Maternity Leave As a Self-Employed Artist and Content Creator · Saving, Prep, Government Aid etc.

[@backintimealwyn5736]

Congratulations! Seriously don't overthink about "depending" on govenrment allowance, you've been paying taxes for this until now, people taking the responsability of having children and raising them are aslo doing a great service to society, if there is one situation where it's a good thing, it's making sure mothers don't starve while pregnant and end up in the street. Looking forward for your next videos.

[@minniesmall]

You're so right, thank you :)

[@ChantelleArts]

It's really fascinating hearing about the government side of this and what you can get. Though honestly, when I found out the maternity pay figures a few years ago, I was pretty shocked, it's far less than I would've thought expectant mothers could get ❤❤

[@minniesmall]

It's really interesting isn't it! Not really enough to live on for most people 😅

[@lunawei5503]

Congratulations!! Fellow pregnant person here, wishing you a seamless delivery!!

[@minniesmall]

Woo! Congrats to you too!

[@gemsxgabby2534]

I am sending good energy and hoping the birth process and maternity leave go as smoothly as possible for you! Looking forward to seeing up after baby is born!

[@minniesmall]

Ah thank you! I appreciate it!

[@oliviajeffery7247]

MANY CONGRATULATIONS!!! 🖤🎉🌎

[@minniesmall]

Thank you so much 😊💛😊

[@SUSSDUE]

Congratulations and good luck-and take all they offer to ease the pain at birth! 39 weeks-is that all a new parent gets in the UK? Here in Sweden parents get 480 days to share among them, that is almost 16 months. One parent cannot take all, at least three months has to be taken by the other parent, that is to encourage fathers to share the care of a baby. Almost everyone I know shares half the days for the mum and dad takes the other half of parental leave. Then parents do not have to take all in one go, you can save days until the child is 12, that helps during holidays and for odd days you need to be on leave from work, like taking the kid to the denstist etc. All the best of luck and I hope you get an easy baby that sleeps well!!

[@minniesmall]

I think you get a year if you're in traditional employment and it depends on what your job offers you. I'm really not sure. What is offered in Sweden sounds amazing! It should be like that everywhere!

[@SUSSDUE]

I agree! I think Sweden was one of the first countries that offered a good parental leave, I remeber being shocked in the 1980-ies when my sister in law, who lived in Norway only got five mothns leave when she had her first baby, so already then it wasnover a year here and after that it has improved even more. We also have a system for child care where a family only pays up to 3 percent of the i come for daycare and the highest amount you have to pay is 118£ each month ( even if 3% of your income is more). That is so noone should have to quit work to stay at home taking care of children because of their personal economy. And between 3-5 years 15 hours of childcare every week is free of charge and the nurseries are normally very good and under the supervision of the local school council.

[@astrogirl5283]

Omg! Congratulations! I’ve been away from KZbin for a while now lol

[@minniesmall]

Haha welcome back! And thank you!

[@AlyssaMuellerIllustrator]

Congrats! I'm 100% engaging in hopes that active comments boost things for you. When I became a mom in the US almost five years ago it was so disheartening to not only not be able to find too many mothers who were artists talking about anything to do with that but in seeking out that content I actually got a lot of people whose work I respect talking about how it's just really hard to do fully without sacrificing time from your child somehow-it's super discouraging and can now say if anything, becoming a mother helped me prioritize my work and become more passionate about creating room for myself as an artist. Yes to more people sharing how they maintain their art practice and/or careers while being mothers. And I say mothers because often we are carrying the child and at least in the US, women in male and female relationships often become " default parents." Even if you don't chose to share a lot of content about being a mother and working artist, I very much appreciated seeing this video. Wishing you a healthy birth experience and child! Congratulations again

[@minniesmall]

Ah that's so kind of you, thanks! It's great to hear your perspective 💛 Thanks for watching xx

[@NicoleCreatesArt]

Congratulations Minnie ❤❤

[@minniesmall]

Thanks!!

[@maevetravis2123]

Can’t believe it’s been ten years ❤ I’ve been watching you since the beginning-ish, back when you made art videos using the pentel brush pen! I bought one at 18 years old bc I watched your videos 😂❤❤ much love and congrats on becoming a mum!!!

[@minniesmall]

Aw thanks for being here all this time 💛

[@clumsycolours1677]

Haven’t seen your videos in ages but thought of your channel just now, congratulations 🎉 hope you and baby are well.

[@Vee-lv6mk]

Congratulations Minnie! I am so happy for this new season in your lives. Thank you so much for the update. I love that about you, by far the most genuine and transparent personality out here. Take this time to do whatever you need for yourself, baby, and Ozzie. We’ll be here awaiting what’s next. Xoxox ❤

[@immerzd]

So exciting!!! Thank you for sharing these snippets. It's actually really interesting because I became self employed 6 months ago and have a 2yr old and a baby on the way and I hadn't really begun thinking about it.. . Because when yiu are employed it all happens so seamlessly! Best of luck with the last few weeks. They can be the most frustrating, especially if baby's late! 😅 But never stop doing what you love and remember that baby will get used to YOUR patterns, and doesn't need you adhering to the "recommended" patterns. They will thrive if they have a happy mum 😊

[@minniesmall]

That's comforting to hear, thank you :)

[@bettyszwagierczak4062]

Congratulations! As a full time artist and mum of two I just got to say this will be journey for sure! Don't get to hard on yourself, first year is the time when you're figuring out everything and baby is hitting their developmental milestones so routines or schedules quickly fall apart. I waited year with my first born before going back to work, with second one I went back to my old work place when she was almost 7 months old. What I'd recommend you do right after little one is born is to look nurseries and if they have any waiting lists you need to join now to get a place in year/two time. Luckily gov is covering some hours for 2 years old now and will expand to even younger children. Also apply for your Child Benefit, it's a tiny bit of money that will cover nappies ;)

[@LoisDavidsonArt]

Fascinating and informative! Wishing you and your family all the best for this exciting new journey, thanks for sharing Minnie 😍🎨💐

[@minniesmall]

Thank you! I'm happy you found the video useful!

[@NO-um6hc]

Congratulations!!!!🎉 You will be a wonderful and caring mother ❤ Always wishing you the best!

[@startpage717]

Congratulations Minnie.

[@minniesmall]

Thank you so much!

[@bohemiands]

OH MY GOD OH MY GOD OH MY GOD!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉❤🎉

[@minniesmall]

😊😊😊 THANKYOU!!

[@ColleenDraws]

Congratulations on your pregnancy Minnie. Thank you for this video. I have been watching your creative journey for the last 7 years. My very first Minnie Small experience was your Crane video, I saw it and fell in love with your style and you have not disappointed since, its been great watching your style develop. Extremely excited to see you posting again as I have had your previous videos on a loop playlist while I create. I am using the guidelines in this video to start my own creative journey. I find the saving tips extremely helpful as someone who would like to be a full time artist. Enjoy the maternity leave, wishing you everything of the best for your break. May you have a speedy recovery and a trouble free birth. Looking forward to the videos to come🌻

[@LittleRedDrawsArt]

Congrats Minnie! I’ve been watching for a long time (fellow freelance artist here) and also 35 weeks pregnant with my first! Looking forward to seeing your art and family evolve! So exciting! Get lots of rest! ❤

[@minniesmall]

Ah congratulations!! 💛💛

[@brikat342]

Oh wow! I didn’t realize you have posted! Congratulations and best wishes to you and your new family!

[@Connie-wd6ki]

Congratulations! Ahhhhhh sending good vibes your way. You're welcome to taking all the benefits and needs that you must - you pay your taxes so there should be no guilt or shame around it! Diff country, but still you must do what you must!

[@minniesmall]

Thank you so much!!

[@ceciliethorsen4966]

So nice to hear from you! Our kid is 7 months now, and has completely upended our lives (also as creative independents). It's scary with that much change, and sometimes very hard, but also very fun. We've never had this many deadlines, and we're making it work. You'll be an amazing parent, you'll figure out the work stuff, and I just wish you all the best!

[@katepoleshchuk9737]

Minnie, I am so glad for you! And so glad I found you 6 years ago when I was pregnant with my daughter! I am definitely won’t abandon you channel even if you stop posting for a year! I am still returning and watching again some old videos as I get some new tips for me each time. You are the most motivational person for me here on KZbin! Take your time and wish you a nice and easy delivery. Will look forward to next video with a little one to send all my sincere greetings ❤

[@karolsartoasis4815]

Just look after yourself and the baby try not to worry to much about much else. Enjoy this special time in your life.❤🎉

[@midnightmadnesss2763]

Congratulations!! I hope the transition into motherhood is a super happy and easy one for you. I’m a new mom myself, i had my little one a 4 weeks ago, and I found that my own creativity took an interesting turn after becoming a mother. I feel more creative. Super excited to see how motherhood impacts your art ❤

[@erniesunny2]

Good luck with everything!!!🎉

[@minniesmall]

Thank you!

[@glassetchingbymatise]

Congratulations, Minnie! Best wishes to you, Ozzie and family!❤

[@minniesmall]

Thank you 😊

[@changchesserly7591]

Congratulations 🎉💕💕💕

[@annemariebuaya799]

I know this is late but congrats Minnie

[@allyjdesigns2]

Congratulations🎉 Very helpful advice.

[@minniesmall]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@julesbrunoart]

Congratulations! You've been a huge inspiration for me ever since the 'fill a sketchbook' series and it's so exciting to see you find your next stage in life. All the best❤

[@19lionmonkey92]

Congratulations, I am bouncing with joy for you. ❤❤❤❤ Nothing but good vibes your way.

[@goodfoodisgoodfood8914]

Congratulations ❤

[@leafninja247]

I'm just so happy to see you entering this next stage in life. Congratulations in advance!!!! Wishing you and your little family a wonderful life together ❤️

[@minniesmall]

Thank you so much!!

[@carolynapappas]

Personally, I don't see the problem if you make some paintings "just for fun" while you are on leave. You can't really turn off being an artist. You don't have to publicize it.

[@minniesmall]

Yes, I'm sure I will if I find time 😊

[@pinkfeiry]

Omg congratulations, you're gonna be an amazing mom!!!!!!❤❤❤❤

[@JerriCouncil]

Congratulations,🎉🎈💐Minnie (and your hubz) on the evolution of your family 👶🍼!

[@minniesmall]

Thank you so much! 😊😊😊

[@km7890km]

Minnie!!!!!! I’m happy to see you and yours well and thriving!!! Congratulations ❤❤❤

[@minniesmall]

Thank you so much!!

[@allgirlreview433]

Was thinking of you and family yesterday. Many happy thoughts.

[@minniesmall]

Thanks so much 😊

[@peacefullysal9945]

Omg! You’re glowing mashallah! You inspired me to draw more and how to use gouache can’t wait to see you grow even further after being inspired by you for 8 years ❤

[@minniesmall]

Thank you love 💛💛 I'm so happy you've felt inspired to create!

[@acesarato]

All the best, Minnie ❤! Getting almost emotional as you talk about preparing for your baby 😊. Mine’s just turned 22 x

[@minniesmall]

Aww! I've heard it goes so fast!

[@annemmm]

This is my first comment on any of your videos. I've been following you for a long time and I just wanted to say congratulations!! 💖 I had a baby last year and it really is a weirdly individual AND universal experience. I wish you the best of luck!

[@minniesmall]

Ah thank you so much! It's lovely to hear from you :) And congratulations on your little one!

[@rushellrousseau9197]

Congratulations!!!!! I come here every so often to see if there is a new video. Love your art and I'm looking forward to looking at the rest of this video. I'm still not selling my art as yet but now I'm heading in a new direction and I have a solid plan. All the best to you!

[@minniesmall]

Thanks! Best of luck with your plans 😊

[@EJtheArtist]

Aww!! Congratulations ! I'm about 10 wks behind you!! 🎉🎉 Love you M! So exciting!

[@minniesmall]

Ooh congrats to you!! 💛💛💛

[@EJtheArtist]

@@minniesmall thank you for hopping on and sharing ❤️ it's encouraging ❤️

[@kitanna1133]

I'm wishing and sending all happy wishes and love. You are going to be the best mom. Wishing you all the best with this new chapter of your life. ❤❤❤

[@minniesmall]

Ah I really appreciate that, thank you so much 💛💛

[@venusrose1798]

Congratulations Minnie! 🩷 x

[@minniesmall]

Thanks! xx

[@Basiieee_Artist]

I was just thinking of you, and then i saw notification just hit me with excitement and im still forever grateful as your subscriber to have come across lovely artist as you. Yes we would life to see how life unfold beautifully as new mom ! We love to hear from you, so informative and makes it fun and lovely.

[@minniesmall]

Thanks for such kind words and all your support 💛💛

[@jeannesauvage117]

So exciting, Minnie! And I am so glad you are planning for a variety of situations. One thing I found with having a baby is that you can't really know what it is like until you have one. And everyone's experience is different! Sending love to you and Ozzie and the new little one and I can't wait to meet her!!

[@minniesmall]

Thank you so much :)

[@PetitFlorals]

So exciting! Our ceserean is scheduled for April 8th. Super nervous. I think I'm a week behind you. Ahhhh!!! my life as an artist is going to change so much in just two weeks. Nervous and excited. Congrats :)

[@minniesmall]

Oooh I'm so excited for you!! All the best to you and little one 💛💛

[@tiwantiwaabibiman2603]

CONGRATS again!!! Minnie take the three months off!!! Why do women (new mothers) think that we should just jump back into full time work a few weeks after delivery??? You body, mind, spirit and sanity needs time to not only recover, also to evolve your mindset (and routine) to having a new baby in the house - in your life. Even if it's not the first baby... I'm a professional artist/designer and raised my Twin daughters (now 40) on my creative income/resources supplemented by some government aid. I feel not one ounce of guilt or pressure about it. At least the UK/Europe has humane resources for pregnant/new mothers and maternity leave unlike the US. You'll find time/ways to be creative when the baby is napping or in the "quiet" moments once you all figure out a routine. No matter whether you fill like going back to work after three months after the baby comes, be sure you do go back to taking time to work out even if mildly. And constantly rub your belly and breasts with cocoa butter (shea butter, olive oil...) to stave off stretch marks, especially for Black women (cuz we can scar easily). And don't scratch! Don't scratch!!! If you're skin is itchy around your belly that's the first/biggest sign and conditions for stretch marks will happen. Rub, do not scratch. Keep cocoa butter or shea butter or a natural/holistic body butter/cream close at hand and constantly rub it on. Just sayin...

[@maddscientist3170]

agree the U.S.A. is HORRIBLE with post maternity care.....the country is so backwards still in many areas including early childcare & maternity/paternity work leave..don't get me started on that!!!

[@minniesmall]

Thank you for all the advice! Trying to avoid scratching as we speak 😅

[@ElBeeEss]

Wishing you a speedy delivery, Minnie! xx

[@minniesmall]

Thank you so much!! xx

[@milkyjamss_]

can’t believe i’ve been watching you for years and it’s like i grew up with you and wow you are a mother now! so many congrats from myself thank you for all that you have done for my creativity and inspiration!! 🤍🤍

[@Alexandervos100]

Congratulations 🎉. All the best wishes with giving birth. My son is almost 11 months old. I went back to work when he was 4 months - not willing be I wasn't able to stay home with him until 6 months. If I may give you a tip: enjoy the newborn faze. Make plenty of videos and remember to wash and take some time out for you - ask for help. I remember there was time I didn't wash my hair for 8 weeks !!!! I got lost in diapers, feedings and wearing pjs everyday. All the best and looking forward to this new faze in your life on your channel.

[@minniesmall]

Thanks so much for the advice 😊😊 And congrats on your little one!

[@Lulis56]

Congratulations Minnie! Enjoy the little one…they grow up too fast!

[@minniesmall]

Will do 😊 Thank you x

[@MrsQuam]

Wow, that was so much to figure out, anticipate, and work ahead for! Hats off to you for figuring out work and maternity leave! If you can do that, labour and delivery should be a breeze! 😆 Can’t wait to learn more during your KIT days but, even as you are away, know that you are loved and prayed for and enjoy every moment you can be fully present! And I wish a surprising amount of unexpected sleep for you and baby! 😆❤️

[@minniesmall]

Ha! Thank you 💛💛

[@annab.5052]

Thanks for the video! Good luck with the baby - enjoy this very special time!

[@minniesmall]

Thanks! Will do!

[@penthevision4706]

Wishing you all the very best 💕

[@minniesmall]

Thank you 💛💛

[@lucid_plays]

Awwww.... Congratulations Minnie!! 🥹😭🫶🏽

[@minniesmall]

💛💛 Thanks love!

[@thesalsacreativestudio]

Congratulations! This video was so helpful, thank you!

[@PensandPaint]

Kudos and best of luck! You & Ozzie will be great parents.

[@minniesmall]

That's so kind of you, thank you 😊

[@lemonyapples]

Congratulation!!!

[@minniesmall]

🥳

[@aa-mundo]

So happy for you Minnie!Congratulations on this new chapter 🎉

[@minniesmall]

Thank you!!

[@yanikeonpurpose]

Yes Minnnniiiee!!! Congratulations girl 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@minniesmall]

💛💛💛 Thank you so much!

[@natalieclamp]

Hoping all goes well over the next few months. This was really interesting, thank you for sharing!

[@minniesmall]

Thank you :) Thanks for watching!

[@Samionigaming]

Good luck with everything!

[@minniesmall]

Thanks love

[@lydieramier514]

Wonderful this maternity! It's an expérience each woman must live. I hope good things for you and your family and I'm very happy to you🎉😊❤❤.

[@minniesmall]

Thank you!! 💛💛

[@jeanthomas7523]

Congratulations Minnie!

[@minniesmall]

Thanks love!

[@creativewah]

Congratulations! 🩷💕🩷

[@minniesmall]

Thanks! 💛💛💛

[@kimjohnson8358]

😅🎉 Please enjoy your time off. You thought very patiently about your time off. So enjoy every day for you. Your husband and the new baby enjoy enjoy. Enjoy it. I've been a mother over 30 years and I wish someone who would have told me enjoy the time as it goes so quickly once again enjoy bye.🎉

[@suewilkinson910]

I'm remembering back a bit to when my friends were producing babies. Life will never be the same again. It doesn't matter how much you love to schedule, the new person won't fit into that plan. If you have orders into your shop you can ship them as often as you like/can manage. No one will ever know. You can't afford to loose customers because of government rules they didn't think through. Just quietly get on with it. You won't be able to take on new projects with invoices though, that would be traceable. Promoting your online shop is the best thing for now because it's just "there" as far as gov. is concerned. It's not work in a quantifiable way. Take advantage of everything without a backward glance. They fleece us at every opportunity.

[@minniesmall]

I know 😅 Just don't want to take any risks but we'll see...

[@nichadaye1007]

Crongrats on your new baby to come. My daughter made her 3 months of her maturity and she hated the day to go back to work. Enjoy the 3 months while you’re not working. We’re in the USA. They messed up her government pay the first month.

[@minniesmall]

Thanks :) I will definitely make the most of the time off!

[@deeh9563]

All the best Min!!!

[@minniesmall]

Thank you love! 💛💛

[@MedaHalmaciu]

24 weeks pregnant in Romania and I have the same issue with maternity leave. I practically have to completely suspend my business for the time I receive government benefits. Luckily my husband is able to provide for our entire family (we have 2 more kids). With my first 2 I was able to work. My mum used to come help for 2-4 hours in the morning.

[@minniesmall]

Congrats! I hope you get the time off you deserve 💛

[@MedaHalmaciu]

@@minniesmall Thanks. I will this time around. And I plan to enjoy every day of it.

[@marbestos]

congratulations !!!

[@minniesmall]

Thank you so much 😀

[@Veronica-qg8gv]

Congratulations!!!! 🥰

[@minniesmall]

Thank you! 😊😊😊

[@AnnMarieArndtvlogs]

Congratulations!! ❤❤❤

[@minniesmall]

Thank you so much! 💛💛💛

[@LisaZoe86]

I took a year off work when my son arrived and got a lot more money for that time. Dont know how else I would have been able to do that. Apparently its different in every country. Also when my son reached three weeks he started crying for hours on end in the evenings between 6 and 9 o clock and there was nothing we could do about it except walking outside with him. I had been warned this could happen as I had been the same as a baby. It lasted until he was three months old. I hated that time, it was so exhausting. Nothing can make me do that again. But not every baby does that and it stops eventually. I wish you the best for the birth, the first months and of course after that as well. It's such a life altering event. I would love to hear how it's going once you're back at work with a little one. ❤

[@minniesmall]

That sounds really tough! Well done for getting through it! Thank you 😊😊

[@coolberry3928]

CONGRATULATIONS

[@minniesmall]

Thanks!

[@VendemiaireWing]

Congratulation🎉❤

[@minniesmall]

Thank you! 💛💛

[@CharleRaeCafe]

I have been watching your channel for so long now, I'm So Excited For You!! ...^_^...

[@minniesmall]

Yay! Thank you! 💛

[@Tg-fh9ov]

Congratulations 🎊🎈you look very good !!

[@minniesmall]

Thanks!

[@Sglinert]

Congratulations on your happy event! I hope all goes smoothly! But, I am sad that Ozzie is out of the picture. So sorry.

[@minniesmall]

Thank you 😊 He's still very much in the picture haha 💛

[@Sglinert]

@@minniesmallYou never mention Dad, so I just made a poor assumption. So sorry! And lots of luck and happiness.

[@ipassedtheturingtest1396]

@@Sglinert She does at around 6:55. But it's a really quick remark.

[@redaleta]

Enjoy your maternity leave.

[@minniesmall]

Will do!

[@LeahWriter]

Hi Minnie, you look wonderful! Have you considered offering digital downloads of your art?

[@minniesmall]

Thank you!! I've thought about it and may look more into it in the future 😊

[@linc]

🤍

[@minniesmall]

💛

[@svb6356]

🩷❤️🩷 lots of love

[@minniesmall]

And to you 😊💛

[@marielacristina762]

Congrats 🎉

[@minniesmall]

Thank you :)

[@alexiswilson4210]

Congratulations ❤

[@minniesmall]

Thanks!!