• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

ChrisOatley.com

Disney Character Designer answers your questions about Concept Art, Character Design for Animation, Digital Painting & Illustration.

  • PODCAST
  • TUTORIALS
  • MENTORSHIP
  • ABOUT
    • ART
    • CONTACT
  • SUBSCRIBE

Illustration

Why Freelance Artists Fail :: ArtCast #72

By Chris Oatley

Illustration by Chris Oatley: A crazed octopus uses multiple phones at once.

“You need to be in constant communication with the client to the point that they expect… The worst thing is when someone doesn’t update you. It’s absolutely critical that you communicate with your clients.”

– Sean Hodge

Even the most successful freelance artists will tell you that bad clients and boring gigs are common roadblocks to a fulfilling creative career.

The popular blog known as Clients From Hell posts a new, true (and hilarious) freelance horror story almost every day.

Even the legendary Drew Struzan struggled with the client side of his now-famous career. In the recent documentary about his life he told a story that was actually painful for me to hear.

…but bad clients are so common and the stories so egregious that it’s easy for artists to remain blind to a hard truth.

…that we, the illustrators, are often part of the problem.

I’ve worked with many freelance illustrators and designers over the course of my career and I’ve noticed three common problems.

In this second half of our two-part interview, freelancing expert Sean Hodge shares insight into how you can avoid these common problems and attract better clients with better business practices.

[Read more…] about Why Freelance Artists Fail :: ArtCast #72

[Transcript] Why Freelance Artists Fail :: ArtCast #72

By Chris Oatley

This is the transcript for the podcast episode Why Freelance Artists Fail :: ArtCast #72To listen to the podcast click here.

Chris: Chris Oatley’s Artcast, episode 72 – Why freelance artists fail with special guest Sean Hodge, editor for FreelanceSwitch.com and TutsPlus.com. Part 2!

[Read more…] about [Transcript] Why Freelance Artists Fail :: ArtCast #72

Pages: Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4

Troubleshooting Your Freelance Illustration Career :: ArtCast #71

By Chris Oatley

Chris-Oatley-Social-Media-Octopus

“Art is  a system. I think  as you mature, it’s natural that if you start to pay attention to business, you’ll start to approach that systematically as well.”

– Sean Hodge

Conducting creative business on the Internet is a relentless test of endurance.

The fight for attention in this crowded, noisy market is exhausting and often discouraging.

Should you Tweet or Tumblr? Send an email newsletter or old school postcards?

Do you even care?

Most artists I know would rather spend their limited time and energy perfecting their craft, not gesticulating for gigs…

In this interview, freelance expert Sean Hodge, editor for Freelance Switch and Tuts+ Business, shares some practical perspective to simplify your self-promotion and evolve your freelance illustration career…

[Read more…] about Troubleshooting Your Freelance Illustration Career :: ArtCast #71

[Transcript] Troubleshooting Your Freelance Illustration Career :: ArtCast #71

By Chris Oatley

This is the transcript for the podcast episode Troubleshooting Your Freelance Illustration Career :: ArtCast #71. To listen to the podcast click here.

Chris: Chris Oatley’s Artcast episode 71 – Troubleshooting Your Freelance Illustration Career, an interview with Sean Hodge, editor for FreelanceSwitch.com and TutsPlus.com, Part 1.

[Read more…] about [Transcript] Troubleshooting Your Freelance Illustration Career :: ArtCast #71

Pages: Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5

Interview With Wouter Tulp – Illustrator, Character Designer & Caricature Artist: ArtCast #67

By Chris Oatley

Wouter-Tulp-Dragon-Girl-580w

“I have to be really honest with myself and I have to be open to my own critique. One rule that I live by is that when I see that my work can be better, I have to make it better.”

-Wouter Tulp

Wouter Tulp is one of the most truly versatile artists I’ve ever met.

He’s an incredible draftsman and a master of appeal.

He is also a fantastic communicator with a refreshingly healthy perspective on art education and life as a professional artist.

Oh, and he can totally wail on the saxophone too!

For some inspiring perspective on versatility, creativity, professionalism and jazz, click through and listen…

[Read more…] about Interview With Wouter Tulp – Illustrator, Character Designer & Caricature Artist: ArtCast #67

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Go to page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 3
  • Go to page 4
  • Go to page 5
  • Go to page 6
  • Go to page 7
  • Go to page 8
  • Go to Next Page »

Footer

Become A Professional Visual Storyteller

Art careers in the Entertainment Industry are flourishing. Subscribe today, never miss an update and learn what it really takes to break in…

Subscribe Now >>

  • VisDev
  • Character Design
  • Concept Art
  • Illustration
  • Mindset
  • Story

Copyright © 2023 Visual Voice, LLC · Privacy Policy · Terms Of Service · Cookie Policy · Community Guidelines · Log in · Contact

 

Loading Comments...