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