Mindset

“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

“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