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Guide To Become a Freelance Illustrator
Illustration is one field that has captivated audiences for ages. Ever since the first ever cartoon in print
media, illustration has only caught on, and the demand for illustrators has not ceased. It is one of the
most recognisable jobs in the market and as a freelancer; you will be able to take on work from different
sectors of the industry.
You can choose to become an freelance Illustrator for many reasons; there is the allure of good pay, the
allure of renown, and a lavish lifestyle. Moreover, it is one job, which you can undertake from the
comfort of your home and still be remunerated well, the gist being that it is a good freelance option.
Job Duties:
You will have many job duties as an freelance illustrator, sometimes more complex than simply changing
the storyboard or the narrative. Most illustrators have to liaise with writers and other editors to
understand the exact illustration needed.
Some of the duties you would expect to perform as an illustrator include:
Understanding client needs and developing artwork from their concepts
Creating storyboards that depict the script and narrative
Drawing in 2D to create sketches, artwork or illustrations
Designing models, backgrounds, characters, objects and environment
Using clay, plaster, oil paints, watercolours and acrylics
Working to deadlines and meet client’s expectations
Using technical software packages, such as Adobe suite and other tools used by illustrators
Skills :
Illustrators must develop certain skills to make a decent living. There are many websites and forums and
blog posts that can help you develop and hone these skills. However, before you do find out where it is
important to know what these skills are. Without ado, let us look at these skills in question:
As an illustrator, you should:
Be creative and artistic
Possess drawing skills (sculpting skills aren’t needed)
Have good concentration
Have an eye for detail
Observe and understand body language and expressions
Be a good communicator and negotiator
Be organised
Be innovative and resourceful
Be able to work well as a team player and take direction from senior editors, illustrators,
directors and clients
Be interested in art & design, film and television
You can develop and hone these skills needed online, or through courses. Many platforms and websites
can help you ‘sketch’ a brilliant career, as an illustrator.
Being Successful as a Freelance Illustrator:
Maybe you will create the next Uncle Sam, or the next Syd, Milly and Olly. Who knows? However, what
is apparent is that with the skills and talent this field will give you many opportunities to create
memorable characters and illustrations. So, how can you become a successful illustrator?
There are many bumps along the way to becoming successful freelancers: no colleagues to moan to, no
shared lunches, along with the instability of the absence of a weekly cheque. However, you can become
successful, or indeed set off down the path to success, by following certain tips, as;
Being adept at drawing
Being a keen observer
Referring to and studying the works of better artists
Learning continuously
Networking
Be able to sketch social views of an incident
Be able to draw on people’s expression
Average Remunerations
Have you ever wondered what illustrators earn? Sometimes they make it big and earn ludicrous
amounts, perhaps not initially, but most definitely good money in the future. In the world of freelancing
though the average pay scale is based on the two types of work models.
Usually freelance portals offer various kinds of payment models. In the fixed-price model, the price is
usually pre-determined. The hourly model is the most popular and employers usually pay a
predetermined sum per hour. Finally, in the project-budget based model, you often need to auction for
such projects. Usually a fixed price model may range from $20- $200 and upwards, while you have to
pitch for hourly projects, and budget payments, which usually range from $5- $35 an hour. Your average
salary as an illustrator will be around $21 an hour.
Finding Work:
Finding work as a freelance illustrator can initially be a bit tough. It is a run-around to get everyone to
view your portfolio and decide on the best way ahead. However, once you have created a name for
yourself then it becomes much easier. One of the best ways to advertise your services is to create a
Facebook page, and invite your friends, family, and acquaintances to like it. You must remember that as
an illustrator, your work will have visual appeal and social media platforms can help you leverage the
fact.
Apart from creating a Facebook page and a blog, Elance, Peopleperhour, Odesk and Guru offer many
jobs for illustrators like you.
Resources:
There are many resources available, if you wish to develop newer skills or sharpen your existing ones.
Illustration Class, Colossal, Lynda, Skillshare and Folio Academy offer both paid and free options, where
you can learn illustration online.
For more information on Freelance Resource please visit www.careerlancer.net