30+ Artist Freelance Resources: Podcasts, Books, & Job Boards to Find & Manage Clients
We rounded up our top resources for freelance artists in this post, from podcasts to the best books about freelancing, courses, and job boards! Whether you’re just starting your freelance business or are looking to strengthen your skills, there’s something for you here.
Courses for Freelance Artists
From mastering specific software to understanding the business side of freelancing, these courses have something for everyone. So, grab a notebook and a pen, and let's dive in!
price with purpose
Price with Purpose is a collection of 35 case studies of actual pricing scenarios faced by creatives just like you—so you can actually see and understand all the behind-the-scenes factors that other artists consider when they price their own work.
the contract kit for artists
The Contract Kit is a collection of contract templates for artists, written and explained by an attorney. Plus, it includes a video lesson guide to help you really understand how to protect yourself and the business you've worked so hard to build.
Be Your Own Boss: Strategies for Launching Your Creative Career
In this class Martina Flor, lettering artist and designer, unravels the nooks and crannies of being self-employed, providing practical tools and useful tips to start your own studio.
Lessons in Launching Your Creative Career: The Art of Self-Promotion
This class with Brad Woodard is a step-by-step guide to the science behind effective self-promotion. For all you creatives, this means getting your work seen, gaining followers, connecting with the creative community, using social media to your advantage and creating a stronger portfolio and personal brand.
Freelance 101
Artist Molly Jacques guides you through the process of turning your artistic skills into a profitable business in this intensive online course.
Passion to Paid
Learn how your passion project can level you up to start getting real, paid gigs with Lauren Hom. You can sign up to receive updates when she opens this course for enrollment next.
Seth Godin’s Freelancer Course
Master how to make your work unique, create a well-known brand, find clients, and increase demand for your products or services with marketing expert Seth Godin.
The Side Hustler’s Handbook
Your blueprint for creative side hustle freedom with Scotty Russell.
Freelance, and Business, and Stuff
This no faff, no fluff course where Hoodzpah Design (who created our Goodtype branding, btw) teaches you how to start your own business, grow your client base, and promote yourself without selling out or starving. It’s based on their book!
The dark art of pricing
Jessica Hische is one of the most prolific modern lettering artists, and she has prepared an amazing class on pricing for freelancers.
Support & Job Boards for Freelancers
Ah, finding work. It’s the very cornerstone of what we do as freelancers, but it can be a real drag (to put it lightly). Here are some of the places where you can keep your eyes out for potential clients.
AIGA (The Professional Association for Design)
Local AIGA chapters exist all over the U.S. and can be great for networking, finding new clients or job opportunities, and learning new skills.
Creative Mornings
Creative Mornings is the world’s largest face-to-face creative community that gathers monthly in 214 cities across 65 countries, for free. You can attend their events, or check out their job board, which is linked above.
Working Not Working
Find jobs and connect with potential clients.
Working Nomads
Check out job boards for remote freelancers.
Books for Freelance Artists
Here we’re highlighting some of the best books about freelancing to help you navigate everything from understanding the business side to dealing with the creative process.
MIND your business by ilana griffo
A workbook to help you pursue your creative passion and turn it into your full time gig.
Freelance, and Business, and Stuff by hoodzpah
This no faff, no fluff guide teaches you how to start your own business, grow your client base, and promote yourself without selling out or starving.
This puppy is one of the most helpful resources we have on our shelves. Whether you’re a surface designer, graphic designer, letterer, etc, this book compiles information about standard pricing and practices for your niche.
Want more of our favorite business book recommendations? Check them out right here!
Freelance Round Ups for Artists
Looking for more round-ups like this? Here are a few of the best freelance resource collections we’ve come across.
Free & Vital Tools for Freelancers & Creative Entrepreneurs by Vicarel Studios
Our dear friend Adam Vicarel runs his own creative studio and has an awesome blog for freelancers. Here’s one of his articles that features an extensive list of go-to FREE apps that’ll help you run your biz.
Freelancing Toolbox
Freelancers Union has rounded up information on all the essentials, from taxes to payment to invoicing—in one just-bookmark-it spot.
Stay At Hom - Freelance and Business Resources
Lauren Hom shares every free resource she has ever made related to freelancing in this one spot.
Podcasts for Freelance Artists
Do you prefer to listen on the go? Check out these freelance podcasts!
The Freelancer Podcast
A podcast for those who are looking for advice and motivation to finally quit their job and focus 100% on what they love to do and why they freelance in the first place.
Overtime
Overtime, a podcast by Dribbble, explores the most interesting design news and gives you the tips you need to create your best work.
Six Figure Freelancer
Learn from top professionals who share their exact formulas for success in starting, growing, and maintaining a 6 figure freelance career.
The Accidental Creative
The Accidental Creative podcast shares how to build practical, everyday practices that help you stay prolific, brilliant and healthy in life and work.
Good Enough Creative
Weekly action & motivation for makers and creatives. If you're feeling stuck, doubting your next step, struggling to get started, or just eager to expand your creative practice, this weekly chat will inspire and encourage you in your creative journey.
Clients From Hell
The Clients From Hell podcast is equal parts humorous and helpful as it explores the landscape for creative professionals, providing insights into survival and exploring the future of the self-employed.
The Honest Designers Show
Are you a designer struggling to find your way in the modern world? Learn how to make a dent in the creative universe with Tom Ross, Ian Barnard, Dustin Lee and Lisa Glanz.
Tools for Digital Artists
THE DARKBOARD FROM ASTROPAD
Instead of hunching over your iPad, grab the Darkboard and thank us later. This has helped our back pain so much! The Darkboard is an ergonomic ipad drawing stand designed for creatives. We love how comfortable it is, and how versatile. We work from the couch more often than we’d like to admit, and now we can do it without looking (and feeling) like a troll.
Want more of our favorite resources related to running an art business? Check out this article, 80+ Business and Marketing Books, Podcasts, and Tools for Artists.
