Freelance traditional artists face many challenges. Working independently, you must market your work to earn income. As a result, you need to be savvy about how you market your skills and find clients. These tips will help you succeed as a freelance traditional artist.
Network, network, network!
Traditional artists are an engaged and helpful community. And while this is an advantage, it also can be a liability. If you want to excel in your career as a freelance artist, you must promote your work and grow your network strategically. Freelancers who actively build relationships with other artists, editors, and designers are more likely to be hired by those same networks.
Relationships are built one-on-one, and trust is established through repeated exchanges. There are many ways to network, but one of the most effective is through traditional artist organizations. Local and regional organizations can connect you with fellow artists, either online or in person. In-person meetups are even better, as they allow you to see how your network communicates and works together.
Freelance is a job too. Treat it as such.
Freelance work is no different from a regular job. You must set ambitious goals and be specific about the tasks that will help you meet those goals. You must also budget your time and use any tools that can help you be more efficient. In traditional art, you must make a living. While it’s possible to create art full-time and find a way to create enough revenue, it isn’t easy. The more hands you have on a project, the fewer hands you have to make money. You must balance the desire to create with the desire to make money.
Don’t be afraid to cold email.
Cold emailing is a common misconception. Many people believe that cold emailing is a low-quality way to get in contact with a client. While cold emailing can be an awkward experience for both the sender and the recipient, that awkwardness is short-lived. For those clients who are willing to book a low-quality artist, the email exchange is the only contact the client will have. Once the email exchange is over, there is no need to maintain contact. Cold emailing is quick, easy, and can be done from any device.
Show your portfolio constantly.
Online portfolios are an essential part of every artist’s marketing strategy. While a physical portfolio may be more impressive than a laptop, a laptop is infinitely more accessible. Online portfolios allow you to create a professional, curated website where you can showcase your work and services.
You can include text, images, and videos, as well as other relevant information about yourself and your business. The most important thing about your online portfolio is consistency. Keep adding new work and modifying your website regularly. People don’t want to sift through an outdated site when considering a freelancer.
Offer value before you ask for payment.
Asking for payment before providing value is unethical and creates a poor impression of your services. When starting as a freelance artist, you must understand that every client is different. Some clients are willing to pay small amounts for a service, while others are seeking full payment upfront.
When you’re first beginning as a freelancer, it can be easy to assume that all your clients are looking for full payment. This, however, isn’t the case. Before you ask for a payment, find ways to add value to your clients first. Offer your services at no cost, or charge less than the amount that you feel you deserve.
Final tips
Traditional artists face many challenges. Working independently, you must market your work to earn income. As a result, you need to be savvy about how you market your skills and find clients. These tips will help you succeed as a freelance traditional artist. Network, network, network! Freelance is a job too. Treat it as such. Don’t be afraid to cold email. Show your portfolio constantly. Offer value before you ask for payment.
Final tips Traditional artists face many challenges. Working independently, you must market your work to earn income. As a result, you need to be savvy about how you market your skills and find clients. These tips will help you succeed as a freelance traditional artist.
Network, network, network! Freelance is a job too. Treat it as such. Don’t be afraid to cold email. Show your portfolio constantly. Offer value before you ask for payment. Final tips Traditional artists face many challenges. Working independently, you must market your work to earn income. As a result, you need to be savvy about how you market your skills and find clients. These tips will help you succeed as a freelance traditional artist.
