How to become a freelance illustrator?
How to get started as someone who draws for a living (call yourself whatever you like!)
Now before we get started, let’s keep the Doodleodrama blog tradition alive and throw out some disclaimers.
I didn’t follow any of this advice because…I didn’t ever think I’d draw for a living. I liked drawing so I used to draw every single day (even when I had a day job) and no matter how good or bad (most of it was shitty) I still put up that work online. I didn’t have to worry about who was looking at it and whether or not it would get me clients and money. It was a hobby and that turned into a career.
But here are some pointers that I believe will help someone get started as a freelancer. (Again, my advice is - Don’t take my advice)
Build a portfolio You need to have a body of work to show to prospective clients and future followers/fans. So work, work, work. If you’re really passionate about pursuing whatever it is that you want to pursue, you have to put in the time and effort- EVERYDAY to get better at your craft, to polish your skills, learn, explore, and achieve! (write this in quotes on a serene landscape picture and it’ll become a legit quote).
Reach out to people : (I didn’t do this). But I’ve heard it helps also what’s there to lose. Let the world know that you’re now open for business. Start with family and friends. then move to colleagues and other friends (who aren’t really friends, like everyone on your Facebook list), announce to the universe. AND THEN reach out to the important people A.K.A potential clients. Write to magazines you’d like to work with, write to art directors and agencies, and cafes you love. Tell them you’re open for business and send them your portfolio (which you would have if you had followed step1).
Create Work : ok! so it’s not that easy. Agreed. Chances of people actually replying and giving you work are quite dim (hey! appreciate the honesty!). So create work for yourself. This will help with pointer 1. Make mock-ups or work on your own projects (self-initiated projects). Always wanted to illustrate a children’s book but no such opportunity has come knocking on your door? worry not! write your own book and illustrate it too. (kinda like that cake proverb). Even better, if you think you can’t write a book for some reason, grab that other friend of yours who is a writer and is looking for an opening too. He/she writes and you illustrate. VOILA! thank you very much, do leave your first borns at my doorstep! (KIDDING -_-) Keep up with the times! - Have some social media presence. You don’t have to be everywhere but be somewhere. And be consistent! Update your social media profile(s) regularly. Let people know what’s happening, what you’re working on, behind the scenes. Everything! And use this social media to discover and explore more artists and art styles. Get out of your bubble. There are SO many illustrators on this planet (and more in the making as you’re reading this) and SO many various forms of art styles and SO much content, go explore!
Socialise & Network: (I am trying to get better at this). Attend those hipster-y events and some real ones too. Meet other artists, attend conventions, meet-ups, fairs, etc. Look, listen, absorb, process, create, and share. (Please put this in quotes too and write it on a black and white photo of mine). Let that passion show & glow! - If you’re signing up for this then do it with all your heart and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. Hustle. (like everyone on the internet is saying these days). Keep your day job if you need to for whatever reasons be it money or if you’re not sure of taking the plunge yet. Maybe you don’t want to freelance full-time (then why the f are you reading this blogpost?). I did 4 full-time day jobs before I finally quit to become a full-time freelancer. Come back, no matter how tired and drained out and pissed off and make art!
Chase quality not quantity - I know we are obsessed with numbers now. Hail social media! and there are easy ways to get those numbers. Hello sponsored posts! You pay these media giants and they’ll get you the “likes” or “followers”. If you have that kinda money lying around and if that’s the goal, go for it. But always remember why you started. Be consistent and be honest. Respect your work and time. (and your parents because that makes Karan Johar happy!)
Success or money wont come overnight or within a week of you struggling and hustling. So make sure to keep your ego in check to help with success and save up or continue working to help with money. Also, remember everyone’s story and journey is and will be different from yours. Start somewhere and work your way!
Here’s a big virtual hug and lots of good vibes. May the force be with you. Ja simran jee le api zindagi!
