ELEVEN FREELANCE ILLUSTRATOR DO’S AND DON’TS

By: Yeti

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Inspired by this new, uncertain, and fun path as a freelance illustrator, on one of my posts on Instagram, I asked my colleagues what would be their 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲? I wanted to create a 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗱𝗼’𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝘁’𝘀, so new talented freelance illustrators out there could be more prepared and aware of what they are gonna face in this world full of amazing creators.

So, from freelance illustrator to another, here are some advices that we hope could make your journey less tough.

Freelance illustrator Susanna Rumiz

The #1 advice is from talented @susannarumiz

“Don’t forget that marketing is an essential part of the freelance job (even if most of us don’t like it!)” I couldn’t agree more with her advice. I can tell that having a strategy that is aligned with your goals, will make reach the people you want at the correct time.

Freelance illustrator Ana Gamann

The second advice from @ana.gamann is:

Always present your work in a professional way, preferably within a PDF presentation with explanations about your concept and thinking behind the work.” YES! An amazing tip from an incredible artist.

Freelance illustrator Rialda

The third advice is from @_rialda

She says, “Be persistent. The freelance illustrator journey can be tough and sometimes the circumstances might seem discouraging. But the key, I believe, is to keep trying, and writing to people and all the hustling and hard work will pay off.” BRAVO to this one! Persistence can be so hard yet so worth it. So try and keep trying! Great things come with hard work.

Freelance illustrator Al Leleka

I love our fourth advice from @al_leleka

“Take care about time management and don’t forget about 2 days off it’s my golden rule to stay productive.” I truly believe that having enough sleep and rest will keep you healthy and focused. Fun fact, when I demand my mind for too much, my body manifests some pains in my neck or my right arm. So, keep calm and illustrate!

Freelance illustrator AITW

@ai.t.w.illustrations gives us the fifth advice:

“I’m often drawing everything that comes to my mind. Also never rush for the results. I just keep drawing and that makes me happy”. Anything that makes you happy, will give you good results. So, what is better than enjoying the trip!

Freelance illustrator Junoniaarts

The sixth advice is from @junoniaarts that says:

“My advice would be to be patient and be consistent with what you do. It may take a while before the results come in.” She is totally right! Sometimes you’ll feel a little bit desperate but be patient and focus your energy on improving your skills instead of worrying too much.

Vailablack

@vailablack shared with us the seventh one:

“Know your worth! Don’t be afraid to say no and you do not have to work 24hrs a day.” So be it! When I began this freelance illustrator path, I will be honest with you guys, I was so afraid of everything that sometimes I accepted anything for nothing and that’s a big mistake cause the only thing we are doing is teaching people that we will say yes to any kind of budget and not knowing our worth. Great advice!

Cloudedlane

@cloudedlane gave the eight advice:

“Be kind to yourself.” Always be! Try to fulfill yourself in every aspect of your life. Take some morning walks and let your mind expand. Give yourself a good cup of coffee or tea. Rest, take a nap time. Don’t be so hard on yourself.

Mlhines

The ninth advice is from @mlhines_illustration

“Practice your weaknesses more than anything else! I’ve seen so many new illustrators who love to draw one thing (eyes, clothing, etc) that they put 100% of their effort into drawing those things that they avoid the harder parts, such as anatomy, hands, feet, hair, etc and they hide away hands in pockets or constantly crop their drawings to not include parts they don’t like to draw… You don’t grow if you stay in your safe zone. It’s 100% okay to suck at something at first, the more you practice the better you will get! But the more limited you are the smaller your client base will be. Don’t be afraid.” What advice! I used to struggle with hands but now I enjoy doing them!

Rinajost

@rinajost shares with us the tenth one

“Surround yourself with friends who also work in the creative field. You can bounce ideas off with them, ask for advice, whine about clients and talk numbers. It’s important to know you’re not alone in this journey!” Oh yes! Two heads think better than one so gather with a couple of friends and talk about your projects.

Freelance illustrator Mishimooodesigns

The eleventh advice is from @mishimooodesigns

“That it’s okay to take a break if you need one!” Sometimes we push ourselves so hard that we block our minds so if you’re experiencing that feeling, go, take a break and charge yourself with good energy that makes your ideas flow.

Three more Yeti tips

My colleagues above already gave incredible advice but every freelance illustrator loves a bonus.

Freelance illustrator Yeti
  • Always 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲. Try to plan your day ahead and if it’s possible try to deliver a little earlier than you said. 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁!
  • Be careful with every piece you deliver, it says a lot about you. Check and double-check everything. From emails to source files.
  • Have at least 2 to 3 social media active accounts so you could show your work. I use:

INSTAGRAM>

BEHANCE >

LINKEDIN>

Oh and a little bit of YT>

Always remember that every client is important but so are you. Clients are that, clients, not owners. So know your worth and trust your talent my freelance illustrator friend!

Check out HOW ILLUSTRATORS STAY CREATIVE >