Freelance Art - Any Suggestions?

[Figure Fan]

Helooo,

I've come to the conclusion that I really dislike my part-time job. Actually, I've always known this, but I've never been quite as comfortable with my artistic abilities as I am now, nor have I been as brave socially. Anyway, since I'm in college and still living at home, I won't be requiring a megaton of work in order to survive and pay pills (and play CoX..duh), so a freelance venture could prove to be just as financially successful as my current job, but hopefully better. By financially successful, I mean like, a few hundred a month, but more is good too. Since I don't require absolute steadiness, having dry spells without work won't be as nerve-racking. I could kiss away the perks that come along with being a wage slave register robot, too, and just focus on making some cash and building up my portfolio while finishing up my degree.

I know that something like this is possible, but I don't know where to start, really. Should I try to advertise locally? What methods are most affective? Have any of my fellow artists here succeeded in having a decent commission track record? How do you settle on pricing? Do you go by a fee plus a materials charge? I'm thinking about including t-shirt and logo design in my "pitch", as well as traditional pieces (Acrylics, oils, color pencils, ect). Would specializing in a single area be more benefical to me, or would doing a few different things be better?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I have done commission work in the past, but not outside of my parents' coworkers and bosses. Oh, and a high school counselor.

Thanks for reading this, too! :)

[captainspud]

My advice: don't quit your job until you've secured one art job. Art commissions can be very hard to find (you might be surprised about how little people need art), so quitting before you have something solid to start with may be a bit reckless.

On the other hand, design commissions are a fair stretch easier-- doing pamphlets, posters, signage, and web sites for local businesses. The work is much steadier (in my experience, most small businesses hate the signage they have), and you can start to leverage it toward actual art by adding illustrations to your designs.

Selling something practical = way, way easier than selling something pretty. The term "starving artist" exists for a reason-- a majority of people who try to make a living off of art alone have an extraordinary amount of difficulty making it happen. Most people just don't need any pure art done.

[GhostMachine]

Well, you could start posting at a few message boards that have areas for artists, post some art and mention that you're available for commissions, and see how that goes. Putting some pieces up for sale on eBay probably couldn't hurt, as I've seen amateur artists sell pictures on there. I've looked at your DeviantArt gallery, and I'd be very surprised if you had a hard time selling art with your talent.

[zuludelta]

Don't quit your day job.... and I don't mean that as a slight to you artistic abilities, it's just that unless you already know somebody who's willing to pay (a lot) for your original work, trying to make some coin off of your art is a dicey proposition at best. Take it from me... I've spent the last 6 years trying to get some semblance of an art career started in between working and going to university, going so far as to peddle some paintings door to door (I did get a few "pity" buyers in Vancouver) and stage my own little "street exhibit" with some like-minded classmates once (not recommended if you don't have a permit, unless you enjoy being hassled by the fuzz). The most reliable revenue stream in art is still commercial art (as opposed to original and commissioned work): graphics work (print and digital) and the like, and unless you get a full-time gig with a design firm, it's going to be a challenge getting enough freelance jobs lined up to support yourself.   

I don't want to scare you or anything, but my experience trying to become a "legit" artist has been an ego-destroying, soul-sucking endeavour... I guess it builds character, but it sure hasn't helped grow my bank account.   

[Midnight]

There's some decent money in comic book art, if you can do sequentials. Unfortunately it's soul sucking and the deadlines are killer.

[Figure Fan]

My advice: don't quit your job until you've secured one art job. Art commissions can be very hard to find (you might be surprised about how little people need art), so quitting before you have something solid to start with may be a bit reckless.

On the other hand, design commissions are a fair stretch easier-- doing pamphlets, posters, signage, and web sites for local businesses. The work is much steadier (in my experience, most small businesses hate the signage they have), and you can start to leverage it toward actual art by adding illustrations to your designs.

Selling something practical = way, way easier than selling something pretty. The term "starving artist" exists for a reason-- a majority of people who try to make a living off of art alone have an extraordinary amount of difficulty making it happen. Most people just don't need any pure art done.

Good point, Spud. I wouldn't mind doing design work, actually, and if it's easier to come by, that's even better. How would I go about snagging a commission like this, in your experience?

Well, you could start posting at a few message boards that have areas for artists, post some art and mention that you're available for commissions, and see how that goes. Putting some pieces up for sale on eBay probably couldn't hurt, as I've seen amateur artists sell pictures on there. I've looked at your DeviantArt gallery, and I'd be very surprised if you had a hard time selling art with your talent.

I've been told by a few people (and mostly within the last few weeks) that I need to take a shot at selling some work on eBay. I've seen others sell their work on there in the past, so maybe I should look into it. Thanks for the compliment, too. :)

Don't quit your day job.... and I don't mean that as a slight to you artistic abilities, it's just that unless you already know somebody who's willing to pay (a lot) for your original work, trying to make some coin off of your art is a dicey proposition at best. Take it from me... I've spent the last 6 years trying to get some semblance of an art career started in between working and going to university, going so far as to peddle some paintings door to door (I did get a few "pity" buyers in Vancouver) and stage my own little "street exhibit" with some like-minded classmates once (not recommended if you don't have a permit, unless you enjoy being hassled by the fuzz). The most reliable revenue stream in art is still commercial art (as opposed to original and commissioned work): graphics work (print and digital) and the like, and unless you get a full-time gig with a design firm, it's going to be a challenge getting enough freelance jobs lined up to support yourself.   

I don't want to scare you or anything, but my experience trying to become a "legit" artist has been an ego-destroying, soul-sucking endeavour... I guess it builds character, but it sure hasn't helped grow my bank account.

Lulz! Yeah, I agree that working through a firm is much more reliable, but at the same time, I don't want to commit fully to this like a full-time job. I'm just looking to get enough attention to have work occasionally. I'm not looking to support myself, either. My aim is to make enough to have some gas money, a little spending money, and a small portion to pop into savings. I make barely anything now, which is why I figure I could make at least as much through doing commission jobs without the utter insanity that is the drug store. Maybe I'm not looking to go "legit" or something? Idk..

I'd like to try and get my name out there, perhaps locally, just to see if anyone takes a bite at it. How do you even start something like this? I've never come across any local artists advertising in my area, which is depressing, but at the same time--less competition!

[the_ultimate_evil]

i agree do not quit your day job, i still work part time at the shop i did while i was in collge, i have sold some aspects fo my work but nothing no where near to pay the bills.

its something i'm looking into myself, you should look into selling your work online, from your own site,

[zuludelta]

I'd like to try and get my name out there, perhaps locally, just to see if anyone takes a bite at it. How do you even start something like this? I've never come across any local artists advertising in my area, which is depressing, but at the same time--less competition!

Try asking around the local art galleries, museums, universities, libraries, and colleges for any art events that may help your exposure... exhibits, job and trade fairs, that type of thing. Try posting ads in your local paper looking for fellow artists, maybe set up a collective/peer group that can help with networking (in the art "industry," it's as much about "who you know" as it is about "what you can do"), although I guarantee you'll meet a bunch of flakes mixed-in with real-deal craftspeople and artists along the way. Also, no "job" is too little if you're trying to get your name out there: signage, pamphlet work, anything that you can count as practical real-world art experience can only help.

You'll also need to be a bit audacious and hype yourself up a bit (but don't say anything that you can't actually back up in deed and don't come off as unprofessional) when talking to potential clients and customers. Remember that you're "selling" yourself (or "prostituting" yourself, depending on how you look at it ha ha ha), so don't sell yourself short.

Of course, it goes without saying that having an attractive, well-constructed, and up-to-date portfolio will always be the linchpin that holds everything together. Without that, everything falls apart.

[AncientSpirit]

If you're looking for freelance design work, you might want to look online for the contact information for local advertising agencies and design studios.

Since you're starting out, you don't even need to ask for work.  Ask them if you can show them your spec portfolio and ask them for for advice on how to break into the business.   If they like your work and have freelance assignments to offer, they'll offer them to you.   If not, you ask them for the names of people they know who might need someone like you.  (Always ask to meet in their office so they are near their computer or rolledex so they can give you your next lead.)

When you get a meeting, you want the work in your spec book to match the kind of work that they do.  In other words, if they do direct mail or brochures, showing them fine art won't land you a gig.   But show them a Reply Form or a collateral brochure and you may just be in business.   Logo work is also good to show.  Print ads with a call to action (Call now 1-800- blah, blah blah).

Also, when you ask for a morning meeting, tell them you won't take up much of their time -- and you'll even bring the coffee and donuts.   Sell your work and yourself.

Good luck to you.   (There are a LOT of people who make really good livings doing freelance commercial art direction.)

[Uncle Yuan]

If you're looking for freelance design work, you might want to look online for the contact information for local advertising agencies and design studios.

Since you're starting out, you don't even need to ask for work.  Ask them if you can show them your spec portfolio and ask them for for advice on how to break into the business.   If they like your work and have freelance assignments to offer, they'll offer them to you.   If not, you ask them for the names of people they know who might need someone like you.  (Always ask to meet in their office so they are near their computer or rolledex so they can give you your next lead.)

When you get a meeting, you want the work in your spec book to match the kind of work that they do.  In other words, if they do direct mail or brochures, showing them fine art won't land you a gig.   But show them a Reply Form or a collateral brochure and you may just be in business.   Logo work is also good to show.  Print ads with a call to action (Call now 1-800- blah, blah blah).

Also, when you ask for a morning meeting, tell them you won't take up much of their time -- and you'll even bring the coffee and donuts.   Sell your work and yourself.

Good luck to you.   (There are a LOT of people who make really good livings doing freelance commercial art direction.)

To expand on this - If you are planning on showing your work to anyone for any reason, conducting informational interviews or anything - be dressed as if you are going to a real job interview.  For an artist I will assume that this doesn't mean shirt and tie, but clean, pressed pants and a button-down sound OK.

Also - volunteer.  I'm sure there's lot of small non-profits who'd love to have someone do a flyer, poster, what-have-you.  Volunteering is an excellent way to network, get experience in the field, and to beef up your portfolio and CV.