Going freelancing is all the rage in 2021, but it’s far easier said than done. Working as a freelance illustrator provides many artists with the creative flexibility they want. At the same time, it entails several obligations that may cause prospective independent artists to hesitate.

If you’re wondering how to become a freelance illustrator making illustrations for various brands, we’re here to help you get started. Going independent is a difficult task, but you’ll be well on your road to success if you keep these suggestions in mind.

Do You Need a Degree to be an Illustrator?

The short answer would be: no. While significant schooling and much experience can’t hurt, it’s not a requirement for entrance. The freelancing industry is a sanctuary for the self-taught and self-reliant, but that doesn’t imply formal education isn’t important.

While most clients won’t mind if you don’t have a degree, others will want you to have some kind of certification. This might range from courses to verification of past work completed to a degree in the most severe cases. Some large corporations are more stringent in their recruiting criteria than others. You must proceed on a case-by-case basis.

5 Essential Steps to Succeed as an Illustrator

Now that you know what you’re getting into, here are seven practical steps to rock your way into the world of illustrations.

Always Do Your Research

The first step toward success, like with any career, is to grasp what the work requires. While illustration may appear to be a simple task, you should be aware of the many employment available in this field. Unless you have a strong name in a particular industry, you will most likely be managing a combination of jobs, especially if you are a freelancer with many revenue sources.

Some of the most prominent illustration segments are:

• Publicity materials
• Design of a product
• Animation and motion graphics
• Editorial illustrations
• Private commissions and displayed works of art

Build a Portfolio

Now that you’ve acquired a general understanding of the freelance illustration industry, let’s get down to business and build a noteworthy portfolio. When it comes to content, quality should always take precedence over quantity. While an aspiring artist may be tempted to submit as many samples of their work as possible, it is actually preferable to pick the ones that most closely match the job you want to be employed.

Sell Your Brand on Social Media

Spoiler alert: being a freelancer also entails continuously promoting oneself, and there is no better place to do it in this media-saturated world than social media.

Image-sharing services like Instagram are crucial for illustrators. You may also share your methods and projects, both commissioned and self-initiated, on social media to keep connected with the illustration community.

Network with Other Illustrators

Networking means getting up-to-date news, obtaining access to illustration industry rules and information, and being invited to offline networking events. It is advantageous to newcomers and may give some social connection to an otherwise lonely profession.

Develop Strong Relationship with Clients

When you first start, you’re probably more concerned with gaining new clients than retaining existing ones. However, repeat clients and recommendations account for a sizable amount of a freelance illustrator’s business, so it’s critical to prioritize customer loyalty from the start.

How to Make Money with Illustrations

Join Online Marketplace

There are several methods to earn money online from the comfort of your own home. However, looking for work on freelance marketplaces is the quickest and easiest method to generate money as an artist or any other sort of freelancer. To locate illustration employment, the trick is to join specialty markets or explore job sites like Behance, Dribble, Envato, and many more.

Do Commissions

Commissions are a frequent way for inexperienced illustrators to make money online. Commissions are most frequently seen on websites such as DeviantArt. Many other illustrators use social networks to communicate with consumers and accept commissions. The process is very straightforward: a customer contacts you with a request for an illustration, you agree on a cost, and you get paid when the project is finished.

The path ahead will not be simple, and you may have to work many jobs for a while. But, in the end, the creative freedom to create whatever illustrations you choose will be the prize that outweighs any suffering. Best wishes!