Like many jobs, working as an artist requires constant tradeoffs, especially when the question of income and financial stability are in the equation. One way aspiring artists can support themselves while maintaining strong artistic liberty is by freelancing. Unfortunately, the struggle rarely stops there. In working with a customer, an artist has to navigate the client\’s needs and the artist’s own ability. In this article, let’s understand what is at stake for freelance artists and how they can make art for a living without compromising the joy of self-expression and personal flair.
But first, Who can be freelance artists?
A freelance artist can be almost everybody. They can be a professionally trained student from renowned art schools, or a hobbyist turned professional artist after quitting their most recent full-time jobs. Whatever the case, a freelance artist yearns for the possibility to create art full-time, making their favorite activities a money maker that puts the bread on the table.
How is the state of freelancing in the art world?
However, reality can break one’s most beautiful fantasy (and it will). Working with customers means that an artist has to provide a service that satisfies them and brings about desirable results. That means no sloppy work, no late turnovers, and always up-to-deadlines. With many factors to consider, many aspiring artists are crushed under monetary pressure and turn jaded in the face of market demands. Nonetheless, there are more fortunate artists whose unique artistic flair aligns strongly with a customer’s needs. Needless to say, it is smooth sailing from the first few sketches to the final rendered artworks.
Finally, let’s answer the question of Stability or Creativity for Freelance Artists
Now, a question remains for artists. How can they balance what a client wants with what their hearts desire? Luckily, there are solutions for them, though only those who are determined and resilient might reach that desired goal:
- A solid financial foundation is a must. To start off, it is best for an artist to put stable financial income at the forefront while starting a freelancing career. This means that it may be required of an artist to get out of their way and meet a client’s (reasonable) demands and return a desirable product. This may sound daunting, but a shift in perspective may help an anxious artist just fine. Think of this as an opportunity to fine-tune your skills and step out of your comfort zone.
- Put yourself on the market. To do so, put yourself out to the world through freelancing platforms such as Fiverr or Upwork. Ideally, artists can (and should) maintain their fire by prepping their portfolio, building social media sites, and creating side personal projects to showcase talents to art enjoyers. Some commonly known platforms for artists to put their creative works out to the world are Instagram, Artstation, Behance, and, more recently, Cara. Instagram may be suitable for showing progress and building and connecting with your audience, while Behance, Artstation, and the like are more suitable for displaying complete artwork. Be mindful about where to put up your artwork now that AI is running rampant. If possible, build your own website portfolio for increased legitimacy!
- Push for your creative style. After a painstaking process to gain visibility and claim a solid audience, it is time for artists to pursue projects that actually satisfy their artistic selves and embolden their art styles in their works. A strong and unique art portfolio will attract clients who align with your visions, enjoy your personal styles, and ultimately seek your creativity! Social media such as Twitter or Instagram offers a broad range of art communities where artists can take commissions if their art styles are desired by many in the same community. If freelance artists want to push it further and be more independent, they may start selling prints and setting up international shops for their works if the demands are high. There is Etsy if you lean toward handmade crafts or Gumroad for digital and physical product sales. This might require more management work but the passive income it generates will surely be worthwhile.
- Choose a project you are passionate about. Finally, it is every established artist’s dream to choose a project that actually sparks their interest and does more personal projects wholeheartedly enjoyed by others. After many ups and downs, struggles, and self-doubt, it is time you enjoy the fruits of your hard work. Take more time to experiment and branch out to fields you are curious about. Be adventurous.
Those are the basic steps for any aspiring artist who wants a freelancing career to establish themselves. The first thing to do is to be mindful of your financial status and aim for stability, which may have to take precedence over your own passion. But, if you can push through this rough process, rewards are definitely waiting on the other side. With a growing customer base and a stronger portfolio, it may be time for potential clients to reach out to you for your creative input. To push more for artistic independence, be bold and set up online shops, sell prints, and market your products for passive income. With time, your art dream will be realized before you know it.
Truth is, Some stages may drag on and the future you desire may seem forever out of sight, but be resilient and the best will come to you. Best of luck to any aspiring artists out there!
Source: freelancer
