What are the most effective ways to secure commissions as a new freelance illustrator?
Replies3
- Great question @Catherine Davies, I've just sent you a DM!
- You need to build a client list of art directors who work at companies you'd like to work with. It depends on whether you're interested in Editorial, Publishing, Advertising, or something else. If you're interested in Editorial, going to a newsagent and looking at the mastheads of magazines (the list of editors etc, usually on the first page) and then researching them online through LinkedIn or whatever is a good place to start. Publishing can be a bit trickier but you can find people with a bit of digging. Send out work to them regularly but not too often to stay on their radar. Also look at local companies who might be hiring.Mostly it's about being consistent and having a solid idea of what you want to do, as well as having a visual sensibility about what the publication does.
- I suggest being honest about what you enjoy working on and your capabilities. Instinct might lean towards appearing as open as possible; however, if you aren't honest about what you prefer to do, you may end up with jobs that you aren't prepared for.
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