A Birmingham freelancer, Oliver Jamin, has been shortlisted for the Freelance Project of the Year at the UK’s biggest freelancer awards, the IPSE Freelancer of the Year Awards. Oliver impressed the judges with his achievements and social impact.

Commenting on the shortlisting, Chief Executive at at IPSE, Chris Bryce said: “Freelancing allows people to be innovative, following their dreams to start businesses that could grow into a great success that benefits us all. Oliver hugely impressed us against a very strong field with his brilliant artistic work and advocacy for disabled artists.”

Freelancer of the Year award nominee, Oliver Jamin, said: ‘’I am really pleased to have been shortlisted for the final of the Freelance Project of the Year Award, 2019. This really is a dream come true and not only supports me to show other deaf and hard of hearing and Disabled freelancers out there that they can aspire also to achieving successes in their chosen business; but also highlights my own profile, potentially opening doors to a new and wider audience who have yet to see my work.”

The Awards, now in their sixth year, recognise and celebrate the innovation and excellence of freelancers across the UK. Applicants are judged on a range of criteria including the strength of their portfolio, their passion and commitment to freelancing, business acumen, creativity and the distinctiveness of their work.

The number of freelancers in the UK has risen rapidly over the last ten years with the self-employed now adding £275bn to the economy.

Olivier is an award-winning artist who has been involved in successful projects including public arts events. Working with Posca pens on card and fabric, he specialises in hand drawn multi-coloured art and create stencil graffiti art, mixed media arts, time-lapse videos and photography. He produces work which combines colours & patterns, raising imagination & awareness. Olivier also sells products via his website and direct to customers.

His art reflects what it means to be a Deaf artist; non-Deaf related art; patterns and colours. Many of my influences are inspired from the world of art, digital media, travel and every day issues. He aims to share his love of art with mainstream communities. Olivier’s artwork is expressive and reflective of his life journey which he feels communities/clients will appreciate and even relate to.

Olivier said: ‘’I am really pleased to have been shortlisted for the final of the Freelance Project of the Year Award, 2019. This really is a dream come true and not only supports me to show other deaf/hard-of-hearing and disabled freelancers out there that they can aspire also to achieving successes in their chosen business; but also highlights my own profile, potentially opening doors to a new and wider audience who have yet to see my work.

"Freelance work is not easy and is very different to employed work. Hats off to all the other freelancers out there.’’

He was also recently invited by Deaffest (Deaf film and arts festival) to be one of three judges for an art competition for young people to create a character to feature on the posters for Young Deaffest 2019.

The IPSE Freelancer of the Year Awards takes place on June 13 at Kings Place in London.