Do You Have What it Takes to Freelance As an Illustrator or Graphic Designer?

Many part-time and full-time creative arts professionals seek freelancing at some point in their careers. Whether they are laid-off, downsized, or seek a career change, many graphic designers and illustrators choose freelancing rather than working for an employee. Aside from the flexibility and freedom from the chaotic office schedule, freelancing enables you to manage your own time and set your own creative, professional and financial goals.

Illustrating or graphic designing is a growing industry. Even with the recession, freelancing remains abundant in this industry. Most clients arrange graphic design jobs on a per project basis, and many potential clients prefer to hire freelance illustrators or graphic designers instead of hiring regular employees.

Defined as "self-employed, sub-contractors who market their design/art skills by the project to several potential clients," freelance illustrators or graphic designers also serve as the boss, office manager, secretary, a member of the sales staff, the marketing decision-maker, the maintenance staff and the mailperson -- all packaged neatly into one person.

If you are in the field of illustration or graphic design and you are seeking freelance jobs or projects, then you can start building, promoting and marketing yourself with a website and portfolio. According to most freelance illustrators and graphic designers who are into the field of freelancing, a freelance artist of graphic designer should possess a dedicated passion for a demanding job and working with different clients in different industries.

Here are some of my tips if you plan to freelance full-time or part-time as an illustrator or graphic designer:

1. Determine and set your goals. Just like in any job, freelancing as an illustrator or graphic designer will require you to create your goals before you create new ones. Since freelancing can be time-consuming -- especially if you're just starting out -- you need to contemplate if you should drop your regular job and if you can handle a variety of meticulous and demanding clients. Determining and setting your goals is asking yourself what you are getting out of the career shift and what made you decide to do this.

2. Assess yourself and your skills. Freelancing means you believe you have enough experience, discipline, knowledge, and expertise in the field you are specializing. Also assess if you have the motivation and ambition to turn your skills into a success.

Also, ask yourself if you have the willingness and the patience to start from scratch. I think it's important that you have the talent, drive, and motivation so you can generate more income from your potential clients.

3. Check your business acumen. Knowing different business routes and knowing how to run a business will help you become a successful freelance illustrator or graphics designer.

4. Are you a procrastinator or decision-maker? Decision-making is important as a freelancer. Freelancing requires you to make decisions throughout your day regarding projects, clients, marketing, and so on. Since you'll be making many decisions, you should learn how to decide wisely as soon as possible.

5. Check your overall attitude towards shifting to a new working environment. Before finally jumping into freelancing, ask yourself how you will handle stress, possible rejection, competition, and different clients' attitudes.