If you are an artist or designer, working in a freelance art job is not something that can be, decided right away. You have to consider many things before entering this sector and must have some strong reasons to pursue it. The reason is, freelancing asks for a lot of dedication and discipline. So, if there are some strong reasons to drive you, then the sky is the only limit.
Becoming a successful designer or artist is not an easy job, but if you get some of the essential tips, it can be somewhat comfortable. So, here are some tips become a successful freelance artist or a designer:
1. Preparation is a must:
This is the foremost important tip for you to consider before diving into these
freelance art jobs. As initially, you might face trouble getting your first clients, so you shouldnt quit your job right away and proceed after some preparations. You also have to be prepared about the fact that clients would not be lined-up before you one after the other. Therefore, good planning would reap great results.
2. Make a business or marketing plan:
Often, when working in a freelance art job, we assume that our work is enough. But, at that time, you are oblivion to reality. A well-designed business and
marketing plan can take you to heights. So, jot down some points and ideas to promote your skills and work in various ways now and then.
3. The personal network might surprise you:
Usually while working and planning, we forget to tap on the nearest opportunities waiting for us. But sometimes the people in our friend circle, colleagues, relatives, and some other people we know could provide us with work that we never even thought. So dont forget to do that.
4. Set up a schedule:
In freelance art jobs, most people make mistakes because they tend to forget important things and dates, which is highly unprofessional. Therefore, you need to design a schedule at least a week before to avoid any irregularities and delays. This way, you can keep track of your deadlines and keep your clients happy. Furthermore, if you schedule your working hours daily, it will avert you from slacking off.
5. Brand your business:
Whether you are working alone or are planning to make it big, a business name will surely make a good impression. This step becomes more important when you get a hold on to some clients and companies. The more professional you are, the more your word gets out and helps you indirectly achieve a successful business in a freelance art job.
6. Create a viable portfolio:
Some artists and designers are not ready to start their marketing because they dont have a portfolio. Its a waste of talent and time because when you present a portfolio with your best works, it shows sincerity and dedication, making it easier for a client to trust you. Also, if you have a portable portfolio would add more value to your presentation.
7. Over-delivery to clients:
In a freelance art job, making your clients happy would take you through a long road. It can be achieved by over-delivery of work to the clients through connections or any other way. You can also work smart by
giving a deadline before which you can complete the task hassle-free. This way, it will be easy to deliver work before time and at your own pace.
8. Create a blog or website:
If you have a website of your own, it would mean many clients as it ensures the credibility and authenticity of your work. Updating the blog or website frequently with your best work would also attract the attention of many potential clients and help you in becoming a successful freelance artist or designer.
9. Master paperwork, invoicing, and proposals:
To become successful in this business, just creating and designing wont be enough. You also need to master other skills. That means you will have to learn the art of invoicing, paperwork, and compose proposals to approach new clients. You can learn all of these things with software and free samples available online.
10. Make fair use of social media:
Social media is a platform where you can build a relationship with several people and connect with potential clients worldwide. Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube are some of the most common ones to display your talent and acquire work.
11. Collect your payments on-time:
However hard you work, but if you dont get paid, it is of no use. So one of the most important things you need to do is collect your payment on time. People dont realize the importance of this point until they face a situation like that. You can avoid getting scammed by either asking for official documentation or by requesting some amount in advance. It might seem awkward to you initially, but you will slowly learn to deal with it.
12. Treat every client special:
Happy clients can bloom your business like no other. When you treat clients chiefly by going out of your way to complete their work and even talk politely, they will give the right word about you even to other people, which will bring more work in short.
13. Being humble is important:
If you wish to pursue this as a full-time business or career, being humble is very important. Sometimes many people are good at their work, but their rude behavior turns-off clients and makes a wrong impression. It also results in a
bad reputation and would incline your ladder downhill.
Finally, keeping a professional attitude, dedication, time management, confidence, consistency, and positive thinking will make your journey to become a successful freelance artist or a designer much easier, promising, and attainable in not much time.