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I thought it would be fun to host a freelance illustrator Q & A for Portfolio Day.
Feel free to ask me anything!
Feel free to ask me anything!
It depends entirely on what industry you are aiming for. You want to tailor your work to the needs of that industry while showing your range. Ex: a portfolio that works for fantasy illustration doesn’t necessarily work for licensing or comic interiors. https://twitter.com/uglygoblinfeet/status/1381967917068120071?s=21">https://twitter.com/uglygobli...
Aw thanks!
Right now it’s all been networking. Some have found me because of my social media presence, but it’s predominantly friends and previous clients recommending me to other clients. https://twitter.com/aknightadrift/status/1381967811480670214">https://twitter.com/aknightad...
Right now it’s all been networking. Some have found me because of my social media presence, but it’s predominantly friends and previous clients recommending me to other clients. https://twitter.com/aknightadrift/status/1381967811480670214">https://twitter.com/aknightad...
At any early age I was kinda shoehorned in to fine art but it just didn’t fit me. I’ve been obsessed with comics and fantasy art since I was a kid and I knew it was a possibility because SOMEONE was making it. It was a long shot but I went for it. 5 years later I’m finally there. https://twitter.com/artlliot/status/1381971415998607362">https://twitter.com/artlliot/...
As it stands right now digital dominates the industry. Mainly because output and making changes is lightyears faster. There are a few pockets of traditional but it’s usually an artistic choice. The good news is the fundamentals of art don’t change Digital is just a medium you use https://twitter.com/dilaramilena/status/1381968506871287809">https://twitter.com/dilaramil...
Forcing myself to take breaks in 2 hour intervals and legitimately getting away from it. If it’s a really big piece my greatest enemy is usually boredom. I’ll usually catch up on CR, podcasts, and even books on tape while painting, anything to keep me stimulated. https://twitter.com/incandescaent/status/1381972379379752960">https://twitter.com/incandesc...
Ooo that’s hard. I’d say any time I’m tweeting I’m basically marketing myself so like... a lot? haha. I usually devote Mondays to “admin” like following up on possible leads and projects, planning out my week, cleaning up emails, etc. so probably a portion of that day every week https://twitter.com/jasoncobill/status/1381983319248756736">https://twitter.com/jasoncobi...
Lots of trial and error. Eventually I settled on paying myself an hourly minimum wage and worked up from there. Once I got the Graphic Artists Guild Handbook: Pricing and Ethical Guidelines book it really helped me price bigger projects better. https://twitter.com/smolgremlins/status/1381978477470089224">https://twitter.com/smolgreml...
Sometimes a little more direction is easier than saying “do whatever you want.” Like providing visual references is a helpful guide to capture the exact style or color palette they want.
Also, mental health and burnout are major hurdles, particularly in the past year. https://twitter.com/heatherantos/status/1381992397891063833">https://twitter.com/heatheran...
Also, mental health and burnout are major hurdles, particularly in the past year. https://twitter.com/heatherantos/status/1381992397891063833">https://twitter.com/heatheran...
When that starts it usually means I need a break. Usually I’ll meditate, go for a walk, and repeat a lot of positive affirmations. If it’s REALLY bad I go to my friends for help and they usually slap me with love and yell “How dare you say that about my friend Lauren!” https://twitter.com/breakfastboy100/status/1381997105124892673">https://twitter.com/breakfast...
My personal suggestion is get a side job (FT or PT) that covers your living expenses. The worst thing for any budding career is taking on a horrible job that burns you out because you need the money. A side job gives you the ability to say no to projects (1/2) https://twitter.com/badnightstar/status/1381999985500155904">https://twitter.com/badnights...
Start by working on your portfolio, then start reaching out to smaller companies with your portfolio, going to cons, or doing small commissions. It’s hard to do both while working a side job so take the time to build up your skills first. 2/2
I don’t care if it’s a project with your favorite uncle. Boom! Contract . Art for your best friend? Boom! Contract.
There are a ton of resources but I highly recommend checking out @DrawnAndDrafted for sample contracts, learning the jargon, etc. https://twitter.com/jenna_kaee/status/1381997185311592453">https://twitter.com/jenna_kae...
I spent two years working on my portfolio after graduating with an art BA from @PennStateAlums. At the time I was working a FT 40 hr/wk office job and an additional 15-20 hrs a week on my portfolio. It’s much less now, but every piece I work on now pushes me to improve. https://twitter.com/cephalort/status/1382003370022604806">https://twitter.com/cephalort...
I need to work on some paintings, but be back in a couple hours for more questions!
