and here I am trundling off to Cannes…
I will do some posts whilst I am there, I may even answer some of the ASK MARYSIA questions… Various nice blog readers have been sending me in some questions so I am thinking it may be easier to answer in podcast or (no!) video form… So if you do have any questions about my seeming sanity as an actress and creative email me them 😉
Tags: Annie, Cannes, Cosmetics, Dave Ramsey, Gatwick Express, Invoice, Katy Nixon, London Gatwick Airport, Moulin Rouge, Question, Receipt
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