A career as a freelance illustrator is one of the most lucrative job opportunities in today’s age. You can work from the comfort of your home without a nagging manager trying to wrap you around your finger. However, every freelance illustrator can agree that finding a reliable space in a saturated market can be challenging.
With such competition, many freelance editors struggle with a lack of opportunities. While many think that the market is to be blamed for this problem, the solution to it lies in your hands. After all, being a freelance illustrator is not only about the skill. It also involves strategizing.
Every freelance illustrator needs to look into ways to promote themselves through different mediums. You cannot rely on a few clients that come around once in a while. Instead, you must reach out for the opportunities and make them yours.
Here are some effective tips that can help freelance illustrators become more discoverable.
1. Understand Your Niche
Every freelance illustrator is always recommended to diversify their talents by working through different mediums and styles. It is important for you to have the know-how about how one medium differs from another. To diversify your portfolio, it is best to have doable skills for all mediums.
However, one person cannot be an expert on everything, and it is important to admit this fact. It is important to understand what you are good at and keep working on the skills you lack. Defining your niche is the best way to attract the right clients for the job.
In addition, sharing your expertise with the world is also a great way of standing out in the crowd. People needing services on big and small projects can be more confident working with you and can ask for samples to further clarify any doubts.
2. Build Your Portfolio
Finding more opportunities in your field is all about standing out in your field. Many can agree that there is no better way to stand out and showcase your talent than with a portfolio. A portfolio is one of the best ways to represent why a potential client must hire you.
While every client may not require a portfolio, having one can increase your chances of being hired. Freelance illustrators are recommended to showcase at least 8-10 of their best projects to get a potential client’s attention.
It is crucial to ensure that the shown projects are diverse in style and medium. This way, people can understand your experience and expertise better. It is best to also share your experience in terms how what you learned from it and how it shaped your professional career.
3. Use Social Media
Whether you are an introvert by nature or like to head out and meet people, everyone understands that it is important to have a social media presence to connect with people and learn more every day. However, many professionals are too late to realize that it is also an ideal platform to become more discoverable.
Social media platforms are ideal for freelance illustrators, especially beginners, to showcase their talents. This way, you can receive words of praise from different people. In addition, they can also share your work and help grow your professional network.
Besides showcasing your work and talents, social media platforms can also help you connect with potential clients. Many businesses and individuals use social media to hunt for talent. A well-maintained social media profile can help you stand out among your competitors.
4. Ask for Referrals
When a freelancer put their best effort into work, it becomes more valuable than the payment received. A brilliant illustration holds the power to make many more clients work with you. However, there are not a lot of ways to get in touch with them.
The best way among the limited options is to ask your satisfied clients for referrals. After all, there is a great chance that your client has the same network as you and may have someone looking for the same services.
It is best to remember that you do not rely on clients alone for referrals. If you are new to the field, you can ask your friends and family members for referrals. It is one of the best ways for freelance illustrators to jumpstart their careers and gain familiarity with the local market.
5. Respond in Time
Every freelance editor can agree that there is a lot of competition in the field. It can be hard to stand out in a market where so many people offer competitive rates and services. You must improve every aspect of your profession to stay on top.
One such important thing is to be responsive to their clients. Of course, it does not mean that you stay alert even when you are about to sleep. But, making up for it during your active hours is important. Otherwise, you may find yourself at a loss for many opportunities.
Think from a client’s perspective for a while. When hiring a service, they are talking to many potential freelance illustrators. In such situations, replying to their queries quickly can increase your chances of being hired by a company or an individual.
6. Perfect Your Pitch
It is important to remember that whether you reach out to an individual or a business with an offer depends on so many factors for your email to be noticed. The recipient may be busy, or your mail may get lost in a series of others.
However, a worthwhile offer can grab any client’s attention. It is one of your best shots, so it’s best to make it count. You can set the strong basis of your pitch by researching a bit about your client and telling them how your services can help them or their business.
In addition, it is also important to let your potential client know what sets you apart. Whether it’s your years of experience or unmatched customer service, talking about the best bits can help your client set expectations and hopes for you.
