Today I asked for a tutorial with Patrick to pick his brains for agencies etc in and around Manchester. I also wanted to ask him for advice on what I think it is I even want to do and if it is achievable. I don't even really know what sector of illustration I want to go into really, so I wanted to ask if there was a nice broad job with a decent starting salary so I don't starve or freeze shortly after graduating.
It turns out illustrators pretty much never get hired on a salary. It is almost always freelance work with clients. This did freak me out for a few hours, I have to admit, as up until now I've thought freelance isn't a) achievable with no reputation fresh out of uni and b) a solid way to earn a living unless you are a very well respected illustrator.
I'm ashamed I've managed to get through almost three years of studying illustration to only realise this now. I need to not be ignorant.
Now I have thought about it some more, I've decided this is a good thing. It means I can live in Manchester without worrying if the work is all in London and I've made a mistake (which I was trying not to believe until I was searching jobs! They pretty much are all in London.) Freelancing allows me to work wherever I want, as long as I can communicate fine with the client and have access to whatever I need. In a way, freelancing leaves me with absolutely no ties and complete freedom.
It also means I don't have to know what area I want to go into yet, as I can just take work as it comes and get a feel for all sorts of jobs. I doubt I am going to be turning down any jobs for a few years anyway so will get a lot of experience in different fields. VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE!
I will have to get a rubbish job to support myself until things really kick off, but freelancing really isn't as daunting as I originally thought.
MOST IMPORTANTLY...
I have realised I need to sort myself out sharpish and start sending my work out to potential clients and agencies. If I don't tell anyone about who I am, then no one will ever know, and all my illustration nightmares will come true.
TO DO:
Make digital portfolio
Identify loads of potential clients
Send them my work (digital and physical?)
Start talking to people and charming them into giving me work
No comments:
Post a Comment