Whether you have been creating illustrations for years or providing services for years, everyone can agree that there is no end to learning in this journey. This mix of creativity and skill has become a source of living and thriving for individuals worldwide.
However, one thing that every freelancer can agree on is that it can be hard to find enough work. There is so much competition in the field, and unlike many other freelance jobs, many clients do not need the services of a freelancer that often.
Peaks and troughs are a part of every career. Hence, it is important for every freelance illustrator to find just the right balance to jumpstart a successful career.
Here are some effective tips that can help any freelancer jumpstart a career.
1. Work on Your Portfolio
A strong portfolio is the key to success for a freelance illustrator. It engages your potential customers by presenting your skills, work, and experience. It can set you apart from many professionals in the field and lets your work speak for itself. The potential clients can see at a glance if you are the right match for their needs.
As a freelancer, your portfolio must include at least 8-10 of your best work. It is best to showcase the work in different mediums and styles to represent the diversity of your expertise. This way, you can work in multiple niches rather than sticking to one.
In addition, it is important to include an insight into your skills and the strategies you use to achieve accomplishment. It is best not to forget to write about the impact created by your work and how you have grown as a freelance editor along the way.
2. Activate Social Media
The power of social media is underestimated too often. As someone trying to jump start their career, you should not make this mistake. Social media is a powerful tool to promote yourself, receive appraisals, and contact potential clients.
Yes, it can take a while and a lot of work to build a strong social media presence, but the end result can make all your patience and hard work worth it. You can visit the social media handles of other illustrators in your field to get an idea.
You can start by promoting your artwork on social media. This practice can help you gain more followers to appreciate your work. In addition, individuals and companies can also see your potential and reach out to you directly for services.
You can also share your social media handle with someone who asks for a sample. It can show people how you have grown your skill over time. In addition, diversity on social media is also an amazing factor that can help you land more jobs.
3. Discover Your Niche
Beginner illustrators are always recommended to try their hand at different types of illustrations to diversify their portfolio. While it is good to be able to work with multiple mediums, it is equally important to know your comfort zone and what you excel at.
Every illustrator has a favorite niche that they feel the most comfortable working in. It is important to identify that niche. Whether you are good at drawing children’s book illustrations or mixed mediums, you can have definite answers by exploring different options.
As a freelance illustrator, knowing what you are good at and sharing it with your potential clients is important. This way, you can find the best matches according to your skill and will get the job done without much hassle.
4. Finalize Your Charges
Never do something you are good at for free. A freelance illustrator, many people are dependent on their jobs for a living. Hence, forget things such as free samples or a quick favor. Be open about how much you charge for a service without any hesitation.
Your charge can depend on the experience you have, the projects you have covered, and the people you have worked with. If you are not sure about the charges, try looking at the rates your competitors are offering. This practice can give you an idea for the task.
However, it is important to bear in mind that competition is high for freelance illustrators. In such circumstances, you do not want to mention unreasonably high rates to scare away your potential clients. You can also take advice from fellow illustrators to know what sounds reasonable.
5. Create a Routine
Every freelance editor can agree that the best part about their job is freedom. They can choose when to work, where to work, and how much to work. Of course, the bliss of not having a nagging manager on your head is just one of many blessings of working as a freelance editor.
However, all this freedom can lead to procrastination. You may find yourself unable to meet the deadlines even at times when you have nothing else going on. It happens because there is no ticking clock on your head and no fear about it going off.
If you also procrastinate a lot, do not worry. You are not alone, as many freelancers admit to having a season of procrastination at times. The only way to keep this problem at bay is by creating a routine and following it every day.
Whether you are a morning person or a night out, take note of your productive hours and work in them to meet your deadlines. You may also want to keep your family and friends in mind while creating this schedule so that you are not cut off from the world completely.
6. Make Peace With Imperfection
Nothing is perfect, especially when it comes to illustrations. You will always see a need to rearrange the layout or resize the text, and the list goes on. At some point, your efforts may become fruitless, and all your time and energy may go to waste.
Therefore, step back and examine your creation once you complete your work. Of course, giving your work a few revisions and making a couple of drafts is important, but it is also important to listen to your gut. If it says it is good to go, it’s best to listen.
