Success Secrets of a Freelance Illustrator
Working as a Freelancer Offers Several Rewards and Challenges
Oct 23, 2009
Individuals working at an office may dream about what a day in the life of a freelance illustrator is like. Free from office politics, irritating co-workers and a rigid work schedule, working as a freelancer provides many benefits. From flexible work hours to the freedom of choosing what projects to work on, the benefits of working as a freelancer often outweigh the challenges.
Freelance Illustrators Face a Competitive Marketplace
Technology has created a global marketplace for individuals to work as a freelance illustrator, graphic designer, writer, software programmer and other fields. Freelancer job sites like oDesk have over 370,000 registered freelance providers from across the world available to assist businesses with their projects and providers have earned over $99 million through the jobs posted on this global freelance job site. Although a global marketplace provides greater opportunity, it also provides greater competition which can result in lower earning potential for freelance projects.
Despite the increasing presence of a global freelance marketplace, one freelance illustrator avoids online bidding wars by working with local businesses and clients. Russ Fagle, a freelance illustrator and designer based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has been working as a freelancer for nine years.
Throughout his career as a freelance illustrator and designer, Fagle has enjoyed a steady flow of clients mostly obtained through word of mouth. “Working as an artist or designer is so visual that potential clients recognize whether or not my work might be appropriate for their needs upon seeing my work in the marketplace,” he adds. He stays busy throughout the year with one primary client and several smaller customers located in the region.
Keys to Success as a Freelance Illustrator
When asked what it takes to be successful at working as a freelance illustrator or designer, Fagle responded, “Technical or creative skills alone do not ensure a successful freelance career.” He adds, “Freelancers need to be natural problem solvers and self-accountable.” A strong visual portfolio can help attract clients, but an ability to communicate well with clients and meet their deadlines also play a key part in achieving success as a freelance illustrator.
To avoid the isolation sometimes experienced when working as a freelance illustrator, Fagle regularly gets together with other freelance illustrators and designers and utilizes a number of social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter to stay in touch, get feedback and share ideas about projects.
Freelance illustrators and designers can help gain recognition and new clients by joining local marketing and advertising groups, creating logos and materials for non-profit groups and participating in local event logo design contests.
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