The latest news and
other interesting stuff.

Create and send quotes
This is definitely one of our most requested features so we're really happy to get it finished and live for you guys to use. It's now really easy to create and then send branded quotes directly to your clients. Once your quote has been accepted, one-click is all it takes to turn it into a new project.

Multiple currency support
We know freelancers work in a global market so we've introduced multiple currency support for invoices and quotes. It's a small change but one we think makes Solo much more flexible.

Better Pdfs plus hi-res logo
Pdfs now look better, print better and are more flexible. Alongside this upgrade we've decided to add hi-res logo support, so when you do print them they look pin-sharp.

Solo will be traveling out to the 19th annual SXSW Interactive festival from 9th - 13th March in Austin, Texas as part of the UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) Trade Mission. As one of the largest and most well known conferences focused on digital media and technology we'll be looking to meet with other like minded, emerging technologies, start-ups and potential partners.

Anyone who wants to hook up and say hello just drop us a line and it would be great to meet some of our many US Solo users.

What is your name?

Rachael Burns

What is your occupation?

Freelance Interactive Media Developer

Where do you live and work?

Manchester, UK

Can you tell us about yourself?

I’m 28, born and bred in Manchester. Been working in the Leisure Heritage/Museum industry making touchscreen software for about 8 years. I adore taking photos, playing around with electronics, combining all of those to create some madcap art projects.

How did you get into freelancing?

By accident really. I got made redundant by my employer and discovered quickly there weren’t many options up north for this particular line of work. I decided to go it alone, and havent looked back since.

Why do you love freelancing?

The ability to choose your projects, to work with many different people in various different places around the globe. Collaborating and learning from the people you work with and building up a lovely selection of contacts who often turn into good friends.

What is your proudest career moment?

The opening of Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum. I solely completed the programming work on all of the interactive kiosks in the museum, 15 in total, and to see the public using them was an absolute joy.

Who ...

This month the fine people over at The Exceptional Creative are giving away a their TEC toolkit and we've thrown in a years subscription to Solo. This gives a prize value of $295. Whether you’re a longtime freelancer or newly self-employed, with this great prize you’ll have all the resources needed to blow your clients away with a powerful combination of killer design and an organized, professional approach.

How do I enter the giveaway?

1. Like TEC on Facebook
2. Like Solo on Facebook
3. Share this article as a Facebook Status
4. Post your Name and Email Address in the comments box below along with a link to your Facebook Status.

For an extra competition entry, tweet this message: Win a TEC Toolkit & a years subscription to Solo http://bit.ly/ruEKjx @ExceptionalC @thrivesolo.

This competition will end on Friday 21st December. The lucky winner will be selected at random and will be informed directly after the competition ends via Email. Good luck to everyone! Please note: This competition is intended for new customers only. Unfortunately existing Solo subscribers may not enter.

What is your name?

Charles Andrew Christie

What is your occupation?

Mobile UI / UX Designer

Where do you live and work?

Shelf, Halifax

Can you tell us about yourself?

I am a forty six year old with a mental age of twenty one – have a lovely wife and two wonderful kids, and live in a dream home in Yorkshire. My main passions (apart from my family) are Snowboarding, Music, Golf, Architecture (especially Pre-Fabs), Cooking, Wines and single barrel Kentucky Bourbons. I love anything creative, particularly compelling User Experiences and find inspiration anywhere from kitchen appliances to vehicle dashboards, airport terminals to games consoles.

How did you get into freelancing?

I got into freelancing as a cure for the anxiety I felt commuting to my office and managing people (neither of which I enjoyed). As a freelancer I am responsible for myself alone. Since my clients have no interest in meeting me, commuting to and from an office is no longer required.

Why do you love freelancing?

It offers me creative and work / life balance flexibility (although there’s more work than life balance). And I don’t have to drive anywhere!

What is your proudest career moment?

Being ...