Whether it succeeds or fails, each project you launch is a stepping stone towards your next idea. Don’t bank so much on the success of one project that you don’t move on to the next one.
Do common things uncommonly well to set yourself apart.
Don’t force every idea to become a cash cow; leave some art just for yourself. You might still make money off of it, but don’t create it for that cause. Focus on the purity of the craft and let other endeavors (artistic or not) pay the bills.
Time spent perfecting your craft is not time wasted, and neither is time spent earning a living. Find the balance and appreciate both pursuits.
When you land your first clients as a new illustrator, you might feel unsure how to proceed. The following questions will clarify your project goals, foster relationships with clients and art directors, and help you act and feel more professional and confident. We still use many of these questions, even as professionals with years of experience!
1. How did you find me?
2. Which 1-3 pieces of mine do you like most? (This will inform how you approach the new project.)
3. Can you verify your contact information? (Emails with sketches and important updates can get lost without this step!)
4. What parts of this story/project would you like me to emphasize? (Read through the assignment thoroughly beforehand and ask as many clarifying questions as you can. Send loose sketches or even photographs that give your client an idea of the concept you envision so they can accept or correct it.)
5. Is there a template you want me to use? (Find out if you can move text around the page, how much bleed they need around the images, and what file format and color profile they want).
6. What is the deadline for this project? What is the deadline for these sketches? (Always turn in your work 1-2 days early for extra professionalism.)
7. What is your budget?
8. To an art director: I’m new to this; do you have any suggestions for me?
9. To an art director: Do you have any art director friends I could contact for future work?
10. To an art director: Would you keep me on your list to work with you again?
11. To an art director: Can I send you some work from time to time?
And that’s it! You’re on your way to professional client and art director relationships. It might feel scary at first, but remember that they like your work enough to hire you, and you can learn people skills just like you learned illustration. You can do this!
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