4 answers
Rebecca
Student
Mustang, Oklahoma
1
Question
Asked
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What is the hardest part about becoming an established freelance artist? #Spring25
I'm considering becoming a freelance artist; however it seems as if it would be difficult for an artist to become established and be able to earn enough to support himself.
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4 answers
Wyatt s Miles
Animator
32
Answers
Dayton, ID
Updated
Wyatt s’s Answer
Dear Rebecca,
I think the hardest part about becoming a freelance artist just comes down to discipline/dedication. I would not say that I am in high demand at the present, that would be a huge stretch, but I do have a reputation of quality work, if nothing else. It's really difficult to go it alone, so I would highly recommend teaming up, if you can, with as many good, like-minding, and like-hearted people as you can. I have been freelancing almost exclusively with the same company for almost five years now.
I have been working in the Animation Industry for over 20 years now, and more than half of that time as a freelancer. Hope this helps a little.
Sincerely,
Wyatt
I think the hardest part about becoming a freelance artist just comes down to discipline/dedication. I would not say that I am in high demand at the present, that would be a huge stretch, but I do have a reputation of quality work, if nothing else. It's really difficult to go it alone, so I would highly recommend teaming up, if you can, with as many good, like-minding, and like-hearted people as you can. I have been freelancing almost exclusively with the same company for almost five years now.
I have been working in the Animation Industry for over 20 years now, and more than half of that time as a freelancer. Hope this helps a little.
Sincerely,
Wyatt
Thank you, Wyatt s!
Rebecca
You're very welcome Rebecca. Also, if you have any more specific questions, I'm happy to help. I'm more of a case study in how to keep going through the seemingly impossible and not a story of wild success.
Wyatt s Miles
Doug Wilson
Artist/Productions of short Films/graphic design
6
Answers
Indiana, IN
Updated
Doug’s Answer
Hi Rebecca,
Let me introduce myself. My name is Douglas Wilson and I am indeed a freelance artist and have been for quite a few years and before I got really serious with it and started my own small business in Arts and Design I must say that you are definitely right. Especially when you love to do all different types of Arts. For example, I opened my business almost a year ago and I have not been able to make any real money to speak of and I spend all my time with Art. Digital Arts Design, I've produced alot of short Films, written short stories, traditional art, and even alot of contemporary arts. It is tough. My problem I think is that I have to many projects always going at the same time and its extremely time consuming. The best way to do it is to figure out which is your greatest work and focus on that. And then you have to find a client,which is not easy to find someone who's going to pay for quality work, I have not found a way yet. That was until I discovered that my niche is writing, according to the people that I get opinions from about the stories I write and they say that I am excellent writer. So I turned my business into a Literary Arts and Design business into just that. DBA it as CRAFTSWORK ART-MEDIA PRODUCTIONS © and I have a good feeling that I might finally find a way to make some money. Who knows thou, and another tough thing is us artist do everything ourselves.... I mean the script,the proofreading, the editing,the whole thing down to the work itself. So yeah that is a great question, I hope I helped you a little.
Best,.
Douglas Wilson
Let me introduce myself. My name is Douglas Wilson and I am indeed a freelance artist and have been for quite a few years and before I got really serious with it and started my own small business in Arts and Design I must say that you are definitely right. Especially when you love to do all different types of Arts. For example, I opened my business almost a year ago and I have not been able to make any real money to speak of and I spend all my time with Art. Digital Arts Design, I've produced alot of short Films, written short stories, traditional art, and even alot of contemporary arts. It is tough. My problem I think is that I have to many projects always going at the same time and its extremely time consuming. The best way to do it is to figure out which is your greatest work and focus on that. And then you have to find a client,which is not easy to find someone who's going to pay for quality work, I have not found a way yet. That was until I discovered that my niche is writing, according to the people that I get opinions from about the stories I write and they say that I am excellent writer. So I turned my business into a Literary Arts and Design business into just that. DBA it as CRAFTSWORK ART-MEDIA PRODUCTIONS © and I have a good feeling that I might finally find a way to make some money. Who knows thou, and another tough thing is us artist do everything ourselves.... I mean the script,the proofreading, the editing,the whole thing down to the work itself. So yeah that is a great question, I hope I helped you a little.
Best,.
Douglas Wilson
Kelly Smyth
Visual development, character design, storyboards
24
Answers
Cupertino, California
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
For me the hardest part is meeting new people and remembering to keep tabs with them. I'm generally a solitary and not very outgoing person, so meeting others for the first time is hard. Granted, it's easier to find artists like me online, but I still have to put in that effort to maintain a business relationship, and if we don't end up becoming friends I'm not quite as eager to ask questions. But it's something I'm trying to improve with practice, though. The few people who have answered my requests for advice have offered incredible insight.
Jessica Ruyle
Executive Content Creator
10
Answers
Croswell, Michigan
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Hi Rebecca!
Building rapport and a solid reputation as a freelance artist definitely takes time. I currently work full-time as a designer, but I also take on freelance projects here and there. The experience I’ve gained through my full-time role has really helped me build confidence—not just in my skills, but also in how to communicate effectively with clients. It’s also helped me figure out what kind of creative work I enjoy most outside of my day job.
If you're looking to get started with freelance work right away, platforms like Fiverr can be a great way to find gigs that match your interests. I’ve also had success through community-based social media groups—Facebook groups for your local area, for example—where people often look for design help.
Having a portfolio is incredibly valuable. It gives potential clients a clear idea of what you can do and helps them feel more confident choosing you for their projects. Be open to any opportunities that come your way—the more projects you take on and the more clients you work with, the more your confidence will grow, and so will your freelance client base.
Hope that helps!
Building rapport and a solid reputation as a freelance artist definitely takes time. I currently work full-time as a designer, but I also take on freelance projects here and there. The experience I’ve gained through my full-time role has really helped me build confidence—not just in my skills, but also in how to communicate effectively with clients. It’s also helped me figure out what kind of creative work I enjoy most outside of my day job.
If you're looking to get started with freelance work right away, platforms like Fiverr can be a great way to find gigs that match your interests. I’ve also had success through community-based social media groups—Facebook groups for your local area, for example—where people often look for design help.
Having a portfolio is incredibly valuable. It gives potential clients a clear idea of what you can do and helps them feel more confident choosing you for their projects. Be open to any opportunities that come your way—the more projects you take on and the more clients you work with, the more your confidence will grow, and so will your freelance client base.
Hope that helps!