As an illustrator, I've learned a thing or two over the years. Some of which, would have been helpful to know early on.
Being a freelance illustrator isn’t just about the art, in fact there are a lot of other factors that go into this creative profession.
Here are my 5 top tips for new Illustrators… or things to keep in mind if you’re feeling stuck.
1. Build creative habits.
When I established better creative habits for myself, I got so much more done! Even on the days when I felt short on time. A creative habit, similar to brushing your teeth, becomes second nature to you. Develop habits that will benefit your illustration practice. Want to level up in your work? Then make sketching a daily habit, even if you only have 15 minutes to spend. Need more time in the studio? Get up an hour earlier (or if your a night owl) end your day with time in the studio working on a personal project.
2. Don't put all your eggs on one rickety table
I feel silly even admitting this, but I was completely naive regrading the importance of multiple income streams. Having more than one source of revenue offers more safety and stability to your small business. Often illustrators have one main source of income and if that source dries up, it can wreck havoc on a business. I went through this years ago and it made me reevaluate my outlook. Think of your illustration business like a beautifully arranged table. If that table loses one leg, it might wobble a bit but stay intact, if it loses two legs then things begin to tilt and three… well stuff is crashing down to the floor. These days, I feel more secure having four different income streams within my business. Not all of these are pulling in big bucks, but having that added income in the background, certainly helps.
Depending on what you enjoy, there are other options besides freelancing: selling prints or digital products, client commissions, POD sites, teaching, licensing, or consulting to name a few.
Start with ONE and create a plan around how to make it happen. Stick with it until that source is established and then, repeat the process with another. Don't bite off too much at once or you will feel depleted and overwhelmed.
3. Your illustration = business
When I studied Illustration in college, the focus was on foundational principals, critiques and studio time. Lovely as that was... there were no BUSINESS classes built into the curriculum. Crazy right?! Artists need to learn business skills because there are plenty of tasks associated with being a freelance illustrator that have nothing to do with the fun part… you know, creating art.
If you struggle (like I did) with the business part of things, there is a bright side. These days, there are plenty of resources available and often within reach… including online classes, professional organizations (SCBWI for one) books and software. Art Inc by Lisa Congdon is a great one to read. You can also research the different "Client Management” softwares on the market, like Honeybook or Dubsado to help you stay organized and handle billing.
While your art often carries the weight of your brand, don’t forget the importance of being professional, humble and responsive. Excellent customer service will keep clients happy and lead to not only repeat gigs but referrals as well. In my experience, those client referrals have lead to some wonderful opportunities.
4. Don't diminsh yourself (your art and time has value)
Ah pricing - the part that most illustrators dread when dealing with a client, especially a new client. In a perfect world it would be only dream projects... plenty of time, lots of creative freedom, and a big budget. In actuality, budgets fluctuate greatly, and there is no such thing as a standard rate. Don't be afraid to ask about a client budget. A simple “is there a budget range you are working with for this project?” is a polite way to get the money talk rolling. I am friendly and open-minded in this approach but want to ensure from the get-go that we’re all on the same page. It makes no sense to play a “budget guessing game”. Instead, I can focus on my interest in the project, the amount of work involved and how it will fit in with my current schedule.
For example, I would not schedule five picture book assignments at once, but I could take on a spot illustration assignment or a greeting card commission, when I’m working on a picture book project.
If you feel a budget is too low for the amount of time/effort involved but you are really interested in doing it, you can always inquire if there is room for negotiation.
Always consider your worth as an artist, and DO NOT entertain offers of spec work or for goodness sake, exposure. I have never in my life asked a professional person who I have reached out to for a service, if they would do it for free to see if I like their service. It is frankly, insulting and a terrible position for someone to put you in.
The only time I defer from this practice is if I am donating a piece of art, or a small service to a not-for-profit or charitable organization. It is ultimately your choice how you want to receive payment for your art. But please remember, if you want to build a financially stable career (and pay your bills) you need an actual income.
5. Dust off and try again
Be prepared to work hard and consistently as you build up your illustration business. You won't always get a big response from from a single promotion. Instead, it is a combination of efforts that often deliver the best results. I like to schedule promotions out on a seasonal basis or at the minimum 2x a year for specific industries. It is important to have a marketing plan in place so that you can efficient in your efforts. Don’t be afraid to mix it up either. While social media is great to promote yourself (and inexpensively) it is also good to send out promotions in the mail. Think of it this way… do you prefer receiving a cute promotion your mailbox or inbox?
Don’t be afraid to try out new ways of putting your art out into the world. And while we all like to get those positive responses, be prepared that “thanks but no thanks” is part of being an illustrator. I can’t remember where I heard it but I do remember hearing it because it bummed me out at first… that you will get 50 No’s before the 1 Yes. But I kept at it anyway. Dust off and keep going. Create more art, sign up for a fun class, post new art your website, attend a conference, pitch a new dream client... all those things add up. Persistence is essential for an illustrator, a stubborn streak helps too.
Remind yourself that while getting a negative response sucks, it’s not personal. You’re just making your way through the 50 to reach the 1.
