For people that interested to become a freelance illustrator, there are several things that you must do as part of the groundwork. Until and unless you are prepared mentally, it becomes difficult for you to adapt yourself to the freelance market because it is totally different from the full-time field.
Through this article, you can learn more about some of the most important things that every individual must incorporate in their life when they are planning to switch the career and become a full-time freelancer.
- Have a backup plan
If you are already working in a well-established company as an illustrator and if you have plans of becoming a freelance illustrator, it is mandatory that you have a solid backup plan. When you are working as a full-time freelance illustrator at dormzi or any other agency, it is mandatory that you start building upon your connections and also have enough references that can help you to get projects when you start working as an illustrator in the freelance industry.
Apart from this, it is also important that you have a financial backup plan as well. As you are already aware, the freelancing industry goes through several ups and downs, and it is one of the most fluctuating markets.
Sustaining in this industry requires a lot of perseverance and also financial backup. When you are not able to make money as illustrators, the amount that you have accumulated as a full-time employee must come handy to you else you might become frustrated. Therefore, having backup plans are extremely important.
- Focus on your skillset
Another important thing that would help you to become a freelancer is to focus on the skillset that you have. As a full-time employee, you might be restricted from working on several projects, but, at the same time, you may not have the opportunity to upgrade your skills, unless and until the project demands.
But, as a freelancer, you have to be aware of each and every technology related to the illustration industry else, it can become extremely difficult and sometimes even impossible to find even a single project to work upon.
The clients that belong to the freelance industry would always be interested in a person who has advanced technology skills, and they would certainly not have time to entertain people who are still amateurs in the areas of technology. This is yet another important thing that every individual who is aspiring to become a freelance illustrator must focus upon without fail.
- Observe the industry
Even before you make hasty decisions and turn yourself into freelance illustrators, spend some quality time in understanding the freelance market. It is also recommended that you register a profile of yours on some of the freelance websites and start building upon the projects that you want to work on.
By doing this, you would be able to understand the kind of clients that you can get to work with and also the assignments that you can handle. Along with these, you would also be able to understand the workflow and the kind of processes that is involved in the freelance industry. With all the methods followed, you will be able to easily establish yourself as a freelancer in the areas of illustration easily.
- Don’t rush
Let the transition happen slowly and take its own time. You should never rush to become a freelancer because this industry is extremely fluctuating. Without doing all the above steps that are mentioned above, you would never be able to come out as a successful illustrator at all.
You must give yourself an ample amount of time and try to balance things. A majority of freelancers would always be under the impression regarding the work when they become a freelancer.
The freelance industry certainly gives you a lot of freedom to operate at your convenience, but that does not mean you become casual about the work that you accept. The payment in the freelance industry is directly linked with your submission of the project, and they are pretty strict about it. Therefore, it is essential to let the transition happen at its own pace and not by rushing.
- Focus on building on a compelling profile
Another important thing that you must remember when you are planning to launch yourself as an illustrator is to work on your profile. It is mandatory to have a profile that is not just attractive in terms of looks but also appealing in terms of content and the skill sets that you have acquired in the past. Having such a good profile would always help you to build on your client base.
These are some of the most important things that every illustrator that is planning to become a freelancer must follow in order to become successful and also establish themselves in the freelance industry without any problems.
