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Freelancing: 17 Years / 17 Lessons

17 lessons

Megan Jeffery is celebrating 17 years of freelance illustration by sharing 17 of the most valuable lessons she’s learned.

Here’s number 13:

During Times of No Work. Don’t panic. Panic causes productivity and creativity to come to screeching halt. You have other jobs to do during times when you do not have “paying” work. Market. Create a new promotional postcard. Work on some of your own projects that you ‘never have time for’. Re-do your portfolio (online or real). Do some portfolio drop-offs. Got a backlog of laundry? dishes? yardwork? Do it!

[Link] via Lifehacker

  • Lone

    Fairly general set of rules. I linked it in my schools forum. :)

  • Lone

    Fairly general set of rules. I linked it in my schools forum. :)

  • http://jedalexander.blogspot.com/ Jed Alexander

    I think the best one on here was the “call up past client for gentle reminder” advise. I’d never have thought to be that bold, but it makes sense, as long as you’re friendly and polite and don’t take up too much of their time.

  • http://jedalexander.blogspot.com Jed Alexander

    I think the best one on here was the “call up past client for gentle reminder” advise. I’d never have thought to be that bold, but it makes sense, as long as you’re friendly and polite and don’t take up too much of their time.

  • http://stormsillustration.com/ Patricia

    I can so relate to this list.

    And it’s so true about sticking to deadlines. Art directors and editors really, really appreciate people who are either on time with their work, or miracle of miracles, early! I am learning that it’s best to discuss deadlines at the very beginning, and see if you can negotiate more time, especially if you are working on numerous projects simultaneously.

    I would also add that one shouldn’t be afraid to make suggestions and provide feedback in terms of the art direction you are given. So far in my experiences, my input has been much appreciated, and sometimes my suggestions are implemented into the project.

  • http://stormsillustration.com Patricia

    I can so relate to this list.

    And it’s so true about sticking to deadlines. Art directors and editors really, really appreciate people who are either on time with their work, or miracle of miracles, early! I am learning that it’s best to discuss deadlines at the very beginning, and see if you can negotiate more time, especially if you are working on numerous projects simultaneously.

    I would also add that one shouldn’t be afraid to make suggestions and provide feedback in terms of the art direction you are given. So far in my experiences, my input has been much appreciated, and sometimes my suggestions are implemented into the project.

  • http://www.flickr.com/photos/apelad Ape Lad

    Yes, deadlines are absolutely key. The best way to get in good with an AD is to be a couple days early as a general rule. In my experience, some of them are genuinely shocked at the notion of receiving art on time, so it’s an easy way to establish a good reputation.

  • http://www.flickr.com/photos/apelad Ape Lad

    Yes, deadlines are absolutely key. The best way to get in good with an AD is to be a couple days early as a general rule. In my experience, some of them are genuinely shocked at the notion of receiving art on time, so it’s an easy way to establish a good reputation.

  • http://pigpen.info/2006/09/21/17-tips-for-the-freelancer/ Pig Pen – Web Standards Compliant Web Design Blog » Blog Archive » 17 Tips For The Freelancer

    [...] 17 Tips For The Freelancer from a 17 year veteran. (via Drawn) [...]

  • http://www.arichardallen.com/ Richard

    No: During times of no work don’t obsess about your work. Spend time with your friends and family, enjoy life, feed your head, relax. Yes, self-promotion is important but don’t lose sight of the fact that illustration’s a job like any other and that there is life beyond work.

  • http://www.arichardallen.com Richard

    No: During times of no work don’t obsess about your work. Spend time with your friends and family, enjoy life, feed your head, relax. Yes, self-promotion is important but don’t lose sight of the fact that illustration’s a job like any other and that there is life beyond work.

  • http://www.craftedweb.com/?p=19 The Crafted Webmaster » Blog Archive » 17 Valuable Lessons

    [...] do any illustration or cartooning, but I like keeping up with different types of artwork. A recent blog post links to the blog of freelance illustrator Megan Jeffery. To celebrate 17 years of being a [...]