Getting paid to make art may sound like an unattainable dream, but look around: Art is everywhere.
And most of them got paid for it, too!
How to Become a Freelance Illustrator
Afreelanceillustrator creates images for clients.
Kati D, the artist behind Thoughtless Illustrations, recommends providing clients with different concepts and working together to develop what works and what doesn’t work. This is a photo of Kati and one of her illustrations. Photo courtesy of Kati D.
If that sounds like a broad definition, its because it is.
There are freelancers out there who whip up quick vector illustrations in Adobe Illustrator to jazz up blog posts.
There are also freelancers who take weeks to create elaborate, painterly childrens book illustrations.
As varied a career as it can be, there are lots of things freelance illustrators have in common.
They all have to deal with clients, self-promotion, and taxes.
They all have to double-check they have the skills and tools for the job.
Last but not least, they all get to say they make art for a living.
Our team has compiled alist of creative waysyou can fatten your bank account this week.
This is a long list, so dont get overwhelmed.
Well keep it updated as offers changes or expire.
Heres how you’re able to get started in freelance illustration.
Polish Off Your Tools
To make art, you need materials.
What do freelance illustrators need?
Did you know?
And then thumbnails building offthosethumbnails, and so on.
But its 2022, and the bulk of illustration jobs out there will require a digital end result.
That way, there will be no tech barrier to creating digital illustrations.
Finding clients as a freelance illustrator is basically a job within a job.
A new freelance illustrator has lots of options to introduce themselves to clients.
But the best way to get more work is with return customers, so satisfy the ones youve got.
Set Rates as a Freelance Illustrator
It can be overwhelming to set rates as a freelancer.
Should you charge hourly or per project?
How high is too high?
Add on an extra 25% for taxes.
The result is what you should quote the client.
No matter what, be clear and firm about your rate.
Protect yourself and your work, always, Kati emphasized.
Drafting up a simple contract is very easy, you could find example templates online.
Do Good Work
If you want to stay in business, you should probably do good work.
But in a business as subjective as art, what does that actually entail?
Start with communication, Kati advised.
Its also smart to provide options, Kati added.
(Dont) Quit Your Day Job
Building a freelance career takes time.
Its totally doable to start freelancing while working or studying.
But dont set yourself up for failure by jumping off the deep end toosoon.
In the meantime, its okay to start small.
You are only human, it’s possible for you to only get so much done, Kati said.
Mental health is incredibly important.
Be kind to yourself.
Contributor Ciara McLaren is a freelance writer with work in HuffPost, MoneyGeek, and The Penny Hoarder.
you’re free to find her on Substack (@camclaren).
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