What does it take to go solo in a creative industry, and thrive?

In this Inspire Future Leaders interview, Helen Hill, founder of Unlikely Genius, shares how she turned years of experience into a bold leap into self-employment. Her story offers a grounded, practical look at freelancing, building a personal brand, and doing work that matters.

Who is Helen Hill, and what is Unlikely Genius?

Helen Hill is the founder of Unlikely Genius, a creative business offering freelance and consultancy services across:

• Learning design
• Content creation
• Graphic design
• eLearning development

What makes Helen’s business unique is that she delivers end-to-end project work, from writing the content and creating the visuals to building interactive learning platforms. Clients don’t need to hire three different people. Helen does it all, efficiently, creatively, and with impact.

Her work helps organisations communicate, teach better, and connect with their audiences, and it all started with one big decision in 2018.

How did Helen become a full-time freelancer?

After 13 years working in industry, Helen decided it was now or never. She had built the skills. She had the experience. What she needed was to back herself.

That’s when Unlikely Genius was born.

Since then, she has:

• Built a strong client base through referrals and reputation
• Delivered major projects for national and international brands
• Spoke at conferences and mentored other freelancers
• Created a brand that champions creativity, clarity, and kindness

“Start showing your expertise and contributing to conversations on LinkedIn, the earlier the better.”

– Helen Hill

Her advice isn’t just about design, it’s about self-belief, consistency, and visibility.

What is freelancing, and is it right for students?

Freelancing means working independently, usually offering creative, technical, or specialist services to different clients instead of one employer.

Benefits of freelancing:

• Flexibility: You choose when, how, and where you work
• Variety: Every project is different
• Ownership: You shape your career on your terms

Challenges to be aware of:

• Inconsistent income
• Self-management and discipline
• Finding your own clients

Freelancing can be a great path for students who are:

• Creative and self-motivated
• Happy working solo
• Willing to learn business skills like invoicing, pitching, and marketing

Helen’s story shows that starting small and staying curious can go a long way.

What advice does Helen give to future freelancers?

Helen shares valuable insight for anyone considering self-employment or creative careers:

Helen’s top tips:

• Use LinkedIn early to build your brand
• Don’t wait to feel 100% ready, Experience builds as you go
• Be a lifelong learner, as creative industries evolve quickly
• Stay connected, freelancing doesn’t mean doing it alone
• Niche down when you’re ready, but explore first

Her advice resonates with students and school leavers alike: you don’t need to follow the traditional path to build a fulfilling, future-ready career.

Freelance Freedom Starts With Belief and Bold Moves

Helen Hill’s journey shows that a career in freelancing is built step by step, with clarity, courage, and community. Whether you’re a creative thinker or simply curious about self-employment, her story is a powerful reminder that you can create your path and succeed on your terms.

Want your students to hear more stories like Helen’s?
Book a demo to explore how The Changing Education Group connects young people with real professionals and real careers, from design to digital and beyond.

FAQs

Who is Helen Hill?
Helen Hill is a learning designer, content creator, and founder of Unlikely Genius, a freelance business offering end-to-end creative services.

What does Unlikely Genius do?
It provides copywriting, visual design, eLearning development, and learning consultancy, all from one creative expert.

What is freelancing?
Freelancing means working for yourself, offering services to clients or businesses on a project or contract basis.

How can students start a freelance career?
Build a portfolio, use LinkedIn to grow visibility, practice time management, and seek out small projects to get started.

Do freelancers need a degree?
Not necessarily, skills, experience, and professionalism matter more. However, relevant courses can help build a strong foundation.