Strategies for Freelancing as a Digital Illustrator

It's a ⚡️HOT⚡️ topic right now—landing work as a FREELANCER—and having hired freelancers for 12+ years at GAP and eBay, and currently working as a consultant myself, I wanted to share my top strategies to help you "land" your next client... 1. Be Top of Mind Send out monthly availability updates to all producers and contacts, both current and prospective. A simple "Availability - Megan O'Brien AD July" type of email works wonders. Get creative too—consider sending a video text or another unique method to just provide a nice breath of fresh air from the millions of other stressful notes they receive! As someone hired to create and direct photography content, the goal is to stand out! 2. Be Original Don't send a generic note. You are the only YOU with your unique resume, gifts, talents, experiences. Make your communication personal! Share what excites you each month. For example, if I'm obsessed with shooting nature and tropical foliage, I might include a batch of a vibrant still-life images and say, "I love this color of ombre in this series." or "Spring is blooming." You catch the drift. 3. "Test" in Your Desired Space Testing can be tough, we all know, but it's essential. Before working with Levi's, I worked with savvy folks in the Bay Area on a classic Americana style creative exploration. When I sent my availability note, I'd add my recent test images to demonstrate why I specifically love art directing denim, how it's a blank canvas to tell stories, etc. Showcasing real-life examples as they might appear on a client’s site or socials is crucial. And, Producers love visuals. 4. Build Rapport Start your notes to clients with a open ended question, a check-in like, "How's business going this month?" or "I saw your new intimates launch, and the collection looks fantastic." Show genuine investment and authenticity. Remember, you are literally an extension of the brand and creative team. Don’t hesitate to share professional tidbits about yourself that enhance your work either. Being yourself- and human adds a personal touch that sets you apart. 5. Be Consistent You might feel like a stalker, (lord knows I have!) but consistency is key. Keep reaching out month after month, even year after year. Eventually, you’ll get a response like, "Love the inspo! Can we put you on hold for the week of XYZ?" Persistence pays off! And you just never know when it's your time! 6. Be Clear on Aligned brands (for you!!) Get CLEAR on who your ideal client is, and more importantly why? If you're an avid swimmer, surfer and also a photographer, that synergy is invaluable. Brands want to know how your passions align with their needs. As creatives, merging our lives and work creates an even more powerful connection! So, KEEP SHOWING UP, keep being YOU, and keep sending out those availability notes! There are amazing clients out there who can't wait to meet you. Here's to crushing the summer!

Freelancing Is Too Unstable to Be a Full-Time Career. You’ve heard it a million times… It’s what the naysayers and doubters love to proclaim. An unpredictable way to make ends meet. _____________________________________________ And for a while… I bought into it too. Guess what?? They are not entirely wrong. Lol As someone who used to be a freelancer (product packaging designer) here on Linkedin, I have had my own fair share of the harsh realities of freelancing & honestly, there are days you wish you hadn't listened to your friend “Sukki” & quit your 9-5 job because even though that environment was toxic, at least it gave you some form of job security. _____________________________________________ In 2022, I had built a thriving, full-time freelance career here. And I did it WITHOUT the constant uncertainty. How? A few simple strategies… _____________________________________________ 🔴Diversify Your Client Base. Don’t rely on just one or two clients. Spread the risk, and you’ll find stability. 🔴Master the Art of Upselling. Turn one-off projects into ongoing partnerships by offering extra value. _____________________________________________ 🔴Create a Personal Brand. Make yourself stand out. Show the world what makes you unique. 🔴Leverage Technology. Use the latest tools to streamline your workflow and connect with high-paying clients. 🔴Invest in Continuous Learning. Keep growing your skills, and you’ll stay in demand. _____________________________________________ 🔴Implement a Subscription-Based Model. This was a game-changer for me. Instead of waiting for clients to come to me sporadically, I offered my services on a subscription basis. Here’s how it works: I provided clients with a monthly package where they’d get a set number of design hours or projects each month. This gave them a predictable cost and ensured they always had my support when they needed it. For me, it meant a steady, predictable income stream. No more feast-or-famine cycle. And here’s a crucial lesson I learned the hard way: You don’t need 500 new clients every month to make ends meet. The larger the number, the more worn out you get, and the less chance you have of delivering quality work. Instead, you only need a few clients who truly value what you do. As long as you deliver, they’ll stick with you for life. _____________________________________________ I’ve put a more clear and thorough breakdown of these and more in a video course. Check my featured section to get started if you're a freelancer or professional looking to scale. Did you learn something new today?

Elevate Your Freelance Game: A Skill-Driven Approach Freelancing has shown me the power of creativity and strategy, teaching me how to balance innovative design with practical business decisions. Here’s what I’ve learned about navigating challenges, building strong client relationships, and staying inspired along the way. 1. Define Your Unique Voice: Your aesthetic and design ethos are your signature. Identify what makes your work stand out—whether it’s your approach to silhouettes, material innovation, or storytelling. Build a portfolio that consistently reflects your point of view. 2. Embrace the Business of Design: Freelancing isn’t just about creativity—it’s also about running a business. Master client communication, pricing, contracts, and timelines. Be clear on your value and never (never) undervalue your work to win a project. 3. Balance Creativity with Strategy: Time spent sketching, problem-solving and exploring ideas is essential. However, align your creative process with client goals and market demands. Creativity thrives when it has a purpose. 4. Build Strong Client Relationships: Deliver not just great work but also a great experience. Be proactive, professional, and communicative. Strong relationships often lead to repeat business and referrals. 5. Stay Adaptable: Client and consumer needs evolve constantly. Keep learning about new materials, techniques, and technologies. Adaptability helps you stay relevant and maintain long-term success. 6. Be Comfortable Wearing Many Hats: As a freelancer, you’re often the designer, marketer, project manager, and accountant. Learning how to juggle these roles effectively is key to sustaining your career. Still learning… 7. Know When to Say No: Not every project aligns with your skills or values. Learn to recognize when a project isn’t the right fit—whether due to budget, timeline, or creative direction—and politely decline. 8. Invest in Quality Tools and Resources: Whether it’s the latest design software, a reliable sketchpad, or a trusted network of collaborators, having the right tools and connections can elevate your work. 9. Be Patient and Persistent: Success in freelancing doesn’t happen overnight. Stay consistent, maintain high-quality work, and trust in your process. Celebrate small wins along the way. These skills have not only shaped my work but also transformed how I approach my career. What skills have been game-changers for you, what did I miss? #FreelanceDesign #ApparelDesign #CreativeBusiness #SkillBuilding Clients looking to collaborate on exceptional designs? Explore my online portfolio, and let’s connect! https://lnkd.in/eQ58BKKH

10 things that transformed my freelance business: 1️⃣ Request Payment Upfront → Always ask for a 50% deposit or full payment before starting.   → Set clear deadlines for any remaining payments. 2️⃣ Use a Freelance Contract → Your contract should cover everything: scope, deadlines, and payment terms.   → Include a notice period (two weeks at least) if either party wants to end the project. 3️⃣ Set Clear Boundaries → Define your working hours and when you’re available.   → Inform clients in advance about any planned absences or unavailability. 4️⃣ Stay Organized with Records → Keep your documents well-organized by client or project.   → Use cloud-based storage so you can easily access everything from anywhere. 5️⃣ Clarify Deliverables → Make it clear what’s included in each project and what’s not.   → Provide a timeline for when deliverables will be submitted and approved. 6️⃣ Upgrade Your Services → Regularly improve your offerings and adjust pricing based on the value you’re delivering.   → Launch new services in response to client needs and feedback. 7️⃣ Create a Standard Onboarding Process → Have a clear and consistent process for bringing on new clients.   → Send them an email outlining next steps and setting expectations. 8️⃣ Showcase Case Studies → Use detailed case studies in your portfolio to show your impact.   → Highlight before-and-after examples to demonstrate the results you deliver. 9️⃣ Focus on Long-Term Client Relationships → Regularly check in with your clients to discuss progress and gather feedback.   → Be transparent and address any concerns quickly to build trust. 🔟 Review and Adjust Your Rates → Make a habit of reviewing and updating your rates regularly.   → Be prepared to explain the value behind any price increase. If you’re freelancing:   Plan: Implement these strategies from the beginning.   Execute: Use them on every project.   Reflect: Continuously review and improve. These changes helped me streamline my business, making things easier for both me and my clients. P.S. Want a detailed freelance checklist? It’s in my newsletter today! Get it here: https://lnkd.in/eHZPeVP2