Find illustration work | How to get started as a freelance artist

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Artists always get told to simply keep posting on social media and eventually they'll get discovered. But is that really the best way to find illustration work? In this video I tell you about the best 4 proactive ways to find clients NOW. I also give you a free guide listing even more ways!

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[ArtBusinesswithNess]

Thank you for stopping by, illustrators! 😊 What is a illustration gig you've had in the past (commission, contract, etc!), and what is a gig you would love to get in the future? Comment below and let me know!

[kickassets]

Probably the realist, professional, and transparent artist I've discovered online.

[anshulsoni]

Key points

1) Cold email to companies
2) email newsletters
3) contact agents
4) conventions and book fairs

[Unukadesign]

Yes! I’m on my way to doing that as well! Finding clients instead of waiting for them to find me 🙈🤣🤦🏽‍♀️ I’m just needing to set up my portfolio for my niche 🙏🏽

[elbowmacaroni]

I was paid a flat rate to design one book cover, Illustrated for a company in New York that paid me a 20% commission for artwork sold for reproduction rights, and freelanced for local businesses and private concerns. I already had a career in the cooperate world but now that I am retired, I want to utilize my skills at a professional level. I just need help ascertaining the knowledge I need. I find your videos very informative . I am genuinely looking forward to putting them in action! I'm not sure what kind of gigs I'm looking for yet but i enjoy cartooning, caricature, and fine illustration work reflecting universal life Thank you!

[victorialynn]

I would love to see my illustrations on products through art licensing, as well as, children's book covers and picture books.

[jeanna]

Thanks for talking about something other than posting on social media haha! It was helpful and nice to hear something different :)

[chattoeart]

Honestly, it's really eye-opening, when you start self-employment. I assumed it would be as easy as saying _"commissions open"_ or send out one or two emails.

These are some really good tips. I'm not sure how the "newsletter" one works, though. Also, I always have a habit of personalising my emails too much. 50 cold emails in one sitting is an incredibly quick rate.

[ctcjxos]

Thank you, finding an agency is a great idea ! :)

[glazzygobbler]

i really love your points! thank you for being so thorough and genuinely providing good advice to people!

[erroneous]

thanks so much for this! will definitely watch your other vids about freelancing 😊

[NC-ijrb]

Very valuable info! Thank you so much for making yhis video.

[anis]

Hey. I just resigned from my job to start illustrating. Really your video is helpful.

[delhiheroin]

thanks very much for this - very helpful + comprehensive!

[lixiaolong]

Thank you for your tips. I hope to get more Illustration works in the future.

[layonn]

I appreciate you so much for making this video! I'm already on the path for the "client prospecting" thing, but I have been through a lot of mental breakdowns and It helps me put my head back on the place! :)

[apeachplays]

Thank you soso much for this video. I have been really stuck and confused on where to go next with trying to figure out how to further my illustration career!

[nehalhalim]

I love your videos and the topics you pick❤

[elburko]

Thank you! This was great! Helpful and cuts right to the biz essentials because as you point out time is money!

Yes, I just finished my third book illustration gig. All have been with authors who I met by chance locally or who have seen my whimsical paintings in local galleries or cafes or my my wacky postcards for the funky little tourist town and businesses where I until recently lived.
A rock drummer with a highly successful metal band fell in love with one of my paintings, which is an illustration basically in acrylics and bought it for $1400.

I'm really proud of the last book especially along with some of my own coming to fruition and feel like it's time to spread out and take things to the next level or three, confident that with a little luck, timing and right focus on the biz side I can reach and delight many more people.

Thanks again! I feel like I have an ally and virtual friend. I had to click through a not so useful digital desert to find you!

[idontknowaboutthat]

Thank you for this! Very good information, encouraging and helpful!