Being a freelancer is mostly shrouded in stereotypes. Freelance artists are sometimes described as “starving artists.” However, the starving artist stereotype is long gone. This stereotype is proven to be a false statement by thousands of freelance artists worldwide making good money. It is not true to say that being and working as a freelance artist is easy. You must put in lots of hard work and desiccation to be at the top. However, it is 100% proven possible.
Thanks to the development of technology and ever-growing demand for online and offline visual content, there are many opportunities to be a freelance artist and earn good money. Before becoming a freelance artist, you need to consider some aspects first.
Whether you want to freelance full-time or pursue art as a side job, remember the world needs that unique art you offer. Check out different organizations that deal with artwork and are interested in different art styles. Although you cannot be a pro immediately, check out the below tips to be a freelance artist.
- Have a business model
One of the biggest mistakes most aspiring freelance artists make is failing to decide on a suitable business model. Freelance artists have only two jobs: make art and run and grow a business.
If you cannot run and grow your business, it is advised to look for a company like the US art Company and work as an in-house artist. There is no other way. You can’t grow as a freelance artist if you can’t thrive in the second job: running and growing your business. Lucky for you, there are plenty of ways to make money as a freelance artist these days.
- Look for your first clients
You cannot run or grow your business if you don’t have clients. Clients will distinguish between an artist who has just a nice hobby or talent and a freelancer who has a business. It is not easy to get your first client, but with simple steps, everything is possible.
Start with your network (colleagues, friends, family and fellow artists). Check for freelance art jobs online for more options.
- Develop a simple yet powerful portfolio
As you put in more effort searching for your first clients and creating a solid base for your business to grow, remember to create a basic portfolio. Make your portfolio simple or basic to spend less time in the creation stages.
Most artists go overboard searching and creating the most impressive thing in the industry: it is good, but you will waste a lot of time. The main aim is to start your career and pick up quickly to avoid burnout and giving up.
Building a basic portfolio doesn’t mean weak. Even with a single or 2-page portfolio document, you can still convert potential clients and grow your business reliably. Just focus on client conversion instead of how pretty your portfolio looks. Avoid weird dead ends like empty pages and lightboxes. Also, don’t stop making art since that is the primary goal of being a freelance artist.
