I actually have a couple of weeks to myself at the moment, with nowhere I have to particularly be and no meetings (as of yet...) so I think I'm going to use this time to work on current jobs and also change my illustration branding, website etc.
I feel very lucky to be able to work freelance doing something I love and live in London. The fact I've been paying my rent for almost ten months now without a 'proper job' still surprises me! But just lately I've had a few let downs with jobs, missed out on commissions and dealt with clients who expect me to change my whole artistic style to fit in with what they want, instead of them commissioning the right person in the first place.
I don't want this to sound like a moan at all, as I absolutely love what I do, but it would be great to hear from other freelancers (arty or otherwise) about their client experiences and generally dealing with the overlapping work/life balance that a freelance career inevitably brings?
I recently bought the Computer Arts Self-Promo Handbook and it's really inspired me to want to make a bit of a change with the way I get work and brand myself. I suppose I was aware of a lot of the tips and advice already, but having it all laid out in easy to read snippets has drummed it into my head a lot more sufficiently!
So over the next few weeks (I hope!) there will be a big change in my branding, website and general web presence. I also then want to work out a social media schedule, keeping on top of updates and generally getting myself 'out there' in front of the right people.
I also want to start selling lots of illustrated products through online stores and re-start my clothing label, making things using illustrated fabric from my own patterns. Not a lot then, eh?! :)
My problem is I want to do everything, now. But I think making a plan and sticking to deadlines and small regular goals for myself is the best way to go. Again, any other freelancers reading this with helpful tips would be great! I think another part of my plan should be working on networking and getting to know other artists. I spend far too much time cooped up in my studio (ahem, living room) working away and not engaging with other people.
I hope writing all this here will be a good reminder of what I want to achieve and push me into sticking to it... I love seeing other illustrators becoming successful, having huge numbers of followers on social media, making great work and getting awesome collaborations, but I'm also insanely jealous!! Ha.
I hope I can do the same with a bit of determination, patience and a decent pencil...
