Kelly
What specific factors affect the chance of a freelance illustrator getting a job offer from a client?
I understand that freelancers have to manage their own money, time, daily schedule, as well as their marketing, and various other things. Because of this, I would like to know the specific actions taken by a **freelance illustrator** (who is looking to get an offer from a client in any industry) that they feel are their most important "keys to success."
For instance;
● Are there any things a current or previous freelancer would recommend having on a resume?
● What kinds of pieces would you recommend having in a portfolio?
● Are there any specific sites or places that you would recommend getting familiar with?
● Any tips and tricks you used to increase your number of possible clients?
Thank you in advance for your time. #illustrator #digital-art #illustration #freelance #digital-illustration #art-and-illustration #freelancer
2 answers
Gwendolyn Mumford
Gwendolyn’s Answer
I think gaining new clients really comes down to convincing them that you are a good illustrator and will be able to meet their needs. If there are certain clients you are wanting to gain, you need work in your portfolio that those clients will relate to. If you aren't looking for one type of client then make sure you keep work in your portfolio which showcases a variety of your talents. If you only have fun children's book illustrations, for example, you can bet that a medical journal might not want to hire you for a scientifically accurate illustration. It's great to push yourself out of your comfort zone when it comes to creating good work for your portfolio. If you don't have enough of a variety of past work, make a project up. It's okay to put things in your portfolio that weren't actually purchased by a client, as long as that work is good and showcases a facet of your abilities.
As far as your resume is concerned, I think that even if it doesn't have much on it, an amazing portfolio can make up for that. Some designers and agencies list their previous clients on their websites, but you probably won't have booked any major clients at the start of your career. This is where the quality of your portfolio comes in to play. Also, make sure that you are comfortable talking about your work. If photos of your work are amazing, but you can't sit down with a client and talk them through the process of a project, they might be less willing to hire you. It would also be a good idea to put together case studies or process books of previous projects which you could send to potential clients. Getting them familiar with how you work might make them more comfortable with hiring you.
If you don't have Behance and Dribbble, I suggest creating accounts. Spend time looking at other successful peoples pages, including their linked portfolio websites, and figure out what they are doing right. Instagram is also a good tool to follow other illustrators and designers. The more you research other people's work, the better. You should always have an answer to who your favorite illustrator is or what your favorite recent project is.
And finally, networking is VITAL. Designers, illustrators and artists often are introverted, but who you know can make the difference in your freelance career. Attend events relevant to your industry and try to make connections at an early age. Those connections, along with a killer portfolio, can get you far.
Best of luck to you!
Thank You Mr./ Mrs. Mumford; your answer included many insightful tips and statements that I will aspire to achieve as I move along in my life! Again, thank you for the invaluable information; Kelly.
Kelly
Amy Kolzow
Amy’s Answer
In addition to the great advice above, I would suggest that you also present your work to agencies. Agencies commonly present work to potential clients and do some of the heavy lifting for you.
The other thing I would add is that as you gather things for your portfolio, find a way to showcase work you have done for businesses. This could be internship work or volunteer work, but that's what I want to see. Nice workings that aren't connected to a project or a business really aren't connected to the type of work I would have you create so it really helps me if I see what you've done in a business environment. And be ready to talk about the projects you show, so take notes about the process of designing/developing the work and talk about the results that the business may have shared with you. This shows me that you not only have great design skills, but that you understand some of business of doing business.
Best of luck!