Freelance
Freelance artists work one-on-one with clients on custom projects. The freelance world is vast and includes a broad array of different types of projects that vary depending on the artists’ discipline. For example, a freelance photographer may be hired to take a cover photo for a magazine, or capture product images for an online shop. A freelance lettering artist could be hired to design the title for a book cover, a logotype for a new brand, or the headline for an advertising campaign.
How It Works
Artists create portfolios of their work to show off their skills and to “advertise” the kind of work they want to do for clients. Once an artist has attracted a potential client, they typically “bid” for the project by setting pricing and terms (which can be negotiated). If the artist and client come to an agreement, they sign a contract (hopefully!!!) and the artist completes the job. As a freelance artist, you are completely responsible for finding clients, preparing contracts, bids, and invoices, managing clients and setting/keeping to deadlines.Helpful Articles
The Pros
- You decide what projects you take on and what you say no to
- You set your work schedule and client deadlines
- You can manage your business however you see fit—You're the boss!
- There's potential to make a lot more money than in your typical 9-5
The Cons
- Lots of ups & downs and periods of feast & famine
- New business & client outreach is up to you, which can be a lot of pressure
- It's up to you to manage client relationships and expectations—which means you may find yourself in some sticky situations
- The "freedom" of freelance can make it difficult for some personalities to find focus
Other Stuff to Note
Some freelance artists who have too much work coming in to handle, or who particularly despise the management side of freelance work, may hire an agent or an assistant to help. There is often a misconception that you need to have an agent to be a “successful” freelance artist, but this really isn’t the case. Many established artists manage their freelance businesses completely on their own (and save money doing so).
Freelance could be right for you if…
• You’re confident, communicate well, and are willing to work directly with clients
• You’re able to set and stick to your own deadlines
• You’re organized and on top of details
• You enjoy frequent change
• You have (or are working on) a strong portfolio
Learn to Price Your Work
Price With Purpose
Price with Purpose is a collection of 25+ 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.
This is a totally new kind of pricing guide featuring 3 video lessons that will transform the way you price and leave you feeling confident and prepared to send out your next quote.
How to Get Started
Ready to start breaking into the freelance world? Here are our top tips!
1. Do personal projects – The kind of work you have in your portfolio is the kind of work you’ll get hired for. If you don’t have the kinds of freelance projects you want lined up right now, make them up!
2. Find work through friends and family – The people closest to you can be excellent promoters for your brand! Make sure they know you’re for hire and what kind of work you’re looking for. They’ll be super happy to refer you when they see an opportunity.
3. Share your work – Don’t let imposter syndrome get in the way. If you want work, you have to share work. Think strategically about who you want to see your work, and try to target those people by being in the digital spaces where they hang out.
4. Be awesome to work with – When you do get a client, impress the heck out of them with how professional and timely you are! Make the process easy and comfortable for them, and they’ll be your biggest advocates and referrers of future clients!
Want a glimpse into the life of a creative freelancer?
Check out The Freelance Diaries from Molly Jacques for free!
