Creating PFMeet
After moving to Portsmouth in 2008, I found it hard to meet others working in web and creative industries. I wanted to create something low-key, welcoming, and genuinely useful – a way for local freelancers to connect, share experiences, and support one another without the awkwardness of traditional networking events.
So in August 2010, I founded Portsmouth Freelancers Meet – a monthly meetup for creative professionals in the South Coast.
Project Snapshot
| Client Type: | Personal |
| First launched: | 2010 |
| Tech: | WordPress |
| Additional team: | Karl (branding), Charlotte (promotional graphic design work) |
From small meetup to thriving community
The very first PFMeet had just 3-4 attendees. Today, we regularly welcome 20–30 freelancers every month, with the larger Summer and Christmas parties drawing 50+ people. Over the years, the events have evolved to include themed quizzes, charity raffles, a Dribbble night, and more.
Creating a digital home
I designed and developed the PFMeet website to serve as a simple but engaging home for the community. It allows new members to find out about upcoming events and offers useful advice for anyone navigating freelance life. Built on WordPress, it’s easy for me to update as events grow and change.
Custom artwork
Over the years of Portsmouth Freelancers, we (as a collective of people) have also created some fun print work, such as tote bags, posters, stickers and other forms of fun swag to take home from events. These usually get given out at the bigger events. Here is the mug me and Charlotte Simonsen produced for the 2023 Christmas party.
Beyond the screen
This isn’t just a digital project – it’s a deeply personal one. I manage every element of the events themselves: finding venues, running the social media accounts, designing and printing swag, promoting meetups, and making sure everyone feels welcome when they walk through the door.
As well as the regular meetups, we’ve had meetups that include retro video game nights, doodle club mashup, board game evenings, and Portsmouth’s first ever Dribble meet.
I have met my best friends in the world through this event, my wedding party was made up of most of them! It’s the one major thing that changed and shaped my entire life here in Portsmouth, as well as helping my business grow over the years.
The value
PFMeet has been running for over 14 years, with hundreds of freelancers attending over the years. Some have found clients, collaborators, flatmates, and even close friends through the group. Others just enjoy the chance to chat to someone else who gets the freelance life.
It’s one of the projects I’m most proud of – not just because I built it from scratch, but because of the positive impact it’s had on others (and myself!)
