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What What freelance illustration and/or fine art jobs are available to me as an almost college graduate and illustrator? ?
What freelance illustration and/or fine art jobs are available to me as an almost college graduate and illustrator?
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7 answers
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Dr’s Answer
Hey Maggie!
First off—congrats on being so close to graduation! That’s a huge step, and it’s amazing that you're already thinking about freelance work. The art world can feel like a maze sometimes, but there are definitely plenty of paths to take, especially in illustration and fine art.
Now, Waiswa and Tim nailed the importance of building a strong portfolio and getting yourself on platforms like ArtStation, Behance, and Upwork. The truth is, in the art world, your portfolio speaks louder than your degree. The more visible you are, the better your chances of landing gigs.
Oh and, Kelvin’s suggestion of learning motion design is spot on too—illustration paired with animation opens up a whole new level of earning potential. Clients love artists who can offer multiple skills in one package.
Nooowwww, What’s Next?
Okay so, Now that you’ve got those great suggestions, here’s how I’d recommend tying everything together! 🥸
1. Create a Portfolio That Tells a Story
Instead of just posting random pieces, try curating your portfolio around a niche or style. Are you into editorial art, fantasy worlds, portraits, or digital mixed media? Clients love hiring artists with a clear voice.
2. Diversify Your Income Streams
Start with freelance commissions through Instagram, ArtStation, and Behance.
Join print-on-demand sites like Redbubble or Society6 to sell your work passively.
Reach out to local businesses—coffee shops, boutiques, and small brands always need custom artwork.
Try digital platforms like Patreon or Ko-fi to get paid for behind-the-scenes content or tutorials.
3. Build Relationships, Not Just a Portfolio
Networking in the art world matters as much as your work. Engage with other artists on social media, join Discord communities, and DM artists or illustrators you admire—most people love to give advice if you reach out kindly.
4. Motion Design + Illustration = Superpower
If you’re open to it, picking up After Effects or Procreate Animation will make your services way more attractive. Even simple animated GIFs can boost your commission rates.
5. Pitch Yourself Directly to Clients
Sometimes waiting for clients on platforms like Upwork can take ages. Don’t be afraid to email local authors, indie game developers, or small businesses with your portfolio. The worst they can say is no!
Freelance art is all about patience and persistence—there’s no magic shortcut. 😏But the fact that you're thinking about this now tells me you’ve got what it takes. If you're willing to put yourself out there, build connections, and keep learning, you'll find your rhythm.😎
If you want help with pitching anything—just let me know! You've got this Maggie, good luck! 🤗
First off—congrats on being so close to graduation! That’s a huge step, and it’s amazing that you're already thinking about freelance work. The art world can feel like a maze sometimes, but there are definitely plenty of paths to take, especially in illustration and fine art.
Now, Waiswa and Tim nailed the importance of building a strong portfolio and getting yourself on platforms like ArtStation, Behance, and Upwork. The truth is, in the art world, your portfolio speaks louder than your degree. The more visible you are, the better your chances of landing gigs.
Oh and, Kelvin’s suggestion of learning motion design is spot on too—illustration paired with animation opens up a whole new level of earning potential. Clients love artists who can offer multiple skills in one package.
Nooowwww, What’s Next?
Okay so, Now that you’ve got those great suggestions, here’s how I’d recommend tying everything together! 🥸
1. Create a Portfolio That Tells a Story
Instead of just posting random pieces, try curating your portfolio around a niche or style. Are you into editorial art, fantasy worlds, portraits, or digital mixed media? Clients love hiring artists with a clear voice.
2. Diversify Your Income Streams
Start with freelance commissions through Instagram, ArtStation, and Behance.
Join print-on-demand sites like Redbubble or Society6 to sell your work passively.
Reach out to local businesses—coffee shops, boutiques, and small brands always need custom artwork.
Try digital platforms like Patreon or Ko-fi to get paid for behind-the-scenes content or tutorials.
3. Build Relationships, Not Just a Portfolio
Networking in the art world matters as much as your work. Engage with other artists on social media, join Discord communities, and DM artists or illustrators you admire—most people love to give advice if you reach out kindly.
4. Motion Design + Illustration = Superpower
If you’re open to it, picking up After Effects or Procreate Animation will make your services way more attractive. Even simple animated GIFs can boost your commission rates.
5. Pitch Yourself Directly to Clients
Sometimes waiting for clients on platforms like Upwork can take ages. Don’t be afraid to email local authors, indie game developers, or small businesses with your portfolio. The worst they can say is no!
Freelance art is all about patience and persistence—there’s no magic shortcut. 😏But the fact that you're thinking about this now tells me you’ve got what it takes. If you're willing to put yourself out there, build connections, and keep learning, you'll find your rhythm.😎
If you want help with pitching anything—just let me know! You've got this Maggie, good luck! 🤗
Thank you for reaching out with such a thorough response, Dr H! My art has a colorful, painterly style and I'm mostly interested in editorial and fine art but would be open to any job. Putting yourself out there is definitely difficult, and I appreciate the advice! I may reach out in the future If I have questions about pitching myself. :)
Maggie
I’m so glad you found my advice helpful! Your colorful, painterly style sounds amazing, and editorial and fine art are fantastic paths. Putting yourself out there is definitely tough, but trust me, the more you do it, the easier it gets! And absolutely—if you ever need help with pitching or anything else, just reach out. You’ve got so much talent, and I know you’re going to do great things!
I want to share with you this previous experience of mine.
I remember meeting an examiner, during my exam, when I first spoke to her I was shocked to hear she had a degree in art and she was doing something she didn't want to do just to earn. I guided her around building her profile!
Dr H
After 1 week .... She was handling her own clients and now probably opened up her own course, or maybe she is waiting for my return 😏😉.XD.
My point is, you have a great show, and I believe you can do it just like I believed in her and she showed it proof. So can you dear! 🤗
Dr H
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Hey Maggie!
I totally agree that building your portfolio in a way that’s easy to share with potential clients is key. I created mine using Wix, which was super simple to set up. With 10+ years of experience, I narrowed my focus to what I truly love—logos, print, and digital marketing—and showcased five examples of my work in each category.
I also keep an eye on local Facebook groups, where I’ve found great opportunities from people looking for design work or promoting their businesses. Having a website to share in these situations is invaluable—it gives potential clients a clear idea of what you offer and helps you stand out.
I don’t include pricing on my site, just my email, so clients can reach out and start a conversation. While you can have set pricing, I prefer to be flexible for those working within a budget. If a client’s budget is lower than my standard package, I adjust my offerings to match their price point while clearly communicating what’s included and any potential extra costs (like additional revisions).
I totally agree that building your portfolio in a way that’s easy to share with potential clients is key. I created mine using Wix, which was super simple to set up. With 10+ years of experience, I narrowed my focus to what I truly love—logos, print, and digital marketing—and showcased five examples of my work in each category.
I also keep an eye on local Facebook groups, where I’ve found great opportunities from people looking for design work or promoting their businesses. Having a website to share in these situations is invaluable—it gives potential clients a clear idea of what you offer and helps you stand out.
I don’t include pricing on my site, just my email, so clients can reach out and start a conversation. While you can have set pricing, I prefer to be flexible for those working within a budget. If a client’s budget is lower than my standard package, I adjust my offerings to match their price point while clearly communicating what’s included and any potential extra costs (like additional revisions).
Updated
Kelvin’s Answer
Hi Maggie, I'm Kelvin, a UI/UX Designer. To answer your question, I think learning motion design would be great because it pairs well with illustration.
I work in both UI/UX Design and illustration, and when a client asks for illustrations, I charge extra for that. If you pick up illustration and motion design, you can earn more money.
Master how to illustrate
Learn motion design
Showcase your work
I work in both UI/UX Design and illustration, and when a client asks for illustrations, I charge extra for that. If you pick up illustration and motion design, you can earn more money.
Kelvin recommends the following next steps:
Thank you for reaching out, Kelvin! Motion design isn't something I've thought of doing specifically, but I used to experiment with animation in high school. Is there a program you recommend more than others?
Maggie
Updated
Tim’s Answer
I'm going to compound on Waiswa's answer. For freelance roles you don't need to be a graduate in most cases, you just need to have a good portfolio. Make sure that you have a portfolio available online somewhere so someone can check you out and can pick you. Artstation is a great free option.
Then for freelance roles, artstation, unworkable, behance, and even fiverr are good site to look for positions to apply/bid on. The hard part is how do you price yourself? My best answer to that is just look at other people in your field on those sites and see what they are charging.
Then for freelance roles, artstation, unworkable, behance, and even fiverr are good site to look for positions to apply/bid on. The hard part is how do you price yourself? My best answer to that is just look at other people in your field on those sites and see what they are charging.
Thank you, Tim! Pricing is a difficult thing that I've already had talks about in class. It seems like it depends on the job. Should I include pricing on my website or Artstation?
Maggie
Updated
Kamagi’s Answer
Going in the freelance direction, you have many options. For options to pursue yourself, I've worked with sites like Upwork. You can browse jobs people post, bid on them, and write a quick proposal to them telling them why you're the best option. Before going for any jobs, fill out your account to showcase your illustrations, other digital artworks you may have, education, and experience to help you win the jobs.
If you'd rather do freelancing in-terms of contract work with companies, I'd highly suggest LinkedIn. There are many companies posting jobs for contract work, some for a couple of months, some for 6 months, some for a year. It really varies. This route is a bit more freelancing in a more "professional" sense, as some may say, but both will help you get work experience and help you build a portfolio full of paid work. Granted, you don't already have one of these, and if you do, you just get to add to it.
If you'd rather do freelancing in-terms of contract work with companies, I'd highly suggest LinkedIn. There are many companies posting jobs for contract work, some for a couple of months, some for 6 months, some for a year. It really varies. This route is a bit more freelancing in a more "professional" sense, as some may say, but both will help you get work experience and help you build a portfolio full of paid work. Granted, you don't already have one of these, and if you do, you just get to add to it.
Thank you, Kamagi! I have a few paid jobs that I've already done through my school, which I'm incorporating into my portfolio website. Would you recommend separate portfolios?
Maggie
No problem! When I make my own portfolios, or portfolios for others, it depends on what they are making. If all your works are digital art related, then I'd put them all in one portfolio with headers separating the works into categories. Example: One header saying "Logo Design" and under that having all your logo designs. Then another header saying "Book Illustrations" and all your book illustrations under that. Let me know if you need any help building your portfolio site or would like any tips 😄👍.
Kamagi Dungji
Updated
Fallon’s Answer
Try posting some of your art on sites such as deviantart.com also try ArtPal. I've found this to be a good site to get lots of views fast. You may even get sales and shares. Also, establish a profile on LinkedIn. Hope this helps!
Thank you, Fallon! Didn't know how great ArtPal was :)
Maggie
You're welcome. I wish a lot of success your way!
Fallon Taylor
Updated
Waiswa’s Answer
You're about to graduate and pursue a career in illustration, with an interest in freelance opportunities in both illustration and fine art. Potential paths include editorial, book, commercial, and digital illustration, as well as fine art commissions, murals, and gallery exhibitions. To find work, you can use online platforms (Upwork, ArtStation, Behance), network at events, and directly reach out to clients. Success comes from building a strong portfolio, developing a unique style, marketing yourself, and staying organized.
Thank you, Waiswa! I appreciate the response
Maggie