Product Description

Technology has sent shockwaves of change through the world of commercial art. Digital illustration and design, online portfolio sites, and the proliferation of stock art have radically changed the way that illustrators and graphic designers work. What has not changed, however, is the wealth of illustrators and graphic designers hoping to turn their talent into freelance success. More than ever, artists face questions such as how to get started, how to sell their work, how to promote themselves, and what to do once they are working. For those embarking on freelance careers in illustration or graphic design, the answers have arrived. A twenty-five year veteran in the field, Michael Fleishman, has detailed every business aspect of commercial art in Starting Your Career as a Freelance Illustrator or Graphic Designer.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #76989 in Books
• Published on: 2001-12-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

Review
“A great deal of information obtained only by the ‘live and learn’ method is packed into the book’s chapters.” -- The Artist’s Magazine

“Quick and easy to read, full of examples of humorous illustrations.” -- How Magazine

From the Publisher
Starting Your Career as a Freelance Illustrator or Graphic Designer shows readers how to find jobs and analyze what markets are right for them. Entire chapters are devoted to explaining the nuances of selling one's work to magazines, newspapers, ad agencies, book publishers, greeting card companies, small businesses, Web sites, and more. Freelance illustrators and graphic designers will find the author's Ten Commandments of Freelancing as well professional viewpoints from dozens of industry veterans.

This indispensable guide also details: •preparing a portfolio •making initial contacts •developing a financial plan •acquiring supplies and equipment •pricing one's work •marketing and self-promotion •Internet tools for illustrators and graphic designers

From the Author
For beginning professionals, working professionals wishing to make a change, and entrepreneurs wanting to go out on their own, Fleishman emphasizes the need for balance and self-discipline. "Behind the glitter of those ‘important' jobs lies your everyday world," he observes. "As a freelancer, you must diligently face the small daily drudgeries with the same aplomb you show these ‘bigger' responsibilities."

Customer Reviews

More for graphic artists than illustrators, but good inspiration
My interests are much more in illustration rather than graphic design, so I frequently had to scan past a lot of the material that a graphic designer could use. There is a lot of great information here on the real nuts and bolts of running a home business - especially an artistic one - but I think anyone who wants to run thier own business could use a lot of the information and tools in this book to manage their time, money, and goals in an effective way. I have benefitted greatly from the use of this book and would happily recommend it to others.

essential
so you want to go freelance... you really, REALLY want to go freelance? Tired of working for a boss? Want your own hours? Sleep late? Get this book, read it and then decide. It'll give you a well-rounded education of what they don't tell you in art school because what your professors were really interested in at that time wasn't your education, but getting a piece of co-ed you-know-what while they collected their paycheck.

Best Book On Freelancing I've Ever Read
This is simply one of the best books for starting a freelance art career that I've ever read. This book gives you very practical information about almost every detail of freelance illustration and graphic design. You'll find information on creating business and financial plans, setting up and managing a studio, billing procedures, creating a portfolio and marketing yourself to potential clients. I find a lot of books of this nature don't talk about the raw mechanics of business so much as they offer token inspiration and motivation. If you're interested in a book that will actually give you useful information about the business side of freelancing this is the one to buy.

The only areas where it seemed to be a little on the thin side were dealing with taxes and the legal issues concerned with working for youself. Other than that it was wonderful.