This page is dedicated to providing insight and practical guidance on how to become and succeed as a freelance illustrator.
It is currently being updated and will be completed as soon as possible. Over more than thirty years of working as a freelance illustrator in the uk, perspectives, processes, and industry standards have naturally evolved. As a result, the guidance is being revised to reflect current freelance practices, digital workflows, client expectations, and contemporary business realities.
Thank you for your patience while the updated content is prepared.
In the mean time, here’s some pointers to help you along…
Reflecting on my experience as a freelance illustration since 1990, I would say the most important thing for each area is…
Start with:
The right attitude, meaning be professional and realistic about budget and your customers.
Folio:
Get your work presentable online with a good website or online folio brand like Adobe folio or similar. Avoid uploading your work to any site that charges you or has a cost per click especially google ads.
Commissions:
Your work is valuable, always get a letter of commission or purchase order as proof of commission. Get a detailed brief and don’t be afraid to contact them to ask questions.
Creating the illustration:
Try to send them sketches for approval before you commit to working up the artwork. Be genuinely honest with your customers, they’ll appreciate it.
Get feedback:
Once the work is completed, get feedback and listen to them and try to help requests or questions before you send the invoice.
Payment:
Remember you’re not doing this for fun, it’s a business and you need to send invoices with payment details to a business account.
Keep in touch:
with the customer and update them with other work you’ve produced if relevant to them.
If you have a question, feel free to email me and I’ll try to reply with helpful advice.
Want more information?
With over 30 years experience, I’m sure we can help you… make that call.