How to start as an illustrator ~ Frannerd

click here for all the answers

– Should I work for FREE?

– How much should I charge

– Watch Holly's video too!

Thank you so much for supporting my work :)

Follow meeeeee!

Camera
Canon Eos m with a 22 lens
I edit all my videos on Adobe Premier

Music

Mowat - Frannerd Song

[axelemorales]

Don't apologize for video length! If we wanted short videos Vine would still be a thing.

[MoniqueReneeArt]

I've just broken into the illustration world (just got published for the first time)! Thanks for all the great info <3

[groscoeism]

Hi Fran! Four years ago I watched this video and it made me realize that it's possible to earn money from art. It made me aspire to become a freelancer and since 2019 I already started my own freelance work . Thanks for your content! It really helped me live the life that I want.

[hollyexley]

Whole-heartedly agree with the last two points. Charge fairly! Be nice! Reputation is a huge thing in the freelance world, I always try my best to be a nice (and professional!) person to work with - communication is key! If you make the whole experience of hiring an illustrator enjoyable and easy for the client, they're much more likely to do it again, and again. This was another great video!

[JenniferCharleeArt]

This video could not have come at a better time! I have a background in illustration but went to grad school for something else and once I graduated I realized that I truly want to pursue illustration as a profession right now but everything seemed so daunting about "getting started" or "getting out there" but seeing steps and even just seeing other illustrators out there is so so helpful ♡♡♡ thank you!

[HaVu-bkqb]

Your voice is so soothing and comfy. Whenever I have an anxiety attack I would watch your video and I feel slightly calmer immediately. Thank you so much for your useful advices

[vene_unsweetened]

I've been a freelance writer/editor for several years and while I know all of what you said is true, it's still energizing to hear it again from someone new and with a fresh perspective. Thanks, Fran!

[karatepop]

I'm not an illustrator, but the huzbun is and one thing I'd add is: don't be afraid to ask to amend a contract! Also, READ the contract. The whole thing.

[FinalFrankie]

Me watching this in 2020: omg 10 minutes used to be a long video...I forgot all about that.

[AnkeWeckmann]

Great advice, Fran! Perhaps one thing to keep in mind with illustration that what you charge usually depends on the license / how the illustrations will be used rather than an hourly rate. Perhaps hourly rates are more useful for private commissions? The AOI have a great service where as a member you can give them the details of your commission and they can give you an industry standard quote. The "Graphic Artists Guild Handbook of Pricing & Ethical Guidelines" is useful, too. Another essential book in my opinion is "The Illustrator's Guide to Law & Business Practice'. Too many illustrators know nothing about copyright when they start out, which is crazy!

[electricitywoman]

I came out as an illustrator a few days ago and this is exactly the video that I needed. Thank you! (This coming out was almost as scary as the gay one...)

For everyone who thinks it's too late to start: I'm 27 and I didn't get to go to art school even though it was my dream. I only got back into art during the pandemic. You can do this. If you're 10, 18, 35, 47, 58, whatever: don't listen to the elitists, listen to your pull towards art.

[pinkdogapples]

Don't ever be sorry for lengthy videos. I love learning from your knowledge! It's useful and there is so much value from it. I'm always looking forward to your videos!

[clairesweet]

Fran, you have been such a role model for me these last four+ years. Thank you for posting these videos and keeping my spirit up and helping me continue to be an artist. As soon as I can I want to support your patreon and Etsy :)

[hannahking]

Thank you so much. I graduated from university last year, and since then have had a change of heart, from interior design to illustration. Set up a small business last October, which is going well just putting in the foundations and trying my best to be consistent but these past couple of weeks have been hard. Creative block, lack of motivation/direction just everything swirling round in my head, this video has helped me so much in just going back to the basics, I'm still in the very early days so need to just take each day as it comes. Your advice is just what I needed to hear. Thanks so much.

[Littleb_beth]

Muchas gracias por este vídeo Fran. Yo estoy empezando en el mundo de la ilustración y si, es muy difícil. Pero de verdad veo tus vídeos y me animan a seguir adelante. Por eso muchas gracias. Saludoooos 😊

[ExigentZero]

I have seen many videos of your work and now your mentoring videos - and I am a fan!
You just gained another subscriber. Keep 'em coming.

[marycompton]

Thank you for this. I just stumbled upon this video, and it couldn't have come at a better time in my life. I am currently a college student working on my Associates degree and planning on going to art school to study art. This video really helped me understand that being an artist can be a struggle indeed but you just have me some great tools that have really boosted my confidences and made me realize that being an artist takes just as much work as being anything else in the world if not more, but it is entirely possible to succeed. Thank you again, and I hope to continue to watch your videos and see what else you have to offer for budding artists

[ChantelleArts]

This is super helpful, thanks for sharing 😊

[Mary-gzqw]

Before sending emails, etc., you should make sure your work is top - notch. Is your style developed enough yet? The market is saturated with artists, so your work needs to stand out as a professional. :)

[PinkOrchid]

Words cannot express my gratitude for this video. I will definitely take heed to your advice (I'm not really charismatic, but I think I can manage the other tips). Thank you again!